The AR-15 was originally designed by ArmaLite in the 1950s. The ArmaLite manufacturing company owns the trademark on AR-15 which in turn has created what is known today as the AR-15 variant (5.56x45mm and .223 Remington). Here is a list of the specifications on the most common version of the AR-15 variant. Keep in mind that most AR-15 Lower Receivers are engraved with Caliber: MULTI do to the fact that numerous Upper Receivers can be built in multiple calibers that will assemble onto an AR-15 Lower Receiver.
- Caliber: Multi, 5.56x45mm or .223 Remington
- Weight without Magazine: 7.2lb
- Length: 29.8 inches collapsed and 33 inches extended
- Barrel Length: 16.1 inches (multiple length variations)
- Rifling: 1 in 7”, 1 in 9” or 1 in 12” (variations)
- Modes of Fire: Safe, Semi-automatic (semi), Automatic (auto) or burst. Auto and Burst are for Military or Law Enforcement ONLY
- Method of Operation: Gas-direct system
- Muzzle Velocity: 3200 feet/second
- Range: 500 meters
Keep in mind that many variations on the AR-15 design can be manufactured. Twists and rifling of the barrel, caliber, weight and barrel length. Countless companies manufacture an AR-15 variant and many have different specs on their type of rifle. All the specs listed here are approximate value and it is up to the operator to familiarize themselves with the specs on the AR-15 variant they use.
Safety Considerations
- The first thing an operator should do is to make sure the Firearm is on Safe and clear the weapon. (Clear means to make the weapon safe by removing removing the magazine and unloading the ammunition from the chamber).
- Always consider the firearm loaded even if you know that it is not. Many people are killed due to accidents involving firearms when the operator believes the weapon is cleared or empty.
- Never point a firearm in the direction of anything you do not mean to shoot. Even if the weapon is not loaded do not point at another person.
- Keep your finger off the trigger. Never place your finger on the trigger until you are ready to fire the weapon.
- Know what your target is. Take into consideration what is behind the target and if innocent individuals may be in that area. Always pay attention to your surroundings.
- Be serious when handling a firearm. Never joke or play with a firearm in an unsafe manner. If a person must question whether they should do something, that usually means they are better off not doing it when it comes to safety.
- When performing weapons cleaning or maintenance remove all live ammunition from the immediate area. This will eliminate the danger of having a loaded firearm.
Clearing the Firearm (Unloading Sequence)
- Point the muzzle of the firearm in a safe direction. Make sure the firearm is on safe. An AR-15 has a safety selector that can be accessed with the thumb when operated by a right-handed shooter. Make sure that it is pointing to SAFE or the symbol. Depending on the manufacturer of the AR-15 there may be a different symbol or word engraved on the lower receiver.
- Remove the magazine by pressing on the Magazine Release Button. This button can be pressed using the index finger when operated by a right-handed shooter. Once the magazine is released it will fall freely from the magazine well. The operator should have their left hand on the magazine prior to pressing the release button to keep the magazine from falling to the ground.
- Lock the Bolt to the rear by pulling on the Charging Handle with the right hand while holding the rifle around the magazine well with the left hand and left thumb on the Bolt Catch. Once the operator feels the bolt lock to the rear, push the Charging Handle forward until it locks in place. This will keep the Charging Handle from slamming forward if the Bolt Catch is pressed allowing the bolt to move forward. Now if a round is in the chamber and the firearm is loaded it should be extracted and ejected from the weapon when the Charging Handle is pulled to the rear.
- Inspect the Star Chamber to make sure that the weapon is safe and cleared. Physically put your finger in the chamber to feel for a cartridge as well as visual inspection. If a round is still in the chamber cant the firearm so that the round will fall out of the ejection port. Continue to point the firearm in safe direction. If there is not a round in the chamber, then the firearm is deemed Clear and Safe. Pull the charging handle and allow the bolt to move forward with guidance. Never let the bolt slam forward on its own unless a loaded magazine is in the magazine well. The feeding operation give a type of cushioning for the bolt face. When a bolt face slams into the star chamber without a round in place, it can case a defect on the bolt from metal hitting metal.
Who we are
Martial Armory BlogSpot (MAR) is a blog created by US Army Infantry Veteran Alexander Bolton. Mr. Bolton has years of experience in the Military, Martial Arts and Law Enforcement. Including Armorer certifications in multiple weapon systems and experience as a Firearms Manufacturing Supervisor.
• Dedicated, Professional and Experienced in multiple disciplines that include the use of tactics, maintenance and weapons cleaning.
• Always there to serve the people in any way to help increase knowledge of martial arts and firearms.
• Assist in helping those that want to learn.
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