The AR-15 is the most debated gun in America, and for good reason. Its modular design, widespread civilian ownership, and public appearances in the debate ensure that it’s both admired and reviled. And yet, as any gun enthusiast can attest, much of the debate is infused with recurring myths and misconceptions. Let’s break the seven largest AR-15 myths and set the record straight.
7. AR-15s Will Blow Up Tanks or Take Down Planes
Let’s be clear: the idea that an AR-15 will explode a tank or take down a plane is pure fantasy. AR-15s in civilian possession fire fairly light cartridges, most commonly .223 Remington or 5.56 NATO, that are too light to penetrate sophisticated armor or cause damage to planes.
Even military models firing the same caliber aren’t used as anti-armor guns. As the National Shooting Sports Foundation reminds us, “Civilian AR-15s shoot relatively light rounds like .223, which can’t dent aircraft or penetrate modern armor.” If you think otherwise, you’re probably watching a movie rather than a military training exercise.
6. AR-15s Need to be Cleaned Regularly to Function Reliably
There is an urban myth on the internet that these rifles jam unless they are obsessively cleaned after every couple of rounds. In reality, a well-built AR-15 is very reliable and will function flawlessly for thousands of rounds before it needs a serious cleaning. Routine upkeep is required, but the rifle is not finicky in the least. Good upkeep, and the AR-15 is a durable, consistent platform.
5. Only Criminals Own AR-15s
This stereotype cannot be maintained. Most owners of the AR-15 are law-abiding citizens who use their rifles for hunting, sport shooting, or defense in the home. Millions own these rifles legally and responsibly. Labeling all owners as extremists goes against the evidence of a responsible and diverse base of owners. The National Shooting Sports Foundation affirms, “The majority of AR-15 owners are law-abiding citizens using them for hunting, sport, and self-defense.”
4. Prohibiting AR-15s Would Reduce Gun Violence by Half
While AR-15s have been involved in some of America’s most infamous mass shootings, they represent a very small percentage of gun homicides in America. Handguns are the most prevalent weapons utilized in homicides, and homicides are mainly suicides. Placing a ban on AR-15s will cut off access for some, but it is far from a sole measure. Other factors, like illegal gun trading, continue to drive demand regardless of legislative measures.
3. AR-15s Are Outgunned Compared to Other Rifles
Contrary to popular belief, AR-15s are not unusually potent. They shoot like other hunting-caliber rifles and often less than traditional big-game cartridges like .30-06 or .300 Win Mag. They are popular for accuracy and customizability, not sheer destructive power.
The National Shooting Sports Foundation reports, “AR-15-style rifles are similar in power to other hunting-caliber rifles and often less powerful than traditional big-game cartridges.”
2. AR-15s Are Weapons of War
This misconception is attributed to the AR-15’s resemblance to battlefield rifles like the M16 or M4. Non-military AR-15s, in fact, are semi-automatic and lack full-auto or burst, just as most hunting rifles firing the same caliber, and aren’t battlefield weapons. As Maxon Shooters Supplies & Indoor Range owner Dan Eldidge says, “In no way is this a military weapon. It may look, in some respects, a little like a military weapon, but it is not a weapon of war.”
1. “AR” Means “Assault Rifle”
Arguably, the most prevalent myth is that “AR” means assault rifle. Actually, it was first the ArmaLite Rifle, the firm that originally developed it in the 1950s. The AR-15 is a semi-automatic gun, not a select-fire military rifle. “Assault rifle” is a highly specialized term describing guns with automatic functionality, which the civilian AR-15 does not have. The National Shooting Sports Foundation clarifies, “AR stands for ArmaLite Rifle, the company that first designed it in the 1950s.”
It’s important to understand the facts behind myths so that one can have an intelligent debate and productive policymaking. The AR-15 is a complex tool with legitimate uses and real risks—but the discussion needs to be grounded in fact, not fear, fantasy, or political rhetoric.