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This fact brief was originally published as an experiment to test the concepts behind fact briefs.
Readers should be aware that while there is still a lot of useful information in fact briefs like this one, not all of them reflect Gigafact's current methods and standards for fact briefs. If you come across any that you feel are out of date, don't hesitate to contact us at support@gigafact.org.
Was the AR-15 rifle invented for Nazi infantrymen?
Tuesday, June 7, 2022
By Jacob Alabab-Moser
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NO
The AR-15, or "ArmaLite" 15 rifle was invented by American firearms manufacturer ArmaLite in 1956 under the guidance of former Marine and Army Ordinance technician Eugene Stoner.
German infantry-weapons developer Hugo Schmeisser designed the first mass-produced assault rifle, the Sturmgewehr 44, for Nazi military use during World War II. Various countries subsequently created their own assault rifles, including the Soviet AK-47 and the British EM-2.
Originally a fully automatic weapon, the AR-15 was the standard-issue rifle for American troops during the Vietnam War, where it was known as the M-16. A semi-automatic version was later made available to the public.
This fact brief is responsive to conversations such as this one.
Sources
ArmaLite History
Encyclopædia Britannica Assault rifle
The Atlantic A brief history of the assault rifle
Encyclopædia Britannica M16 rifle
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