Everything You Need to Know About the AR-15
Posted by Doug Shoemaker on May 11th 2022
Are you ready to own a gun that will be the envy of all your friends? Then, it's probably time to look into AR-15s.
Eugene Stoner designed the AR-15 at the request of the U.S. Army. It was initially intended for use on the battlefield, but today it's used for hunting, target shooting, and self-defense.
Learn more about this popular rifle below!
What Is an AR-15?
If any American-made rifle can claim to do it all, it's the AR-15. It's highly dependable, versatile, and accurate. These traits make it suitable for just about any use you could imagine.
An AR-15 is a lightweight semi-automatic rifle with a detachable magazine. It uses a gas system for cycling the bolt carrier group back and forth, chambering each round as it moves forward. This cycling allows the shooter to fire multiple rounds without reloading manually.
After its development by Eugene Stoner, ArmaLite sold the design to Colt. Colt then redesigned and modified it into the M16 for the U.S. military. It soon became the standard-issue automatic rifle for US soldiers during the Vietnam War.
Several iterations of this rifle have existed and are still used by the U.S. military.
What Does the AR in AR-15 Stand For?
Contrary to what the media would have you believe, the AR in AR15 does not stand for assault rifle, automatic rifle, or anything of that sort. Instead, AR refers to the original manufacturer, ArmaLite (ArmaLite Rifle).
What Caliber is an AR-15
AR-15s are nominally chambered in .223/5.56mm NATO. However, manufacturers produce many variants in different calibers.
Here are some of the other calibers commonly seen:
- .22-LR
- 300 Blackout
- 7.62x39mm
- 6.5 Grendel
What Makes the AR-15 so Popular?
Ar-15s are hard to beat as an all-purpose rifle. They are affordable and easy to shoot, repair, and find parts for. It also lends itself nicely to building from the ground up.
The AR-15 is Great for Beginners
They are lightweight, have an excellent control layout, and typically feature adjustable stocks. Additionally, the price point is tough to beat!
The manual of arms are simple and easy to learn. The rifle has little recoil and minimal blast with most loads, making it accurate and effective for several hundred yards.
The tightly sealing action helps keep out dust and ensures excellent reliability. The rifle itself quickly strips for cleaning, and in a pinch, a little oil through the ports in the bolt carrier will keep the gun running until you can clean it.
Can a Civilian Have a Full Auto AR-15?
Under federal law, fully automatic weapons are technically legal only if made before 1986, when Congress passed the Firearm Owners' Protection Act. So it's now illegal to manufacture new automatic weapons for civilian use.
A civilian can purchase a full-auto firearm if they obtain a tax stamp. However, this only permits them to own automatic guns manufactured before 1986.
Who Makes the Best AR?
Defining the best AR manufacturer is primarily a matter of opinion. However, some brands are well known for producing quality AR15s and parts for manufacturing them.
Some of the top brands include:
Bravo Company Mfg. (BCM)
BCM is known for building professional-grade weaponry to meet the needs of soldiers, law enforcement, and responsible citizens.
Noveske
Noveske is primarily known for producing military and competition-grade rifle barrels.
Knights Armament Company (KAC)
KAC is a firearms and parts manufacturer best known for producing the Rail Interface System and the Rail Adapter System grips.
Daniel Defense
Daniel Defense manufactures high-quality custom variants of rifles, specifically the AR-15 and M4 carbine.
Where to Get an AR-15
You have a couple of options when it comes to AR-15s. You can purchase a complete gun or assemble one yourself. Either way, we recommend that you buy from a trusted firearms dealer.
Additionally, any serialized items will have to be transferred through a dealer.
Where to Get AR-15 Parts and Accessories
A trusted firearms dealer will be your best resource for AR-15 parts and accessories; otherwise, you risk getting damaged items. You can find new AR-15 parts and accessories here.
See our recommended upgrades and accessories here and learn more about AR-15 stock options here. If you are looking for sling recommendations, check this out.
Looking to replace a BCG? We can help with that too!
About the AR-15
If you are new to ARs, buy a quality factory gun and save the build-out for when you have more experience.
There are approximately five-million AR-15 owners in the U.S. That equates to about 60 percent of all the rifles sold in America. The AR is an unbeatable combination of accuracy, reliability, and easy care and feeding, making it an ideal long gun for novice and expert alike.
As your skills grow or your requirements change, your AR is easily adapted to keep pace with your changing mission and preferences.
See more AR-15 facts.
See What's in Store
Ready to buy or build an AR-15? See what we currently have in store!
Get notified of current deals by subscribing to our email below.