The Armalite name has been synonymous with high quality firearms since the
beginning of the company’s history. Originally a division of Fairchild Engine
& Airplane Corporation, Armalite rifles took weapons to the next level. The
introduction of plastics and other space age materials in firearms provided two
key advantages: weight and maneuverability. Switching the caliber to a smaller
projectile also helped to allow soldiers to carry more ammunition when in the
field.
The first in the long series of Armalite innovations was the AR-5 rifle,
which was designed as a survival rifle for aircraft pilots who crashed in rural
areas. The AR-5’s genius was the ability to fit the entire rifle inside the
buttstock, for compact and lightweight traveling. Shortly after, the US civilian
market was able to purchase the AR-7 rifles, which shared the same design, but
were chambered in 22 long rifle; it has become a favorite of campers and hikers.
The next great innovation of Armalite was the AR-15 rifle. Created by Eugene
Stoner, it was originally produced as the M16 assault rifle and quickly gained a
cult-like following on the civilian market, which is still very significant to
this day. Now there are over a dozen companies producing an AR-15 rifle, which
proves the success of this almost sixty-year-old design.
An interesting side note is the US Military was unimpressed with the M16’s
blowback operation and sought to change to the piston driven rifle, mostly to
avoid cleaning. The original production of the M16 rifle had been so rushed that
many of Stoner’s suggestions were ignored, leading to some disaster in the
field.
After a few months of service, Eugene Stoner’s suggestions had been
reconsidered. These suggestions helped to make the M16 rifle the reliable
firearm that it is today. Because of the success of the AR-15 platform, the
AR-18 was the focus of a good amount of Armalite’s efforts. It was believed to
be the next great firearm of the twentieth century.
The AR-18 never got the credit it deserved, but instead became a favorite in
some unsuspecting places. For instance, it became known as the “Widow Maker” by
the IRA, in the 1980s. The AR-18 is now one of the most collected Armalite
firearms, and has been a constant object of admiration in the firearms industry.
The market then took a turn toward bigger and more powerful firearms, which
Armalite was right there to provide.
The AR-50 is Armalite’s 50 BMG rifle. It is bolt action and one of the first
civilian models chambered in this round. The AR-50 is designed to be a
lightweight, single shot, and long distance rifle, ideal for sniper operations.
Due to the competition in making a magazine feed 50 BMG rifle, Armalite did not
receive any military contracts for the AR-50. Many still consider the AR-50 to
be years ahead of its time.
The Armalite rifles are still some of the best buys on the market, providing
quality and innovation though out the company’s long history. Due to their years
of innovative new technologies in firearms, I would highly recommend Armalite to
any firearms enthusiast contemplating which AR-15 to invest in.