There are lots of reasons as to why own an AR. However to answer why we must first look at what the AR is.
The AR platform of firearm has gotten a lot of bad publicity recently. Many people have lots of misconceptions about them. First off AR does not stand for Assault Rifle. It stands for ARMALITE RIFLE. In the 1960’s Colt developed the AR-15 rifle, then shortly after that converted it to a full-automatic rifle called the M-16 for military use. Thus the civilian model not only came first, but the military took the design. The AR is not a military rifle that was made legal for civilian use.
Why the AR
One of the best reasons why own an AR is that it’s an all American rifle. AR’s were designed in the United States, most popular ones are still built here. Without trying to sound too redneck, what’s more American than shooting an American rifle?
The AR rifle is very easy to use. Even an untrained person can have one stripped for cleaning in less the a few minutes. They are light so even smaller build people can carry them. Depending on the caliber, they have little to no recoil making shooting enjoyable, for all.
Calibers
AR rifles come in many different calibers. The AR-15 is chambered in either .223 or 5.56. The AR-10 is chambered in .308. Chambered in .338 Lapua Magnum it’s called an AR-30A1. There are over 53 different Calibers that you can get an AR chambered in. Not to mention the new wildcat calibers getting invented all the time. Here are just a few of the most popular calibers:
- .223 Remington/5.56x45mm
- .300 AAC Blackout/.300 Whisper
- 6.5 Grendel
- 6.8 Remington SPC
- 5.7x28mm
- 7.62x39mm
- .458 SOCOM
- .50 BEOWULF
- Pistol Calibers 9mm
- .22LR
Customization
The AR platform is one of the most customizable rifle platforms you can buy. There are hundreds of trigger groups to give you that custom trigger everyone wants. You have hundreds of choices for buttstocks. There are multiple makes of adjustable stocks that allow multiple users to fire the same rifle in comfort. There are even various pistol grips you can buy.
The barrel guards are so numerous a person can’t even begin to talk about all of them. Add the rail system to the barrel guard and you can attach almost any accessory a person can think of. Although it’s unlikely you will add a chainsaw bayonet. You have your choice of optics or iron sights. There are fore grips, bi-pods, and mono-pods. Even lasers, and flashlights. If you really want to have fun there are flare launchers. Money is really your only limitation on what you can customize on a rifle. Giving you another reason as why own an AR.
You can Build Your Own
Not only can you customize a store-bought AR, you can assemble your own. In fact, as customizable as the platform is, it’s usually cheaper to assemble your own. When you buy a $500 rifle then switch out the buttstock, trigger group, forearm, and then add optics you will have over $1000 into it. Plus a lot of spare parts. T
he only part of the gun that has a serial number is the lower receiver. The lower is required to be bought from an FFL dealer. Everything else you can buy anywhere. Most people order their parts from places like Palmetto State Armory, Brownells, Aero Precision or their local gun shop. The best part is putting together these rifles is like playing with LEGOs for Adults, they are that simple.
Conclusion
With so many options the AR platform has something for everyone. Wither you just like to put holes in paper at 100 yards or you want to hunt wild Boars you can do it. With the price being anywhere from $500-$5000. There is one to be had in almost everyone’s price range. The best thing is they are just plain fun to shoot. Giving you the best reason as to why own an AR. They are fun.