Videos tagged with ArmaLite

The Colt Model 601, an early AR-15 variant predating the XM16, featured distinct design elements like a triangular charging handle and green fiberglass furniture. It had standard Safe, Semi, and Auto selector settings and lacked a brass deflector or forward assist. The chrome-plated bolt carrier was non-serrated, reflecting its early production phase between Armalite and Colt.

The Armalite AR-16 is a rare prototype chambered in 7.62 NATO, bridging the gap between the AR-10 and AR-18. It features a short-stroke gas piston, dual recoil springs, and a unique 5-aperture rotating rear sight. Only two AR-16s are known to exist, making it a significant piece of Armalite's design history.

The Armalite AR-16 represents a crucial, yet often overlooked, step in rifle development, bridging the gap between the AR-10 and the AR-18. It pioneered the use of stamped sheet metal receivers and a short-stroke gas piston system to reduce manufacturing costs. Though never mass-produced, its design innovations significantly influenced subsequent combat rifle designs like the L85, Steyr AUG, and G36.

This review details AR-15 serial number 6, a rare original configuration prototype from the Springfield Armory National Historic Site. It explores the AR-15's lineage from Project Salvo and its development from the AR-10, highlighting key design features like the original 25-round straight magazine and top-mounted charging handle. The video contrasts early prototype elements with later modifications made after military trials, such as the rear charging handle and 20-round magazine.

This video examines AR-15 serial number 000006, a rare example of an original configuration prototype. Key features include a 25-round straight magazine, a top-mounted charging handle with a protective guard, and a thin pencil barrel profile. The stock is made of woven fiberglass, and the muzzle is plain, reflecting early design considerations before the widespread need for muzzle devices.

The Armalite AR-17 is a rare 12-gauge shotgun distinguished by its exceptionally light, aluminum construction, weighing under 5.5 pounds. It features a two-round capacity and a bolt design derived from the AR-10/AR-15, utilizing a short recoil action and a unique aluminum barrel with a steel trunnion. This design aimed to create one of the lightest shotguns available.

The AR-15 carry handle's primary purpose was not for carrying, but to house the rear sight and protect the original top-mounted charging handle. Colt's later design moved the charging handle, but the carry handle persisted for the sight. Using it to carry the rifle is discouraged due to poor balance.

This video delves into the fascinating history of ArmaLite, a pioneering American firearms company founded in 1954. It highlights their revolutionary designs, including the AR-10 and the iconic AR-15, developed by chief designer Eugene Stoner. The narrative traces ArmaLite's journey from its innovative beginnings under Fairchild Engine and Airplane Corporation to its financial struggles, leading to the sale of the AR-15 design to Colt in 1959, which paved the way for the M16. The video explores the company's eventual closure and its lasting legacy in shaping modern firearms, from Hollywood to global battlefields.

This video showcases a custom Armalite M15 rifle chambered in .204 Ruger, demonstrating its high-velocity capabilities with Hornady 40gr V-MAX ammunition, estimated at 4000 FPS. The setup features a Nightforce NXS 5.5-22x56 optic and a Medesha Firearms adjustable cheek rest, highlighting precision for varmint hunting and long-range shooting.

The Armalite AR-1 'Parasniper' was the company's first rifle, designed before Eugene Stoner's involvement, aiming for an ultra-lightweight bolt-action using aircraft materials. Despite innovative construction with fiberglass and aluminum, early military tests revealed accuracy and reliability issues, particularly with composite barrel delamination when hot. This failure ultimately led Armalite to pivot towards projects like the AR-10, making the AR-1 a significant but ultimately unsuccessful precursor in firearms history.

The AR-14 was a real, documented design concept by Armalite for a semi-auto sporting rifle, evidenced in company literature and patent filings for Eugene Stoner's gas system. However, Armalite pivoted to military projects like the AR-10 and AR-15, eventually selling the gas system design to Colt. While the AR-14 concept existed, it's highly unlikely any physical units were ever manufactured.

This video showcases the original AR-15 platform, specifically a Colt SP1 from 1979. It highlights the rifle's retro features like the triangular handguard and fixed carry handle. The demonstration includes proper loading with a 20-round magazine, live fire from a standing position, and efficient magazine release, emphasizing the early AR-15's cycling and recoil characteristics.