The Armalite name has been synonymous with high quality firearms since the beginning of the company’s history. Originally a division of Fairchild Engine & Airplane Corporation, Armalite rifles took weapons to the next level. The introduction of plastics and other space age materials in firearms provided two key advantages: weight and maneuverability. Switching the caliber to a smaller projectile also helped to allow soldiers to carry more ammunition when in the field.

The first in the long series of Armalite innovations was the AR-5 rifle, which was designed as a survival rifle for aircraft pilots who crashed in rural areas. The AR-5’s genius was the ability to fit the entire rifle inside the buttstock, for compact and lightweight traveling. Shortly after, the US civilian market was able to purchase the AR-7 rifles, which shared the same design, but were chambered in 22 long rifle; it has become a favorite of campers and hikers.

The next great innovation of Armalite was the AR-15 rifle. Created by Eugene Stoner, it was originally produced as the M16 assault rifle and quickly gained a cult-like following on the civilian market, which is still very significant to this day. Now there are over a dozen companies producing an AR-15 rifle, which proves the success of this almost sixty-year-old design.

An interesting side note is the US Military was unimpressed with the M16’s blowback operation and sought to change to the piston driven rifle, mostly to avoid cleaning. The original production of the M16 rifle had been so rushed that many of Stoner’s suggestions were ignored, leading to some disaster in the field.

After a few months of service, Eugene Stoner’s suggestions had been reconsidered. These suggestions helped to make the M16 rifle the reliable firearm that it is today. Because of the success of the AR-15 platform, the AR-18 was the focus of a good amount of Armalite’s efforts. It was believed to be the next great firearm of the twentieth century.

The AR-18 never got the credit it deserved, but instead became a favorite in some unsuspecting places. For instance, it became known as the “Widow Maker” by the IRA, in the 1980s. The AR-18 is now one of the most collected Armalite firearms, and has been a constant object of admiration in the firearms industry. The market then took a turn toward bigger and more powerful firearms, which Armalite was right there to provide.

The AR-50 is Armalite’s 50 BMG rifle. It is bolt action and one of the first civilian models chambered in this round. The AR-50 is designed to be a lightweight, single shot, and long distance rifle, ideal for sniper operations. Due to the competition in making a magazine feed 50 BMG rifle, Armalite did not receive any military contracts for the AR-50. Many still consider the AR-50 to be years ahead of its time.

The Armalite rifles are still some of the best buys on the market, providing quality and innovation though out the company’s long history. Due to their years of innovative new technologies in firearms, I would highly recommend Armalite to any firearms enthusiast contemplating which AR-15 to invest in.