AR 15: I get Asked This All The Time; My Response
By Gregory Kielma
Gun Nuts: The AR 15 myth Exposed... Again
Why do gun nuts keep saying that the AR-15 is not an assault rifle when it was originally designed for and issued to military servicemen? Do they not know the origins of this weapon that they defend?
Kielma says,
I had this question asked of me…
Gregg Kielma,
Firearms Instructor, Gunsmith, FFL and First Aid Fundamentals Instructor, says I’m going to give you the facts, as I understand them.
The reason the civilian AR-15 is not classified as an assault rifle is because it lacks the ‘select-fire’ capability. Not to be confused with the military standard issue M-4 (or previous M-16) which has the select-fire capability. This is the primary distinction between assault rifles and civilian rifles.
Another lesser mentioned but important distinction is the manufacturer (not customized) barrel length. Less than 16″ with no fixed stock and the AR-15 now falls under the classification of pistol and not a rifle at all (e.g. it has a pistol brace)—which is ultimately better for cornering (CQC).
As far as my credibility, please look it up. I know a thing or two about guns. Not everything but enough to help and guide everyone on the AR 15 platform.