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
NRA Gun of the Week: AR-15 Rifle
More like this from around the NRA
Latest
Review: DoubleTap Ammunition SnakeShot Defense
Combining a payload of shot with a light-for-caliber bullet, DoubleTap Ammunition's new SnakeShot Defense load provides a do-it-all cartridge designed to function reliably in semi-automatic actions.
ERGO Grips Walks To Help End Alzheimer's
ERGO Grips joined thousands of walkers nationwide this fall for the annual Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer's. Team ERGO walked in loving memory of company founder Stephen Hines and his wife, Barbara, both of whom battled dementia in their later years.
Ruger Introduces Harrier AR-15 Rifles
Sturm, Ruger & Co. announced the launch of Ruger Harrier rifles, a completely re-engineered line of modern sporting rifles that represents the company's latest evolution in AR-pattern firearms.
I Have This Old Gun: Westley Richards "Monkey Tail" Carbine
In the mid-19th century, Westley Richards, a British firm, developed a breechloading cavalry carbine that, due to its unique mechanism, earned the name "Monkey Tail" carbine.
Preview: WRC Scent Killer No Zone Tote Tamers
Whether hunting, sport shooting or participating in general outdoor activities and sports, you have likely dealt with gear odor.
Updating A Legend: Ruger Makes 10/22 Upgrades Standard
Over the decades, aspects of the Ruger 10/22, from its magazine to its barrel design, have been adopted by other manufacturers. In response, Ruger has announced updates to keep its factory 10/22 on the top of the pile.
Interests
SECTIONS
IN THE SPOTLIGHT
EXPLORE MORE NRA PUBLICATIONS
