Several myths surround AR-15s, often due to misinformation or misunderstanding. Here are some common ones:

  1. AR stands for Assault Rifle: The AR in AR-15 actually stands for ArmaLite Rifle, the original manufacturer. Despite its appearance, the AR-15 is not classified as an assault rifle due to technical differences, including the lack of selective fire (the ability to switch between semi-automatic, automatic, and burst fire modes).
  2. AR-15s are Fully Automatic: While some versions of the AR-15 platform can be configured to fire in fully automatic or burst-fire modes, civilian AR-15s are sold as semi-automatic rifles, meaning they fire only one round per trigger pull.
  3. AR-15s are High-Powered: While the AR-15 is chambered in calibers like .223 Remington or 5.56x45mm NATO, which can be powerful, it’s not as potent as larger calibers often used in hunting rifles. Its cartridge is intermediate in power, designed for light weight and controllability rather than sheer stopping power.
  4. AR-15s are “Weapons of War”: While the AR-15 platform shares some design elements with military rifles, calling it a “weapon of war” can be misleading. The civilian AR-15 is a legal firearm commonly used for hunting, sport shooting, and self-defense. Its function and features may resemble military rifles, but its use in civilian contexts is distinct.
  5. AR-15s are Responsible for Most Gun Violence: AR-15s are involved in a relatively small percentage of overall gun violence incidents. Handguns are by far the most common type of firearm used in violent crimes in the United States.
  6. Banning AR-15s Would Significantly Reduce Gun Violence: Advocates for stricter gun control often propose banning AR-15s as a solution to gun violence. However, such bans may have limited impact on overall crime rates, as criminals can mainly obtain firearms through illegal means, and AR-15s are involved in a relatively small percentage of overall gun violence incidents.
  7. People will just convert their AR-15s are Easy to Fully Automatic: Converting a semi-automatic AR-15 to fully automatic is illegal in the United States without proper licensing and registration under the National Firearms Act. Doing so without proper authorization is a felony punishable by severe penalties.

Understanding the realities of the AR-15 platform is essential for informed discussions about firearms regulation and usage.