NRA Gun of the Week: AR-15 Rifle

by
posted on May 5, 2018
** 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. **

The ArmaLite Rifle-15, or more commonly known as the AR-15, was developed at the request of the United States Continental Army Command to replace the M1 Garand and other battle rifles. The gas-operated, magazine-fed rifle design was sold to Colt shortly after its inception due to financial troubles ArmaLite was facing. After a run of almost 20 years, Colt’s patent expired in 1977, and copies of the once-patented design began cropping up across the nation. Despite patent expiration, the Colt-designed M16, a revised select-fire variant of the original AR-15, remains the service rifle for the United States military today. As a result of the rifle’s military acceptance, Service Rifle matches across the country added slots for the AR-15/M16-style rifle. The subject of this week’s review is a hodgepodge of parts American Rifleman’s Mark Keefe requested to be assembled in order to meet Service Rifle match requirements. To learn more about the AR-15 rifle and the parts used in Keefe’s build, check out this week’s NRA Gun of the Week video.

Additional Reading
Guns of the Tet Offensive
The First Colt AR-15 Rifle
The History of the M-16 Rifle: Stoner's Armalite
Rifleman Q&A: Why Have A Forward Assist?
Top 10 Infantry Rifles
A Look Back at the M1 Garand






















 

 

 

Latest

Taurus 817 01
Taurus 817 01

The Taurus 817 Is Back

The Taurus 817 revolver hasn't been available since the early 2000s, but now, it's back and features several notable updates.

NRA To Hold World Shooting Championship In Indiana

Registration is now open for the eighth NRA World Shooting Championship, which is sponsored by Walther Arms and will be held at Camp Atterbury, Ind., from September 30 to October 4.

Gun Of The Week: Springfield Armory Prodigy Compact 3.5” AOS

For this episode, we’re on the range with a double-stack, M1911-style handgun that’s more compact and lightweight than we’re used to seeing. This is the Springfield Armory Prodigy Compact 3.5” AOS chambered for 9 mm Luger.

The Armed Citizen® Aug. 1, 2025

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

Budget Pistol Rigs With AIM Surplus

It's still possible to pull together a budget-friendly, name-brand pistol rig for $300 to $400, if you play your cards right.

Nextorch Celebrating 20th Anniversary—A Timely Preparedness Reminder

Nextorch North America is celebrating the company’s 20 years of providing lighting solutions for consumers, law enforcement professionals and military forces around the world.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.