AR-15: structure, variants and what an AR-15 costs in Germany

Assault rifles based on the AR15 design are particularly lightweight automatic weapons and gain their justification through two main groups: as semi-automatic in the civilian sector and as fully automatic versions by military forces. As the direct successor to Eugene Stoner's AR10, originally only one patented model gave rise to a large number of different long guns that share technical core elements.

The history of this weapon type significantly contributes to understanding why there seem to be so many different AR15 models today: The first assault rifle based on this principle was developed by Armalite; however, the company sold its concept to Colt Industries. For those weapons sold by Colt from 1963 onwards, the collective term AR15 applied to both semi- and fully automatic; strictly speaking, the correct designation for fully automatic Colt assault rifles is CAR15 (Colt Automatic Rifle).

It gets even more confusing when we bring the terms M16 and M4 into play. In fact, the M16 is nothing other than the classic CAR15 from Colt. When the US Army essentially "adopted" this firearm, they renamed it – but the system behind it remained the same. Colt itself continued to use the term AR15 for the civilian sector – that is, for semi-automatic devices. This is how it became common in everyday language.

 

What does AR15 stand for and what characterizes such a firearm model?

AR specifically means Armalite Rifle (the original manufacturer and system founder). The number behind it is a sequential model designation, whereby the distinction between semi-automatic and fully automatic models should definitely be kept in mind. (CAR15)

Colloquially, the successor designation AR15 has become established for all assault rifles derived from the AR10; regardless of what additional equipment the firearm is equipped with and whether it is based on a semi-automatic or fully automatic operating principle.

Remarkable about these long guns is their low weight: originally, the devices weighed about 2.7 kg, newer versions are around 3.8 kg; this is thanks to the corrosion-resistant aluminum construction. Depending on the model, the firearms can be expanded with various accessories. Some types have all controls such as safety lever, magazine release, and bolt catch on both sides of the lower receiver, making them equally efficient for use with the left or right hand.

 

What versions of the AR15 are there?

Let's first clear up a myth: firearms labeled Mil-Tec are manufactured according to various industrial standards. This results in compatibility with a wide range of spare parts and accessories that also follow this specification. Mil-Tec can be translated as "... was built to military specifications." But that doesn't necessarily mean a firearm is fully automatic!

Besides the fully automatic CAR15 (which can be equated with the M16), the civilian AR15 is very common. Designations like M16 or M4 describe the respective design, while attached suffixes like A1, A2, or A4 represent equipment numbers. The standard design was thus supplemented with different elements or refined details. In an M5F, for example, the "F" stands for free-floating; a free-floating barrel. A so-called "dynamics" version impresses with particularly light weight and is even more compact compared to other models. 

The most well-known AR15 manufacturers in the European private sector today are Schmeisser, Oberland Arms, and Hera Arms; less commonly you hear names like Steyr, Ruger, and Haenel.

 

How does the AR15 firearm system work?

The design is very linear, so everything from the muzzle to the stock lies on one axis. This minimizes recoil and transfers all forces acting on the firearm during firing to the shooter's body. The rotational forces that cause the muzzle to move out of the sight line are thereby minimized.

A portion of the propellant gas, which actually accelerates the projectile, is directed from the barrel through a gas tube directly to the bolt carrier group during firing (unless the specific model has a gas piston - which replaces the gas tube). It enters the expansion chamber, where it exerts pressure on all surfaces.

The gas is vented as it passes the so-called C-rings and the bolt openings. Only the recoil spring, which was initially compressed by the pressure from the bolt carrier group, moves the bolt forward again. In the process, the next cartridge is pulled from the magazine and chambered.

The internal bolt rotates 15 degrees as soon as the firearm is loaded and a cartridge is chambered. Through this rotation, it locks itself in the closed position to withstand the pressure. When the shooter pulls the trigger, the bolt rotates in the opposite direction and moves backward. This ejects the empty case and during the subsequent forward rotation, loads the next cartridge into the barrel.

 

What are assault rifles used for?

The main purpose is civilian as well as state defense. Military units use them just as private security providers do. Semi-automatic long guns based on the AR15 principle are especially popular in the prepper scene, where the ability to defend yourself and your family is part of a personal lifestyle. Less common, but still present, are some models in the sports sector.

 

Can an assault rifle be used for hunting?

Basically, it is only suboptimal for hunting, but that doesn’t make it unusable: Due to its design and function, it is more intended for tactical use and for quick, multiple consecutive shots. Ideally, this should not be necessary when hunting. Therefore, hunting with an AR15 usually has rather low chances of success.

Depending on the magazine size, it can happen that the weapon cannot be stably rested on a high seat. Additionally, there are specific legal regulations regarding the number of shots allowed when using semi-automatic long guns for hunting.

An advantage is the compatibility with a wide variety of accessories. This is specifically necessary here; because due to the magazine size, assault rifles often cannot be well stabilized without a bipod, which is a big disadvantage for accuracy. However, it is much easier to handle than, for example, a heavy bolt-action rifle.

 

Who is allowed to own or carry a semi-automatic assault rifle in Germany?

Ownership is only permitted with a green firearms ownership card (WBK) or a hunting license. Both hunters and sport shooters must provide this document, and the firearm must be registered to the owner's WBK. 

For hunters, in addition to their WBK, they must present a valid hunting license if a semi-automatic long gun is used for hunting purposes. The hunting license also authorizes carrying within their own hunting grounds, but then no more than three cartridges may be in the magazine (detachable magazine). This restriction does not apply to handguns.

 

How does a civilian AR15 system differ from military AR15/M16 types?

Visually, civilian and fully automatic assault rifles look identical. However, internally they differ, among other things, in the hammer and trigger mechanism. Some parts, like the internal lower receiver and the bolt also located inside, have a different milling compared to the fully automatic version; this ensures that the firing mechanisms cannot be swapped and the semi-auto remains a semi-auto. 

Fully automatic AR15 assault rifles feature a three-stage selector switch. The shooter can choose their desired firing mode via the selector: semi-automatic, fully automatic, or three-round burst, as long as the weapon is not on safe. Further differences between various rifles can be found in the respective AR15 caliber.

For the firearm owner, these functions and features are the most important to know exactly which weapon they have in front of them. Beyond that, there are many other structural details, knowledge of which opens the doors to gunsmithing and have already been tested in various comparison tests.

What calibers are available for the AR15?

The AR-15 is available today in numerous calibers suitable for hunters, sport shooters, and tactical applications alike. Below are some of the most common calibers for the AR-15:

.223 Remington / 5.56x45mm NATO 

This is the standard caliber for most military and civilian AR-15 models. It should be noted that firearms designed for 5.56x45mm NATO can usually also shoot .223 Remington, but not necessarily the other way around.

.300 AAC Blackout (300 BLK)

The caliber .300 AAC Blackout (300 BLK), specially developed for the AR-15 platform. It offers good ballistics for both supersonic and subsonic bullets.

6.5 Grendel

The caliber 6.5 Grendel was developed to increase the range and energy of the AR-15 beyond the traditional .223 Remington / 5.56x45mm NATO.

.224 Valkyrie

The caliber .224 Valkyrie offers improved range and accuracy for the AR-15 platform, especially suitable for long-range shots.

7.62x39mm

The caliber 7.62x39 was originally developed for the AK-47. Nowadays, there are AR-15 models that use this caliber. It offers greater bullet energy than the .223 Remington.

.458 SOCOM

The caliber .458 SOCOM is a heavy, large-caliber projectile for the AR-15, ideal for big game hunting or special tactical applications.

.50 Beowulf

Similar to the .458 SOCOM, the caliber .50 Beowulf is designed for those who want to get maximum stopping power from their AR-15 platform.

There are numerous other caliber options for the AR-15, as the platform is modular and versatile. Choosing the right caliber depends on the intended use, personal preferences, and regional laws and regulations. Always remember that when selecting a caliber, it’s important to be informed about the legal requirements and restrictions in your own country or state.