ArmaLite AR-15
semiautomatic rifle / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The AR-15 is a semi-automatic rifle designed by the ArmaLite. The " AR" is short for "ArmaLite Rifle."[9]
Quick Facts AR-15, Type ...
AR-15 | |
---|---|
Type | Semi-automatic rifle |
Place of origin | United States |
Service history | |
In service | 1958–present |
Production history | |
Designer | Eugene Stoner, Jim Sullivan, Bob Fremont |
Designed | 1957 |
Manufacturer | ArmaLite, Colt, Bushmaster, Rock River Arms, Stag Arms, DPMS Panther Arms, Smith & Wesson, Ruger, Anderson, Daniels Defense, CMMG, Olympic Arms, DSArms, Spike's Tactical,[1] and others. |
Specifications | |
Mass | 2.27 kg–3.9 kg (5.5–8.5 lb) |
Barrel length |
|
Cartridge | 5.56×45mm NATO and others; see list of AR platform calibers |
Action | Direct impingement or Gas Piston[2] / Via a Rotating bolt |
Rate of fire | Depends on operator's speed when pulling trigger.[3] |
Muzzle velocity | 975 m/s (3,200 ft/s)[4] |
Effective firing range | 400–600 m (avg 547 yd)[5][6] |
Feed system | Various STANAG magazines. 5–100-round capacity[7][8] |
Sights | Adjustable front and rear iron sights |
Close
The AR-15 is a semiautomatic rifle that discharges a single shot with each pull of the trigger until empty. The military version is the M-16, manufactured by Colt Firearms, FNMI, Harrington Richardson, Daewoo, and others. The M16 and M4, unlike the AR-15, is a select fire (semi and fully automatic) magazine fed, gas operated, shoulder fired assault rifle.