Complete Guide to the AR-15

Introduction

The AR-15 is one of the most popular rifles in America. It’s light, modular, and accurate, making it a favorite among sportsmen and law enforcement alike. In this guide, we will cover everything you need to know about the AR-15, from its history to its many variations.

History

The AR-15 was first designed by Armalite in the 1950s as a military assault rifle. However, it was not adopted by the US military until the 1960s, when it was selected as the M16 service rifle. Since then, the AR-15 has been widely used by armed forces around the world.

In the 1980s, civilian versions of the AR-15 began to hit the market. These rifles were semi-automatic (meaning they could fire one round per trigger pull), making them legal for civilians to own. Today, there are dozens of manufacturers producing AR-15 rifles for the civilian market.

Types of AR-15 Rifles

There are two main types of AR-15 rifles: direct gas impingement (DGI) and piston operated. DGI rifles are more common and use gas that is redirected into the bolt carrier group (BCG) to cycle the action. Piston operated rifles use a gas piston to cycle the action, which is believed to be more reliable in dusty and dirty conditions.

Within these two main types, there are several different sub-types of AR-15 rifles. The most common variations are listed below.

  • Carbine: A carbine is a short-barreled rifle. Carbines are lightweight and easy to maneuver, making them a popular choice for law enforcement and home defense.

  • Mid-Length: Mid-length AR-15s have a barrel length that falls between carbines and standard rifles. They offer more accuracy and range than carbines, but are still shorter and lighter than standard rifles.

  • Rifle: Rifles have the longest barrels of all AR-15 variants, typically 20 inches or longer. The longer barrel provides greater accuracy at long range, but makes the rifle more difficult to maneuver in close quarters.

Parts of an AR-15 Rifle

An AR-15 consists of several different parts, all of which must work together for the rifle to function properly. The most important parts are listed below.

  1. Receiver: The receiver is the central component of the AR-15. It houses the bolt carrier group, trigger assembly, and magazine.

  2. Barrel: The barrel is the metal tube through which the bullet travels. AR-15 barrels are available in a variety of lengths, from short carbine barrels to long rifle barrels.

  3. Handguard: The handguard is the piece of plastic or metal that surrounds the barrel and protects the shooter’s hand from being burned by the hot barrel.

  4. Stock: The stock is the part of the rifle that rests against the shooter’s shoulder. Stocks can be fixed or collapsible, depending on the model of rifle.

  5. Magazines: Magazines are detachable containers that hold ammunition and feed it into the rifle. AR-15 magazines come in a variety of sizes, from 5 rounds up to 100 rounds.

  6. Sights: Sights are devices that help the shooter aim the rifle. AR-15s can be equipped with a variety of different sights, including iron sights, red dot sights, and magnified optics.

  7. Muzzle Devices: Muzzle devices are attached to the end of the barrel and serve a variety of purposes, such as reducing muzzle rise or providing a place to attach a suppressor.

AR-15 Ammunition

The AR-15 is designed to fire a variety of different ammunition types, but the most common is the .223 Remington cartridge. This cartridge is also known as the 5.56x45mm NATO, and is used by militaries around the world.

Other popular cartridges for the AR-15 include the .300 AAC Blackout, 7.62x39mm, and 6.5 Grendel. These cartridges offer different benefits in terms of accuracy, range, and terminal performance.

AR-15 Accessories

There are a wide variety of accessories available for the AR-15, from optics to furniture to muzzle devices. The most popular accessories are listed below.

  1. Optics: Optics help the shooter aim the rifle more accurately. The most popular optics for the AR-15 are red dot sights, which allow for quick target acquisition. Other popular options include magnified scopes and holographic sights.

  2. Furniture: Furniture refers to any aftermarket parts that are not essential for the function of the rifle. This can include stocks, grips, handguards, and rail covers. Furniture is often upgraded for aesthetic reasons or to improve the rifle’s ergonomics.

  3. Muzzle Devices: Muzzle devices are attached to the end of the barrel and serve a variety of purposes, such as reducing muzzle rise or providing a place to attach a suppressor. The most popular muzzle devices for the AR-15 are compensators, flash hiders, and muzzle brakes.

  4. Suppressors: Suppressors attach to the muzzle of the rifle and help reduce the noise signature of the firearm. They are often used by hunters and target shooters who want to avoid disturbing their neighbors.

  5. Bipods and Tripods: Bipods and tripods provide a stable shooting platform, making them ideal for long range shooting or hunting. They can be attached to the front or rear of the rifle, depending on the model.

  6. Lights and Lasers: Lights and lasers can be mounted on the AR-15 to help illuminate targets in low light conditions or help with target acquisition. They are often used by law enforcement and home defenders.

  7. Slings: Slings help secure the AR-15 to the shooter’s body, making it easier to carry for long periods of time. They can also be used to help stabilize the rifle when shooting from unconventional positions.

Conclusion

The AR-15 is one of the most popular rifles in America for a reason. It’s lightweight, modular, and accurate, making it a great choice for sportsmen and law enforcement alike. In this guide, we have covered everything you need to know about the AR-15, from its history to its many variations.