brief history of the ar-15
The AR-15 is actually the final version of its many predecessors. Following the end of WWII, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) passed a resolution in 1953 in which they agreed the common cartridge (or bullet) to be issued would be similar to the 7.62x51mm. Following this resolution military’s around the world needed weapons designed to meet this criteria. Because war zones were becoming increasingly more urban in their settings, a lighter and more maneuverable weapon was needed. So, many manufactures set out to create the ultimate weapon to meet these needs. One manufacture, ArmaLite, tasked Eugen Stoner with designing such a weapon. Eugene first designed the 7.62 AR-10 which did not meet the quality standards of the US military and failed in many tests.
The AR-10 was eventually discontinued because of the many flaws it had, however, General Willard Gordon Wyman encouraged Stoner to create something even better but to design the weapon in a smaller caliber. Stoner eventually created the AR-15 which takes a smaller 5.56mm round.
The AR-10 was eventually discontinued because of the many flaws it had, however, General Willard Gordon Wyman encouraged Stoner to create something even better but to design the weapon in a smaller caliber. Stoner eventually created the AR-15 which takes a smaller 5.56mm round.
The weapon quickly began the rigorous testing requirements of the U.S. government in May 1958 (Source 1). While the weapon went through this testing ArmaLite sold the rights to the AR-15 to Colt’s Manufacturing Company, LLC (Source 2). Colt modified the original design for civilians and began selling the weapon around 1963.
In 1961, the AR-15 was selected as the most suitable for initial testing (Source 15). By 1964, the U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force officially adopted the AR-15, applied some minor modifications to give it the selective rate of fire capability, and gave it the official designation of M16A1 (Source 3).
In 1961, the AR-15 was selected as the most suitable for initial testing (Source 15). By 1964, the U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force officially adopted the AR-15, applied some minor modifications to give it the selective rate of fire capability, and gave it the official designation of M16A1 (Source 3).
ar-15 vs. m16
Today, the two weapons are very similar, however, they have one major difference that makes them notably two separate weapons. The M16 includes a selector switch on the weapon (which acts as a safety on the civilian AR-15) that has an additional option which allows the weapon to shoot more than one round (cartridge) per trigger pull. There are variants of the M16 but the most common (M16A2) comes with a 3-round burst. Additionally, the internal components of the civilian AR-15 and M16 are not compatible with each other. This is to keep a civilian from easily converting their semi-automatic AR-15 into a highly restricted automatic M16 (Source 4).
However, in 1958, the very first AR-15s included the selective rate of fire capability (Source 1). In fact, the very first M16s (M16A1) were just slightly modified AR-15s. To make this weapon more civilian friendly, this was one of the first features to go when Colt modified the weapon for private sales. In the picture to the right you can see "Colt AR-15" and not far below that it says "M16A1".
The next version of the M16 (M16A2) was built from the ground up.
The next version of the M16 (M16A2) was built from the ground up.
ar-15 (military weapon)
Some people believe the AR-15 was built for civilians first and the military acquired it afterwords and modified it. This is incorrect. Here are just a few reports showing the AR-15 was specifically engineered and designed to be used for urban (close quarters) combat in the Vietnam War.
- The CIA released a April 18, 1960 report stating the weapon was of interest to the U.S. Government. They even stated Colt was interested in selling to the Dutch government. There is no mention of the weapon being sold to the civilian population. (Source 5)
- On November 16, 1961, the President wrote a memorandum to the Secretary of the State and the Secretary of Defense (McNamara). Here is a section from that memo:
"I think there should be a group specially trained for guerrilla warfare. I understand that the guns that have been used have been too heavy. Would carbines be better? Wonder if someone could make sure we are moving ahead to improve this.
'I also had the Army bring an M-1 rifle, an M-14 rifle, an Armalite rifle and a carbine to the President. In response to his question, the Army is trying to find out how many of the 1,327,310 unserviceable carbines can be made serviceable. Also the President expressed the opinion that we should be sending as many carbines to South Viet-Nam as they can use because this seems to be a good weapon.” (National Defense University, Lemnitzer Papers, Eyes Only Messages In)'" (Source 6) |
- In 1962, the National Technical Reports Library of the U.S. Department of Commerce published a report on the Test of Armalite Rifle, AR-15. The report specifically states the following: "The purpose of this test was to determine if the AR-15 Rifle is compatible with the small stature, body configuration and light weight of the Vietnamese Soldier and to evaluate the weapon under actual combat conditions in South Vietnam."(Source 7)
- From a 1995 report by the International Community of the Red Cross for the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement: "As interest in the problems of counter-insurgency grew under the Kennedy administration in the early 1960s, the US military quietly bought several thousand AR-15s and sent them to Vietnam for testing in combat conditions. " (Source 8)
- From a Fact Sheet published by the National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior, Springfield Armory National Historic Site: "Developed too late to be a competitor to the T44 and T48, the AR10, designed by Eugene Stoner, suffered from insufficient testing before being submitted. Withdrawn from trials in 1956 after a barrel blew up, it nevertheless impressed Gen. William G. Wyman, commanding officer of the Continental Army Command (CONARC). During 1957-58, working for the Armalite Division of Fairchild, Stoner began development of the AR15 to CONARC specifications. By scaling down the AR10 to .223 caliber, Stoner developed the prototype AR15 in less than nine months and turned it over to the Army for testing. Armalite's lack of a large engineering and test staff caused its prototypes to show poorly in testing in 1958. It was this rifle that later evolved into the M16." (Source 9)
- Finally, to really emphasize the point, the Advanced Research Projects Agency published a report in August 1962. This report was on the field test of the AR-15 and there is a section of this report which covers the background of the weapon. In this section it states (Source 15):
"This weapon was developed by the Armalite Division of Fairchild Aircraft Corporation to meet the military characteristics for a lightweight rifle utilizing the high velocity small caliber principle."
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The truth is the weapon was sold to civilians before it became standard issue to the US military only because the weapon going through the long and detailed testing procedures required by the many US government agency's.
assault rifle/Assault Weapon
FIRST....We want to reiterate that we DO NOT support any ban of any weapon based solely on the attached adjective of “assault” or any other adjective to its name and/or purpose.
What is "assault"?
The term "assault" from a military perspective, describes a type of offensive attack. When a team of solders go on an "assault" they are typically moving toward the target with the intent of taking over that targets position which may require close quarters combat. An "assault" is not described as an attack which is engaged from positions such as a fox hole, a long range sniping post, or line formations. Army Field Manual 3-21.8, Chapter 7, Section 26 (Assault) explains this in perfect detail (Source 13):
The term "assault" from a military perspective, describes a type of offensive attack. When a team of solders go on an "assault" they are typically moving toward the target with the intent of taking over that targets position which may require close quarters combat. An "assault" is not described as an attack which is engaged from positions such as a fox hole, a long range sniping post, or line formations. Army Field Manual 3-21.8, Chapter 7, Section 26 (Assault) explains this in perfect detail (Source 13):
"During an offensive operation, the platoon’s objective may be terrain-oriented or force-oriented. Terrain-oriented objectives may require the platoon to seize a designated area and often require fighting through enemy forces. If the objective is force-oriented, an objective may be assigned for orientation, while the platoon’s efforts are focused on the enemy’s actual location. Actions on the objective begin when the company or platoon begins placing direct and indirect fires on the objective. This may occur while the platoon is still moving toward the objective from the assault position or probable line of deployment. "
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What is an "assault position"? Well, according to the same field manual in Chapter 7, Section 25 it states it "...is the last covered and concealed position short of the objective from which final preparations are made to assault the objective." So, again, an "assault" is performed by moving in onto an objective in which you will eventually get very close and personal with.
Where does the term "assault rifle" come from?
While the term may or may not have been coined by Adolf Hitler (there is no solid evidence to support this claim), the term eventually became standard to describe a specific style of weapon. During WWI soldiers found themselves needing a weapon with less power, automatic capabilities, and lighter. This was due to the fact that the fight was progressively changing from a long range gun battle to a close quarters fight. So, while they still needed to fire at long range they also needed a weapon that was more maneuverable during close combat assaults. The Sturmgewehr (StG) 44 is said to be the first mass produced weapon that met these criteria. The weapon came with a selector switch that allowed it to be fired on semi-automatic or automatic, it was magazine fed, had a pistol grip as well as a shoulder stock, was lighter, and easier to maneuver. (Source 14).
The German word Sturmgewehr translates to "storm rifle" or "assault rifle". Because these weapons were designed to meet the needs of the assault (storm) solders based on the changing tactics used in war (i.e. close quarters combat and assault attacks), the term "assault rifle" was adopted to describe other weapons which had similar design features.
Where does the term "assault rifle" come from?
While the term may or may not have been coined by Adolf Hitler (there is no solid evidence to support this claim), the term eventually became standard to describe a specific style of weapon. During WWI soldiers found themselves needing a weapon with less power, automatic capabilities, and lighter. This was due to the fact that the fight was progressively changing from a long range gun battle to a close quarters fight. So, while they still needed to fire at long range they also needed a weapon that was more maneuverable during close combat assaults. The Sturmgewehr (StG) 44 is said to be the first mass produced weapon that met these criteria. The weapon came with a selector switch that allowed it to be fired on semi-automatic or automatic, it was magazine fed, had a pistol grip as well as a shoulder stock, was lighter, and easier to maneuver. (Source 14).
The German word Sturmgewehr translates to "storm rifle" or "assault rifle". Because these weapons were designed to meet the needs of the assault (storm) solders based on the changing tactics used in war (i.e. close quarters combat and assault attacks), the term "assault rifle" was adopted to describe other weapons which had similar design features.
Today's Definition of Assault Rifle
There is no precise definition for assault rifle today. Many experts on the subject still can't seem to come to an agreement. However, a very common definition used is one that has been used by the military since at least the 1970's (Source 16)
There is no precise definition for assault rifle today. Many experts on the subject still can't seem to come to an agreement. However, a very common definition used is one that has been used by the military since at least the 1970's (Source 16)
Assault Weapon Vs Assault Rifle
It is true that under the military definition the current civilian version of the AR-15 is not an assault rifle, however, the weapon can still be categorized as an assault weapon. Using the history of the term "assault" in the military context of the word (see above), a weapon designed for urban or close combat warfare can be categorized as an assault weapon.
How all this applies today
In 1968, the Gun Control Act defined a "machine gun" as: "any weapon which shoots, is designed to shoot, or can be readily restored to shoot, automatically more than one shot, without manual reloading, by a single function of the trigger. The term shall also include the frame or receiver of any such weapon, any part designed and intended solely and exclusively, or combination of parts designed and intended, for use in converting a weapon into a machine gun, and any combination of parts from which a machine gun can be assembled if such parts are in the possession or under the control of a person." (Source 11)
So, in other words, just because a weapon is an "automatic" or "machine gun" it does not also make it an "assault weapon". While the Sturmgewehr was an automatic weapon, that is not what made the weapon a true "assault weapon". Think of it this way, if you put a spoiler on a 4-cylinder Toyota Corolla is it now a race car? OK, some of you might think so. But, the truth is you need to do more to the car before you can really call it a race car.
In 1994, the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act was passed which defined a "Semi-automatic Assault Weapon" with examples such as the Colt AR-15, AK-47, UZI, and M-10. It went on to define each weapon type that would fall under this "assault" category by defining the exact criteria. For example, for a rifle to be considered an assault rifle under this law it must have at least two (2) of the following (Source 12):
The above mentioned features go back to what the primary function and the design of the weapon is for: urban warfare. These attributes were and are currently designed to serve as enhancements for urban (close quarters) combat.
Now, it is absolutely fair to also mention that the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act expired in 2004 when the federal government decided not to renew it. However, while the restrictions of the law are no longer valid, it does still hold historical legal value (not precedence) in support of defining assault rifles that was agreed upon by the U.S. Congress in 1994. It is also fair to say that the above definition is not at all perfect and needs some fine tuning.
As you can see, there is no mention of a "selector switch" or "automatic fire" in the definition of a "semi-automatic assault weapon". This is because these two modifications do not increase the weapons suitability for urban (close quarters) combat and would classify the weapon as a machine gun. Additionally, the selective rate of fire capability is, in fact, just a secondary function for assault attacks. It was not designed to kill or to be directly used in conducting the assault. Rather, the selective rate of capability is designed to deliver a high quantity of bullets for cover fire while the assault team approaches the objective. So, the soldier using this function is not conducting the assault itself but rather supporting it.
Moving forward, we would like to recommend a way to use these truths to protect the 2nd Amendment rather than denying them. While "assault style weapon" is perfectly acceptable, it may be more accurate to assign the nomenclature "urban-combat style weapon" based on the AR-15s (and similar weapons) history and the purpose of its many modifications.
It is true that under the military definition the current civilian version of the AR-15 is not an assault rifle, however, the weapon can still be categorized as an assault weapon. Using the history of the term "assault" in the military context of the word (see above), a weapon designed for urban or close combat warfare can be categorized as an assault weapon.
How all this applies today
In 1968, the Gun Control Act defined a "machine gun" as: "any weapon which shoots, is designed to shoot, or can be readily restored to shoot, automatically more than one shot, without manual reloading, by a single function of the trigger. The term shall also include the frame or receiver of any such weapon, any part designed and intended solely and exclusively, or combination of parts designed and intended, for use in converting a weapon into a machine gun, and any combination of parts from which a machine gun can be assembled if such parts are in the possession or under the control of a person." (Source 11)
So, in other words, just because a weapon is an "automatic" or "machine gun" it does not also make it an "assault weapon". While the Sturmgewehr was an automatic weapon, that is not what made the weapon a true "assault weapon". Think of it this way, if you put a spoiler on a 4-cylinder Toyota Corolla is it now a race car? OK, some of you might think so. But, the truth is you need to do more to the car before you can really call it a race car.
In 1994, the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act was passed which defined a "Semi-automatic Assault Weapon" with examples such as the Colt AR-15, AK-47, UZI, and M-10. It went on to define each weapon type that would fall under this "assault" category by defining the exact criteria. For example, for a rifle to be considered an assault rifle under this law it must have at least two (2) of the following (Source 12):
- (i) a folding or telescoping stock
- (ii) a pistol grip that protrudes conspicuously beneath the action of the weapon
- (iii) a bayonet mount
- (iv) a flash suppressor or threaded barrel designed to accommodate a flash suppressor; and
- (v) a grenade launcher.
The above mentioned features go back to what the primary function and the design of the weapon is for: urban warfare. These attributes were and are currently designed to serve as enhancements for urban (close quarters) combat.
- Foldable stocks make the weapon more maneuverable in close quarters.
- Pistol grips allow better accuracy in kneeling and standing positions (the worst positions for long range shooting thus not commonly used for hunting).
- Bayonets are for close quarters combat or when the soldier runs out of ammunition.
- Flash suppressors are used to decrease the chances of discovery of the solders exact position during low light combat and to preserve the night vision of the solder (However, this is not a perfect solution as some light is still visible so soldiers are still trained to shoot and move quickly to a new position.)
- Although you may think it would be fun, there is no need to blow up a deer with a grenade launcher. This obviously serves as ONLY a war time function.
Now, it is absolutely fair to also mention that the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act expired in 2004 when the federal government decided not to renew it. However, while the restrictions of the law are no longer valid, it does still hold historical legal value (not precedence) in support of defining assault rifles that was agreed upon by the U.S. Congress in 1994. It is also fair to say that the above definition is not at all perfect and needs some fine tuning.
As you can see, there is no mention of a "selector switch" or "automatic fire" in the definition of a "semi-automatic assault weapon". This is because these two modifications do not increase the weapons suitability for urban (close quarters) combat and would classify the weapon as a machine gun. Additionally, the selective rate of fire capability is, in fact, just a secondary function for assault attacks. It was not designed to kill or to be directly used in conducting the assault. Rather, the selective rate of capability is designed to deliver a high quantity of bullets for cover fire while the assault team approaches the objective. So, the soldier using this function is not conducting the assault itself but rather supporting it.
Moving forward, we would like to recommend a way to use these truths to protect the 2nd Amendment rather than denying them. While "assault style weapon" is perfectly acceptable, it may be more accurate to assign the nomenclature "urban-combat style weapon" based on the AR-15s (and similar weapons) history and the purpose of its many modifications.
weapons with these features can be applied to another purpose
This is absolutely correct. Each one of the five individual modifications (I guess you might be able to find a purpose for the grenade launcher) to a weapon can be attributed to other purposes such as handicap disabilities and hunting benefits. However, just because you use a hammer to eat a salad does not mean the hammer is now a fork. Tools (as many gun advocates associate weapons as being) are designed for a primary purpose. The creators and engineers designed these weapons to fill a particular need. The above 5 modifications were and still are designed for the primary function of urban warfare combat (i.e. close quarters combat). So, while you might mount a bayonet to protect you in a forest with bears or attach a fold-able stock to a weapon for someone with stunted arms, these modifications were never and are not currently intended for these purposes.
Additionally, it is correct to include the requirement that a weapon should have more than one of the modifications before being labeled an "assault weapon". As we mentioned before, just because you add a spoiler to a commuter car it doesn't make it a race car. You need still need to upgrade the engine, the tires, and the other parts before you can truly call it a race car.
Additionally, it is correct to include the requirement that a weapon should have more than one of the modifications before being labeled an "assault weapon". As we mentioned before, just because you add a spoiler to a commuter car it doesn't make it a race car. You need still need to upgrade the engine, the tires, and the other parts before you can truly call it a race car.
TIMELINE OF THE AR-15 (M16)
Sources
- Defense Technical Information Center. (May 27, 1958). Evaluation of Small Caliber High Velocity Rifles. ArmaLite (AR-15). Retrieved from http://www.dtic.mil/docs/citations/AD0301918.
- Tactical-Life.com. (December 25, 2014). An AR-10 History Lesson. Retrieved from https://www.tactical-life.com/firearms/ar-10-history-lesson/.
- AR15GOA.com. (n.d.). The AR-15 Rifle. Retrieved from https://www.ar15goa.com/about/the-ar-15-rifle/.
- ReviewGun.com. (n.d.). AR-15 vs M16. Retrieved from http://reviewgun.com/rifle-reviews/ar-15-vs-m16-reviews-comparison/
- CIA.gov. (May 11, 2011). MEMO: Obtaining Information on Colt "Armalite" Model AR-15 Rifle. Retrieved from www.cia.gov/library/readingroom/docs/CIA-RDP78-03642A002400020010-2.pdf.
- Office of the Historian. (November 14, 1961). Memorandum From the President to the Secretary of State and the Secretary of Defense (McNamara). Retrieved from history.state.gov/historicaldocuments/frus1961-63v01/d252.
- National Technical Reports Library. (n.d.). Test of Armalite Rifle, AR-15. Retrieved from https://ntrl.ntis.gov/NTRL/dashboard/searchResults/titleDetail/AD343778.xhtml.
- International Committee of the Red Cross for the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. (1995). International Review of the Red Cross: July - August 1995 (No. 307). Retrieved from www.loc.gov/rr/frd/Military_Law/pdf/RC_Jul-Aug-1995.pdf.
- U.S. National Park Service: Springfield Armory National Historic Site. (n.d.). Fact Sheet #4: Post-WWII Rifle Development. Retrieved from https://www.nps.gov/spar/learn/historyculture/upload/fact%20sheet%204%20post-WWII%20rifle%20development_1106.doc.
- Education Resources Information Center. (n.d.). Introduction to Leadership Development. Reserve Officers Training Corps Manual. Retrieved from files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED068784.pdf.
- Gun Control Act of 1968, 18 U.S.C. (1968) Retrieved from https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/STATUTE-82/pdf/STATUTE-82-Pg1213-2.pdf.
- Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994 (1994). Retrieved from https://www.congress.gov/bill/103rd-congress/house-bill/3355.
- Headquarters Department of the Army. (March 2007). The Infantry Rifle Platoon and Squad (FM 3-21.8 (FM 7-8)). Retrieved from https://usacac.army.mil/sites/default/files/misc/doctrine/CDG/cdg_resources/manuals/fm/fm3_21x8.pdf.
- Shurkin, Michael. (June 30, 2016). A Brief History of the Assault Rifle. Retrieved from https://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2016/06/a-brief-history-of-the-assault-rifle/489428/.
- Defense Technical Information Center. (July 31, 1962). Test of ArmaLite Rifle, AR-15. Filed Test Report. Retrieved from http://www.dtic.mil/docs/citations/AD0343778.
- Defense Technical Information Center. (June 10, 1977). An Analysis of the Infantry's Need for an Assault Submachine Gun. Retrieved from http://www.dtic.mil/docs/citations/ADA044796.