"America's Rifle" Exhibit Debuts at NRA National Firearms Museum

by
posted on August 4, 2015
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
americasrifle.jpg
A new exhibit at the NRA National Firearms Museum, “America’s Rifle,” examines the evolution and popularity of AR-style rifles.

The year-long exhibit follows the history of AR-pattern rifles from their development to their uses today in competition, hunting, recreational shooting and personal defense. Featuring more than a dozen rifles, “America's Rifle” highlights influential predecessors like the M14, G3, and FN-FAL in addition to the M16 and AK47. This educational exhibit illustrates the significant differences between the select-fire military type rifles capable of full-automatic and the semi-automatic AR-pattern sporting rifles owned by millions of civilians.

"There is so much history to be told about the AR pattern rifle's development," said NRA Museums Director Jim Supica. "America's Rifle” explores the advancements in firearms technology that paved the way for this rifle to be so safe, reliable, and adaptable to almost any situation."

“America's Rifle” will be on exhibit in the National Firearms Museum in Fairfax, Va., until July 2016. For more information, visit nramuseum.org.

Latest

Mossberg 590R Chisel GOTW 1
Mossberg 590R Chisel GOTW 1

Gun of the Week: Mossberg 590R Chisel

For those who are seeking a shotgun that's a bit more heavy-duty, Mossberg's 590 line offers plenty of options, and one of the latest is the striking 590R Chisel.

The Armed Citizen® June 12, 2026

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

A Cathartic Journey Back to Midway Arms & the MidwayUSA Foundation

NRA CEO & EVP Doug Hamlin returned to MidwayUSA, a place he first visited decades ago in the early 1990s as publisher of Guns & Ammo magazine alongside the late, great Robert E. Petersen.

Review: Steiner MPS-C

The new Steiner MPS-C is the compact but rugged, closed-emitter optic we’ve all been waiting for.

The Truth About Bans on Glocks

Gun-control groups are again trying to ban one of the best-selling and most iconic semi-automatic pistols ever—yes, most Glocks.

WOOX Expands Operations in America’s Woodworking Heartland

WOOX, manufacturer of Italian-American made gunstocks, axes and knives, is breaking ground to expand its operations in Hickory, N.C.—where woodworking expertise has been passed on for generations.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.