The Armalite AR-15 Rifle

by
posted on June 15, 2011
** 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. **
2011779828-125rifleman_f.jpg

From the July, 1959 issue of American Rifleman

The American Rifleman reported in July 1958 on this development, and described the Winchester .22 High-Velocity Lightweight Military Rifle and the T44E6 which is a lightweight version of the 7.62 mm. M14 rifle. The developer of another rifle in this field, the Armalite AR-15, has now consented to the publication of details on it, and the rifle has been made available for examination and firing.

The Armalite AR-15 was first in the field. It was developed by Armalite Division of Fairchild Engine and Airplane Corp. It fires, like the Winchester, a special high velocity .22 military cartridge originating in an Army contract development by Remington Arms Co., and later brought out in sporting form as the .222 Remington Magnum.

Firing trial by several members of The Rifleman staff showed the AR-15 to be easy, pleasant, and accurate to shoot. Functioning was very positive and regular. Cyclic rate in full-automatic fire was undesirably high, but the very straight stock made up for this and made good control possible. The fore-end, which surrounds the barrel, protected the forward hand well.

Colt’s Patent Fire Arms Mfg. Co. is now tooling-up to manufacture the AR-15 rifle.

Latest

Making Keltec Pr57 1
Making Keltec Pr57 1

Making The KelTec PR57 In Wyoming

To make its PR57 handgun, KelTec invested in an entirely new manufacturing facility located in Rock Springs, Wyo. "American Rifleman Television" headed out for an inside look at the company's efficient production process.

Taurus 66 Combat: A New "Fighting Revolver"

First introduced in the 1970s, the Taurus 66 Combat is a medium-frame revolver that has seen several evolutions in its lifetime, and the latest update creates what the company considers "the final word in fighting revolvers."

Review: Taurus GX2

From cars to cellphones, as a product gets more sophisticated, it usually also gets more expensive. And, as modern handguns get more modular and optic-ready, their prices tend to go up.

Rifleman Q&A: A Garand Puzzlement

"We are a father-and-son NRA member tandem in search of an answer regarding the branding of an M1 Garand rifle. We own an M1 rifle that has markings indicating it was a “lend lease to England,” and it also has a .308 barrel/sleeve."

$160K Raised For HAVA At SIG Sauer Event

SIG Sauer hosted its 9th Annual Honored American Veterans Afield (HAVA) Charity Golf event early last month and raised more than $160,000 to support disabled veterans.

Scout The Trail To A General Purpose Rifle

The search for a universal longarm—one suitable for both hunting and defensive scenarios—is a trek that involves a bit of doubling back.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.