The '''AR-15''' is a semi-automatic rifle originally built by Armalite for the U.S. military in 1959. The design was purchased by weapons manufacturer [[Colt]] and became known as the [[M-16]]. In 1963, the Colt AR-15 became available to civilian customers. It is widely regarded as one of the most popular weapons available and is sold by dozens of different aftermarket gun manufacturers. In its most sought after configuration, the weapon is semi-automatic and fires the 5.56x45mm [[NATO]] round. | The '''AR-15''' is a semi-automatic rifle originally built by Armalite for the U.S. military in 1959. The design was purchased by weapons manufacturer [[Colt]] and became known as the [[M-16]]. In 1963, the Colt AR-15 became available to civilian customers. It is widely regarded as one of the most popular weapons available and is sold by dozens of different aftermarket gun manufacturers. In its most sought after configuration, the weapon is semi-automatic and fires the 5.56x45mm [[NATO]] round. |