17 Aug 2026 12:53 pm
It was designed in the 50s.Huey » 17 Aug 2026, 12:25 pm » wrote: ↑ More facts
AI Overview
The semi-automatic-only version of the AR-15 has never been standard military issue. The military version—derived from the original ArmaLite design and Colt production—was built with select-fire capabilities (capable of fully automatic or burst fire), designated as the M16 or M4
Military Adoption Timeline
- 1963: The U.S. military officially ordered and designated the select-fire variant as the M16, making it standard issue for troops.
- 1964: Colt began manufacturing and selling the strictly semi-automatic-only variant (marketed as the Colt AR-15 Sporter) to civilians and law enforcement, separate from military contracts.