So I want to get into some semantics here. The first question is 1) What does "AR-15 Style" rifle mean, if anything? Is this just the language of the antis that doesn't really mean anything?

In my book, if it follows Eugene Stoner's AR-15 design, it IS an AR-15. I could get into the specifics of what constitutes that design, things like the buffer tube, separable upper and lower, etc, but I won't in this post.

As one example, I would consider the Smith and Wesson M&P 15 a specific brand and model of AR-15. But it IS an AR-15, not just "AR-15 style".

Secondly, which is more of an assertion that I want people to confirm or dispute, that an AR-15 includes an entire category of firearms.

For example in my book, the M4/M16 are specific models of AR-15, made to certain specs including barrel length and a select fire option. I wouldn't normally refer to an M4 or M16 as an AR-15 because of current restrictions I think of those as military/gov weapons and AR-15s as more of the civilian version. Further, because the barrel length and select fire option make a huge difference from a legal perspective it is an important distinction to remain on the right side of the law.

An M16/M4 is a specific type of AR-15, built to certain specs, and has a burst or auto option in addition to semi-auto. I would even consider an HK416 a type of AR-15, with the main difference being the piston. You could pop the upper off and put it on an AR-15 lower and it would work, and vice versa. In free states you could build out an AR-15 to the same specs as an M4, either via SBR route or pinned muzzle device, and the only real difference would be the select fire option.

Is there any point in calling some an "AR-15 style" rifle rather than just calling it an AR-15? Does it make sense to think of an M16/M4/HK416 as a type of AR-15?

I agree with you. I was confused when the police finally came out and showed the weapon used in the parade attack was an actual AR-15.

They initially said "high-powered" weapon and "like an AR15." Sounds like the people in charge just don't know guns. The M&P doesn't say AR15 on it anywhere so they said AR15-style.

It stands for "ArmaLite Rifle 15"  It was the 10th rifle they made.  The AR-10, was the 10th, AR-7 the 5th, etc.  While the first AR-15 was designed select fire & was an assault rifle that has nothing to do with it's name.

I know what an AR-15 style rifle is, but what I still can't figure out is the shoulder thing that goes up.

Been on here 8 years and has 57 posts... Liberal journalist looking for key words to throw in an article? ??

Straight from Wiki and surely referenced by nearly every journalist on earth....

An AR-15-style rifle is any lightweight semi-automatic rifle based on the Colt AR-15 design. 

An AR style rifle is any semiautomatic rifle syled after an AR-15. Hmm... Sounds like Wikipedia knowledge ??

Hey, at least the idiots didn't refer to it as an "assault weapon " or "machine gun ".

No …AR stands for ArmaLite -15

Not an AR15.
Attached File

Well, Colt didn't design the AR-15, so the above makes no sense. I supposed because Colt made some changes, such as the location of the charging handle, this constitutes a new design? Maybe because Colt owns the trademark, journalists feel the need to call something AR-15 style, rather than AR-15?

It drives me crazy whenever they write "high powered". Sure, I wouldn't want to get shot with a .223/5.56, but it's an intermediate cartridge.

It sure looks like one? Or are you talking about the tire?

A "liberal journalist" is an oxymoron these days. What is the minimum number of posts for someone on here for 8 years for them to be elevated from suspected liberal journalist to whatever the next rung up is?

corrected

While it looks like one, the upper and lower are a different size. It also uses a piston driven operating system.

It's a LWRC Six8.

If you expect technical accuracy in descriptions from the media outlets,  you will be disappointed. This is nothing new.

So, that's why they're so commonly used in NRA High Power matches?

No …AR stands for ArmaLite Rifle 15.

Your response checks out OK. You didn't get all butthurt like a liberal would have. Maybe you're OK after all

What the media are promoting:

Video:
https://www.msn.com/en-us/video/peopleandplaces/as-the-debate-continues-gun-control-advocates-should-arm-themselves-with-this-firearm-terminology

Article:
https://www.businessinsider.com/terms-to-know-about-guns-when-discussing-mass-shootings-2019-8#assault-weapons-3

That's cool, I never really looked into it as I basically went the other direction (300 AAC). Sounds like a different upper/lower size to accommodate more reliable mags?

Correct. It also uses a shorter buffer tube, buffer, and flatwire spring so the stock can be shorter.

They're used by the Saudi royal guard.

No…having worked for them in the modern configuration and having access to the original intellectual property AR = ArmaLite.

Using your logic an AR-17 is an ArmaLite Rifle Shotgun…



‘AR’ STANDS FOR ARMALITE



Some people—even some within the firearms industry and hunting and target-shooting communities—remain misinformed about AR-style modern sporting rifles, thinking that the AR prefix stands for “assault rifle” or “automatic rifle.”

It means neither.

The AR stands for ArmaLite, the company that in the 1950s developed this style of rifle, which eventually became both the military’s M16 rifle and the civilian semi-automatic sporting rifle known as the AR-15, or modern sporting rifle. This civilian rifle, manufactured by many companies today, is confused with its military cousin because it looks similar. The civilian version, however, is limited to firing one round with each pull of the trigger, just as other semi-automatics operate.

Was up late last night, and it's too fucking early for this shit

No.
....

The term High Power in NRA/CMP competitions is used to differentiate from rimfire.

....

No.  The opposite of an oxymoron.  Liberal journalist is a 100% certainty.   Oxymoron is two adjacent words with opposite meaning.  I know what you meant, however.

It can't be called an AR 15 unless it is an actual Colt because they own the AR 15 name. It's a registered trademark to Colt.
Jon