AR-15. The evil black rifle! AR does not stand for Assault Rifle.

The AR designation means

ArmaLite Rifle. There are many AR models the AR-5, AR-7, AR-10, AR-15, and AR-18. For
sake of this argument and education lesson, we will be referencing the ever popular AR-15. The
Fairchild ArmaLite Corporation developed the AR-15 rifle platform in 1957, and later sold its rights
to Colt in 1959.
Lets first define the term Assault Rifle that everyone likes to use. A true Assault Rifle, by
definition is any of various automatic or semi-automatic rifles with a large capacity magazine
designed for military use. Please note designed for military use.
The AR-15 is the civilian version of the M-16 which is used by the military (M stands for Military
Model). Without going into great detail, the AR-15 is a semi-automatic rifle whereas an M-16 is a
selective fire (either semi-automatic, three round burst, or automatic) rifle. The ONLY similarities
between the two are the cosmetic features which are shown in the images below.
Before we get into the cosmetic feature, lets review the political term Assault Weapon. By
definition, an Assault Weapon is defined as a semi-automatic firearm possessing certain
ergonomic or construction features similar to those of military firearms. Semi-automatic firearms
fire one bullet (round) each time the trigger is pulled; the spent cartridge case is ejected and
another cartridge is loaded into the chamber, without requiring the manual operation of a bolt
handle, a lever, or a sliding handgrip. An assault weapon has a detachable magazine, in
conjunction with one, two, or more other features such as a pistol grip, a folding or collapsing
stock, a flash suppressor, or a bayonet lug. Most assault weapons are rifles, but pistols or
shotguns may also fall under the definition.
So, just because a rifle has a pistol grip (which makes it easier to hold), or a collapsing stock
(which makes it easier to size for someone with longer arms compared to someone with shorter
arms), its classified as an Assault Weapon? All because of the cosmetic features? This is what
our educated politicians want to ban! In the end, all they are banning are the features that can
be added on to the basic AR-15. The last time I checked, those cosmetic features dont make the
weapon any more deadly.
Heres a basic AR style rifle.

Heres an AR style rifle with some addons. Now lets get educated
1. Flash Suppressor - reduces the chances that the shooter will be blinded in low light
conditions.
2. Barrel Shroud a covering attached to the barrel of a firearm, which partially or completely
encircles the barrel which prevents the shooter from injuring themselves on a hot barrel.
3. Vertical Grip is more commonly used on sport shooting rifles which makes the lateral
transition between targets easier.
4. Site or Scope gives the shooter the ability to view targets at a long distance.
5. Pistol Grip steadies the hand pulling the trigger.
6. Collapsible Stock give the shooter the ability to shorten or lengthen the stock to fit their
body frame

These cosmetic feature do nothing more than give the operator better control of the rifle. Lets
compare this to the popular Mossberg 835 12 Gauge shotgun used for Turkey hunting. The
Mossberg pictured below has a collapsible stock, pistol grip, barrel shroud, and a flash suppressor.
These features do nothing more that give the operator better control of the shotgun. However,
under the proposed Assault Weapons ban this popular hunting shotgun will be banned in the
U.S.

In closing, what our uneducated politicians dont realize is, these weapons function the same with
or without the added cosmetic feature. They dont make the firearm any more deadly. Our elected
politicians are making uneducated decisions! What other decisions are they making on topics
they have no knowledge of? Ask questions and educate yourself, not just on this topic, but on all
topics! Youve now educated on this topic so spread the word, stop someone who is incorrectly
speaking on this matter and educate them. Otherwise, the sheep following the leaders of the
country will always be mis-informed unless we speak up.