AR popularity

[benEzra]

the demise of the AWB gave us back the "EVIL" features i.e. collapsible stock, flash hider/threaded barrel, more then 10 rds detachable mag etc, etc.

Oh, definitely, yes. The end of the deservedly-hated Feinstein law certainly helped continue the AR's march to the top of the U.S. civilian rifle market, and I'm sure a lot of people were putting off buying until they could get the features they wanted. I'm just saying that the surge in AR popularity began in the mid to late 1990's, and Bushmaster, Rock River Arms, DPMS, etc. grew from nothing to dominant manufacturers during that time, while the Feinstein law was still in force.

Since the expiration of the AWB, we've seen continued innovation, and newer companies like BCM, DD, Noveske, and LM&T have come to the forefront, but AR's were very, very popular during the AWB as well.

FWIW, the Feinstein law didn't affect availability of full-capacity AR or AK magazines, because every STANAG and Warsaw Pact magazine on the planet as of 9/1994 was exempt from the ban and could be freely imported and sold. After the initial panic subsided, prices for 30-round magazines weren't much higher than what they are now, as I recall. I didn't own an AR during the ban era, but I bought a 2002 model AK in 2003, and magazines were $9.99/ea for 30's and $5.99/ea for 20's, which is a good price even today.

 

[Hypnogator]

Because, as others have said, the AR is an iconic symbol of American military (or the Planet of the Apes if you're that old to remember...).

Actually, I am old enough to remember, and unless I'm so old my memory is starting to go, (they say your memory is the second thing to go, and I forget what the first is) Planet of the Apes weapons were M-1 Carbines modified with full-length stocks that curved down to enclose the 15-rd magazines.

I'll admit to buying two lowers just after the big "O" got elected, one for me and one for my wife. Part of the impetus for purchasing was in case Assault Ban II got passed, but I needed at least one to use with a laser conversion kit to demo the capabilities of our judgmental shooting simulators.

Anyway, I collected parts from various sources over the course of the year, including fluted stainless Douglas med-con barrels, and when I got all the parts together, my wife and I assembled our respective rifles. I'm not particularly mechanically inclined, but neither of us had any trouble assembling our rifles. Then, wonder of wonders, when we went to the range, both rifles shot 100% reliably from the get-go!

For these, and all the other reasons cited in this thread, what's not to like about the AR-15?

 

[mokin]

Nearly 20 years ago when I bought my first AR-15 I did so to have a rifle like the one I used in the military. I subsequently sold it several years ago and just in the last month completed an M-4'gery build in 6.8 SPC. What convinced me to get back into the game was the ability to build my own, with any number of options not available several years ago (including different chamberings), and that I just missed having such a rifle. I think the AR-15 is easy to shoot, accurate, there is plenty of ammunition available, and fun. I also think, based on things I have seen at the range, and questions asked at the range and on line that there are a lot of people who should get some training before they pick one up.

While we're on the topic, the ability of the AR-15 to function without being cleaned is well documented. CLEAN YOUR RIFLES!

 

[browneu]

To me, when I see the AR 15 I immediately think of the United States. Similar to the feeling I get when I see the 1911.

And as a responsible law abiding, second ammendment supporting citizen, I own an AR over other rifles like an SKS or AK out of national pride. The other benefits are just icing on the cake for me.

 

[Pacsd]

wow!!!!!! Never thought this question would result in so many impasioned responses, of which, I respect and have really been enlightening to me. Maybe I'm just of the mind set that I carried one because that's what we had and after 30 years in the military I'll just leave it to the current members. However, I'm happy to know that it has evolved into platform that is a viable piece of weaponry.

 

[Leaky Waders]

Hmm maybe those Apes use M1's and AR 15's...I remember the plastic AR sticking in my barefeet when I was little.

http://www.musclecars.net/parts/Mego-Planet-Of-The-Apes-URKO-MOC-For-Sale_200567281742.html

 

[DAdams]

Finally got my first this year!



I had to have one to join the TZRT.

 

[bri]

Run a magazine through one and I think you'll have a better understanding.

Edit - see you already have experience with the platform. I'll change to... "a lot of fun to shoot and a ton of accessories out there to customize it to your liking. As others have said, big boy leggos.

 

[ac6916170]

It was the summer of 1962 that we were introduced to the Armalite 5.56 when they took away our M1's when I was in the RVN. I did like the way they shot and broke down for maintainance, as often as they did need it. However, for just plain hunting and shooting I still prefer the traditional long gun. I don't think I'll take the dive into the pool though. Every time I see one at the range it makes me think back to the 1st time I laid eyes on that radical design.

Pacsd I was there after you, '70 to be exact, we still had some trouble with them but they were ALOT better than the ones you had. Mom and dad would send me a box of DRY Slide every month that pretty much kept them rockin and rollin. Never thought I'd own one for hunting but I have one now and I don't know what you could do to it to make it stop working. The 6.8x43 is a great hog and whitetail round.