America's lethal weapon of choice
An AR-15 jammed in the hands of a killer in Oregon the week before last, preventing him from killing more than two. Another was used in the July shooting in a Colorado cinema in which 12 people died and 58 were injured. Martin Bryant used an AR-15 in Port Arthur.
It has become the most popular rifle on the US market and is the weapon now targeted by American gun control advocates. When politicians talk about military-style rifles, or assault rifles, or even semi-automatic rifles, this is invariably what they are talking about.
The AR in the name comes from ArmaLite, the company that originally built the gun for the US military before selling the rights to Colt in 1959. The military version of the AR-15, the M16 and the M4, has been the US military's primary weapon ever since. Variants of the rifle are now made by many manufacturers, including Bushmaster, which made the model used in Sandy Hook.
The AR-15 is high-powered and lightweight and comes with magazines holding 10, 30 or even 100 rounds. Though often used for target shooting or hunting, much AR-15 ammunition sold in the US is designed to break up and tumble through the human body on contact to cause maximum damage.
It is sometimes described in gun circles as a "Barbie Doll for men" because of the number of accessories available, including a grenade launcher.
Frequently Asked Questions about this Article…
The AR-15 is a lightweight, high‑powered semi‑automatic rifle originally built by ArmaLite (the "AR" stands for ArmaLite). The military versions of the design — the M16 and M4 — have been primary US military weapons, so the civilian AR-15 is commonly described as a military‑style or assault‑type rifle.
The AR-15 is the most popular rifle on the US market and has been used in several high‑profile mass shootings, so gun control advocates focus on it. Its combination of being high‑powered, lightweight, able to use high‑capacity magazines, and the availability of ammunition designed to tumble and cause maximum damage makes it a frequent policy target.
ArmaLite originally built the AR-15 and sold the rights to Colt in 1959. Since then many manufacturers have produced variants of the rifle — the article specifically names Bushmaster as one maker of AR‑15 models.
According to the article, much AR‑15 ammunition sold in the US is designed to break up and tumble on contact inside the body, which increases internal damage and lethality compared with rounds that pass through more cleanly.
The article cites several incidents: the Sandy Hook Elementary shooting (a Bushmaster AR‑15 used, killing 20 students, six staff and the shooter), a Colorado cinema shooting (12 killed and 58 injured), a Port Arthur attack (Martin Bryant used an AR‑15), and an Oregon incident where an AR‑15 jammed and reportedly prevented more deaths.
AR‑15 magazines commonly hold 10, 30 or even 100 rounds. High‑capacity magazines matter in public safety discussions because they allow a shooter to fire many rounds without reloading, which can increase the potential for mass casualties.
The AR‑15 is popular for being lightweight, high‑powered and versatile, used for target shooting and hunting. The rifle has many accessories available — the article even notes it’s described in gun circles as a "Barbie Doll for men" because of the wide range of add‑ons, including things like grenade launchers.
The 'AR' in AR‑15 stands for ArmaLite, the company that originally built the rifle before selling the rights to Colt in 1959.
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