AR-15

About the AR-15

The AR-15 is a semi-automatic rifle chambered in 5.56x45mm NATO, produced by Colt's Manufacturing Company since 1963. This American-manufactured firearm reflects the engineering traditions and quality standards of its country of origin, designed to meet the demands of both civilian and professional users in a competitive global marketplace. Featuring a 30-round magazine capacity, this rifle offers generous firepower for duty use and home defense. The 20.0-inch barrel maximizes accuracy potential and ballistic performance, making this an excellent choice for target shooting, competition, or field use. At 2890g (101.9 oz), this is a substantial firearm whose weight contributes to reduced felt recoil and enhanced stability during precision shooting. The aluminum alloy frame achieves a notable weight reduction compared to all-steel construction while maintaining the structural rigidity required for safe, reliable operation. This firearm represents its manufacturer's commitment to delivering a well-engineered, reliable product that serves the needs of discerning shooters seeking quality, accuracy, and dependable performance from a proven platform.

The 'AR' in AR-15 stands for 'ArmaLite Rifle' after the company that originally designed it, not 'assault rifle' as commonly believed. Eugene Stoner's revolutionary design used aerospace-grade aluminum and synthetic materials at a time when military rifles were expected to be made of wood and steel.

AR-15 specifications

The civilian AR-15 is semi-automatic only and should not be confused with the military M16 or M4 which are select-fire. The 5.56 NATO chamber can safely fire both 5.56x45mm NATO and .223 Remington ammunition, but firing 5.56 NATO in a .223 Remington-only chamber can produce dangerously high pressures. Standard barrel twist rate for modern AR-15s is 1:7 inches (178mm), optimized for the 62-grain M855/SS109 NATO projectile. An estimated 20+ million AR-15 pattern rifles are in civilian ownership in the United States.