Why the AR-15 is Not an 'Assault Rifle' but Often Confused as One

As an experienced ex-armourer, I often encounter misconceptions about the AR-15. Let's delve into the details to clarify why people sometimes get confused and why the AR-15 is not an assault rifle, despite its common association with one.

Understanding Assault Rifles

Frequently, the term 'assault rifle' is used in a pejorative or misinformed context. My aim here is to clarify the terminology and provide an accurate understanding of what an assault rifle is and what it isn't.

What is an Assault Rifle?

Any selective fire service rifle firing an intermediate cartridge and fitted with a detachable magazine is classified as an assault rifle. This means that it can switch between semi-automatic and fully automatic fire and use a shorter, intermediate cartridge designed to minimize recoil. These terms are widely accepted in the firearms community.

The first AR-15s were indeed assault rifles, designed for military use. They were selective fire rifles that could switch between semi-automatic and fully automatic fire and used the 5.56x45mm intermediate cartridge. After their adoption by the military, they were given the designation M16.

The Modern AR-15

Today, when people refer to 'AR-15', they typically mean the semi-automatic civilian versions of the rifle. Since these are not service rifles and cannot switch to fully automatic fire, they are not technically classified as assault rifles.

The confusion arises because, although the civilian versions are semi-automatic, they are nearly identical in design to the original assault rifles used by military forces. This similarity leads to confusion and misinformation.

Role of Misinformation

It's important to note that the term 'assault weapon' is a political construct rather than a technical term. Advocates and politicians often use such terms to evoke fear and generate public support for gun control measures.

For example, in a 1989 interview, Josh Sugarmann, Director of the Violence Policy Center, admitted to using the term 'assault weapon' deliberately to confuse the public. His quote sums up the mindset of those against firearms: 'They understand they just dont care. Theyll say whatever they feel they need to say to get those scary black things gone forever.'

Gun Control and Socialism

The language and tactics used in the gun control movement often obfuscate the truth and emotionalize the issue. Those advocating for gun bans are pushing an agenda that is:

Unpatriotic Designed to establish a socialist totalitarian government Buys into the false narrative of banning 'assault weapons'

By framing the debate around fears and emotions rather than facts, gun control advocates create a preemptive argument that they can gradually extend over time. This backdoor approach aims to ban all firearms in a more controlled manner.

Conclusion

The AR-15 is a semi-automatic rifle, not an assault rifle, despite being nearly identical in design to original assault rifles. The terminology and misinformation surrounding this issue serve to confuse the public and drive further restrictions on firearms.

Understanding the technical definitions and historical context of these terms is crucial for anyone interested in the accurate portrayal of firearms and their usage.