What does AR stand for? The wife asked me and I was unable to answer. Semi-Automatic Rifle doesn't seem right, and assault Rifle doesn't either. I'm looking for a correct answer and the source please.

Question

Ed C. · Answer

John, contrary to popular belief, AR does not stand for 'assault rifle'.  AR stands for ArmaLite. ArmaLite is a company that originally designed their style of rifle platform in the 1950s. This platform type is where the AR 15 originated. Have a great day!

Mark F. · Answer

AR stands for Armalite Rifle. Not assault rifle.

Paul F. · Answer

It is indeed Armalite Rifle, it is the company that Eugene Stoner worked with to develop and manufacture the original AR15.

As for a source it is somewhat general knowledge in the 2a community, if you'd like to learn more about Armalite and the origin of the AR15  (And the AR10) Armalite's website has a good history section.
https://www.armalite.com/Armalite/History

James G. · Answer

Armalite Rifle but as you know, it has been misrepresented as Assault Rifle. For peaks sake, one could be assaulted with a lollipop if push came to shove. Cheers and stay safe!

Josh T. · Answer

John, AR is short for armalite rifle. Armalite is a gun manufacturer and the ones who created the AR-15 in the 1950s. They didn't have much success in selling them so ended up selling the design to colt. Then the military contracted colt to manufacture them in 1963. Hope this helps.

Firearms

Also in Firearms

Ammo

Also in Ammo

Accessories

Also in Accessories

NFA | Class III

Also in NFA | Class III

Brands

Also in Brands

Specials

Also in Specials

Handguns

Rifles

Also in Rifles

Shotguns

Used Guns

NFA | Class III

Black Powder

Other Ways to Browse

Ask the Community

What does AR stand for? The wife asked me and I was unable to answer. Semi-Automatic Rifle doesn't seem right, and assault Rifle doesn't either. I'm looking for a correct answer and the source please.