Posted on Oct 1, 2023
U.S. civilians own an estimated 20 million AR-15s. How the rifle became a political symbol
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The AR-15, a rifle designed for American soldiers, has grown in popularity among civilians. The authors of "American Gun: The True Story of the AR-15" trace the history of the rifle and how it became one of the most polarizing weapons in America.
In the 1950s, Eugene Stoner designed a light weight, rapid fire rifle. The AR-15 became the standard-issue weapon for military service members.
The weapon was once banned in America, but now an estimated 20 million are in civilian hands.
"And what's remarkable is that if you go back just to 1994, there were only 400,000 in the country at that time," said Zusha Elison, co-author of the book "American Gun: The True Story of the AR-15."
"There was this political battle and the AR-15 was suddenly turned into this, not just a firearm, but a political statement," co-author Cameron McWhirter said.
Elison and McWhirter trace the history of the weapon that has become emblematic of gun rights, how it grew in popularity and why it is an attractive rifle to mass shooters in America.
In the 1950s, Eugene Stoner designed a light weight, rapid fire rifle. The AR-15 became the standard-issue weapon for military service members.
The weapon was once banned in America, but now an estimated 20 million are in civilian hands.
"And what's remarkable is that if you go back just to 1994, there were only 400,000 in the country at that time," said Zusha Elison, co-author of the book "American Gun: The True Story of the AR-15."
"There was this political battle and the AR-15 was suddenly turned into this, not just a firearm, but a political statement," co-author Cameron McWhirter said.
Elison and McWhirter trace the history of the weapon that has become emblematic of gun rights, how it grew in popularity and why it is an attractive rifle to mass shooters in America.
U.S. civilians own an estimated 20 million AR-15s. How the rifle became a political symbol
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Firearms and Guns Weapons
Posted 8 mo ago
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PO1 William "Chip" Nagel
..."There was this political battle and the AR-15 was suddenly turned into this, not just a firearm, but a political statement," co-author Cameron McWhirter said.
Elison and McWhirter trace the history of the weapon that has become emblematic of gun rights, how it grew in popularity and why it is an attractive rifle to mass shooters in America."
..."There was this political battle and the AR-15 was suddenly turned into this, not just a firearm, but a political statement," co-author Cameron McWhirter said.
Elison and McWhirter trace the history of the weapon that has become emblematic of gun rights, how it grew in popularity and why it is an attractive rifle to mass shooters in America."
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They are the perfect rifle for the disabled to modify so they can enjoy the shooting sports. I spend several thousand dollars just to modify the stock of my shotgun so I could use it. And that was the low end modification. I simply could not afford 5 grand for a custom stock.
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Bottom line it was designed to be easy to shoot, low recoil and lightweight. Kind a like anyone's dream gun. Having fired military weapons from WWI to the present the only one enjoyed more was the M1 Carbine.
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