The AR-15 rifle is reviled by gun control advocates as an “assault weapon” or “weapon of war” that should be banned. And yet, the same gun is beloved by firearm enthusiasts so much that it is the most popular style of rifle sold in the U.S.
More than 20 million AR-15-style rifles are legally in the possession of Americans, according to the National Shooting Sports Foundation, a national firearm industry trade association.
NSSF spokesman Mark Oliva said the rifle’s versatility and ease of use explain the high demand for the AR-15 format.
“What drives its popularity is the fact that it is modular.