ArmaLite AR-15

The ArmaLite AR-15 is a select-fire, gas-operated, air-cooled, magazine-fed rifle manufactured in the United States between 1959 and 1964. Designed by American gun manufacturer ArmaLite in 1956, it was based on its AR-10 rifle. The ArmaLite AR-15 was designed to be a lightweight rifle and to fire a new high-velocity, lightweight, small-caliber cartridge to allow infantrymen to carry more ammunition.

This article is about the select-fire military rifle. For semi-automatic civilian rifles based on this design, see Colt AR-15 and AR-15–style rifle. For other uses, see AR-15 (disambiguation) and Black rifle.

ArmaLite AR-15
ArmaLite AR-15 with 25-round magazine
TypeAssault rifle
Place of originUnited States
Service history
In service1962–1963
WarsVietnam War
Indonesia–Malaysia confrontation
Production history
Designer
Designed1956
Manufacturer
Produced1959–1964
Specifications
Mass6.55 lb (2.97 kg) with 20-round magazine
Length39 in (991 mm)
Barrel length20 in (508 mm)
Cartridge.223 Remington
ActionGas-operated, rotating bolt (direct expansion of gas on surfaces of bolt carrier)
Muzzle velocity3,300 ft/s (1,006 m/s)
Effective firing range500 yd (457 m)
SightsIron sights

In 1959, ArmaLite sold its rights to the AR-15 to Colt due to financial difficulties and limitations in terms of manpower and production capacity. After modifications (most notably, the charging handle was re-located from under the carrying handle like AR-10 to the rear of the receiver), Colt rebranded it the Colt 601, however, it still carried the Armalite markings due to contractual obligations to Armalite/Fairchild Aircraft Co. Colt marketed the redesigned rifle to various military services around the world and was eventually adopted by the U.S. military in January 1962 and subsequently designated as M16 rifle in December 1963, which went into production and service in 1964.

Colt continued to use the AR-15 trademark for its line of semi-automatic-only rifles marketed to civilian and law-enforcement customers, known as Colt AR-15. The Armalite AR-15 is the parent of a variety of Colt AR-15 and M16 rifle variants.

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