Why is the AR Safety Lever Designed That Way?

Published on December 26, 2016
Duration: 3:48

This entry details the design evolution of the AR-15 safety selector lever, drawing from historical prototypes and military trial data. Ian McCollum, a recognized expert in firearm history, explains how practical field use, not just initial ergonomic assumptions, led to the selector's final configuration. Understanding this history provides insight into the robust engineering behind the AR platform.

Quick Summary

The AR-15 safety lever's design evolved significantly after 1958 field trials. Initially, the prototype had 'Safe' in a vertical position. However, soldiers found the lever could be accidentally switched to 'Full Auto' during low crawls. The selector was redesigned so ground contact forces it into the 'Safe' position, enhancing operational safety.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Title Card: AR-15 Selector Lever Rationale
  2. 01:09The First Prototype AR-15
  3. 01:471958 Infantry Board Trials & Issues
  4. 03:06Design Rationale for Safety

Frequently Asked Questions

Why was the AR-15 safety lever redesigned?

The AR-15 safety lever was redesigned after 1958 field trials revealed that soldiers performing low crawls could accidentally drag the selector against the ground, switching it from Safe to Full Auto. The revised design ensures ground contact pushes the lever to the Safe position.

What was the selector lever design on the original AR-15 prototype?

The original Armalite AR-15 prototype (Serial Number 000001) had a different selector lever configuration. The 'Safe' position was vertical, 'Semi' was forward, and 'Full Auto' was rearward, differing from the later standardized model.

How does the AR-15 safety lever prevent accidental firing during movement?

The final AR-15 safety lever design ensures that if the rifle is dragged across the ground during movement like a low crawl, the selector lever is forced into the 'Safe' position, preventing unintentional transitions to firing modes.

Who is Ian McCollum and what is his expertise?

Ian McCollum is the host of Forgotten Weapons, a recognized subject matter expert in firearm history. His expertise is demonstrated through access to rare museum prototypes and detailed knowledge of specific military trial data and firearm mechanics.

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