For more than half a century, the AR-15 has been quite popular among gun enthusiasts. The rifle is widely available in gun stores and can be customized with various firearm accessories. It won’t be wrong to say that the AR-15 is emblematic of the gun culture prevalent in the US.
It provides impeccable versatility and power and has a storied history. As mentioned, it has evolved since its inception to become one of the most popular firearms in the country. Let’s go down memory lane and look at the history of the AR-15 rifle.
The AR-15 first came into existence in the 1950s for civilian use. It was named after the manufacturer Armalite. A lot of gun enthusiasts confuse the letters “AR” with “assault rifle” or “automatic rifle,” which is not the case.
Armalite sold its rifle design to another manufacturer, Colt, which was selected by the US military to manufacture a standard-issue model of the gun for use in the Vietnam War. The weapon was named M-16.
The M-16 initially had several jamming issues due to ammunition incompatibility. A lot of modifications were made to rectify the problem. Despite its mixed results in the war, the rifle continued to soar in popularity.
After the war ended, Colt developed a semi-automatic version of the M-16, which was made available to law enforcement agencies and civilians. The version was once again called the
When Colt’s exclusive patents expired in the 70s, other manufacturers began to develop their versions of the AR-15. The gun saw a remarkable rise in popularity. Today, several companies manufacture AR-15s, and nearly 20 million rifles are in possession by civilians.
How AR-15 Became the Ideal Choice
Since its inception, the AR-15 has been designed to focus on ease of use. One reason it was picked for the US military is that anyone could pick it up and use it, even if they haven’t been exposed to a gun before.
The standard rifle is lightweight and makes it easier for soldiers to carry around for a long time. Today, the gun is available at almost every physical or online gun store.
The AR-15 is also customizable, and you can find various firearm accessories online. You can also assemble the different parts or find a customizable AR-15 build kit to create a personalized firearm.
Such customization, ease of use, and other impeccable features earned AR-15 the title of “America’s Rifle” from the National Rifle Association. The rifle’s popularity saw a steep rise after the 2000s when the ban on semi-automatic assault weapons expired in 2004.
The ban arose from a 1994 regulation signed by President Bill Clinton which banned the “manufacture, transfer, and possession” of more than 100 firearm models and magazines with capacities greater than ten rounds. However, firearms manufactured before 1994 were still legal.
While the ban didn’t completely make all AR-15-style rifles illegal, it did discourage gun sales. When the ban was lifted in 2004, the US underwent a major shift in gun culture as more and more people were flocking to gun stores to get their hands on rifles and other firearms.
Another aspect that increased the popularity of AR-15-style rifles was the release of Call of Duty, a first-person shooter video game. These games evolved and allowed people to experience what it was like to use weapons themselves, which bolstered the AR-15’s popularity.
AR-15 Regulation
Rifles have been regulated differently than handguns or pistols. Recently, Congress passed a bipartisan deal on gun legislation that expands the current regulations. However, there’s nothing new in the law that deals with AR-15-style rifles. It does increase scrutiny and asks gun shops to conduct comprehensive background checks.
It is important for people looking to buy guns to check their local and state laws before purchasing a rifle to ensure that they aren’t breaking the law.
Buying High-Quality AR-15 Rifles and Firearm Accessories Online
AR-15 is a compact and high-quality firearm that can be used for various purposes. The ease of use, lightweight and customization abilities has made the rifle quite popular among gun enthusiasts. However, when buying a rifle, you should do your due diligence and buy from an authentic, reliable, and experienced source.
If you’re looking for premium AR-15s, high-quality gun parts for sale, or other firearms online, check out the exclusive collection at Moriarti Armaments. The company stocks some amazing products, and you can find various gun part kits for sale, AR-40 rifles online, and other accessories such as rifle slings, 10mm AR rifles, and more.
The online platform has made it easier for gun enthusiasts to get their hands on some amazing firearms at unbeatable prices. We provide swift deliveries to your nearest gun store, where you can pick up your firearms after a robust background check. Buying AR-15 rifles has never been so easier!
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About The Author
James D. is an avid AR-15 enthusiast and loves to write about various aspects of this amazing rifle. He has worked with various gun stores and associations across the US and has extensive experience when it comes to AR-15 rifles.