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The AR-15 rifle is one of the most popular firearms in the United States, with millions of units in circulation across the country. Despite its popularity, the AR-15 has also been at the center of controversy and debate, particularly in the wake of several high-profile mass shootings in recent years. Here, we examine some of the statistical data pertaining to the AR-15 rifle and its use in the United States.

AR-15 Apple Pie American Style
America’s Official Rifle

Firstly, it is worth noting that the AR-15 is a semi-automatic rifle, which means that it fires one round of ammunition per trigger pull. It is not an automatic weapon, which would fire continuously while the trigger is held down. The AR-15 is also not a particularly powerful firearm; it typically fires a .223 caliber cartridge, which is relatively small compared to other rifle rounds.

In terms of its popularity, the AR-15 is one of the most commonly sold firearms in the United States. According to data from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), over 17 million AR-15-style rifles have been produced in the United States since 1963. It is estimated that there are between 8 and 15 million AR-15s currently in circulation in the country.

Official Rifle of the United States of America

Despite its widespread popularity, the AR-15 has also been used in several high-profile mass shootings in the United States. For example, the shooter in the 2012 Aurora, Colorado movie theater shooting used an AR-15, as did the shooter in the 2015 San Bernardino, California terrorist attack. The shooter in the 2017 Las Vegas mass shooting also used several AR-15-style rifles.

However, it is important to note that the vast majority of AR-15 owners are law-abiding citizens who use the rifle for recreational shooting, hunting, and self-defense. In fact, according to a survey conducted by the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), 61 percent of AR-15 owners said they use the rifle for recreational shooting, while 32 percent said they use it for hunting.

Furthermore, statistical data suggests that the AR-15 is not the most commonly used firearm in homicides or mass shootings in the United States. According to data from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), handguns are used in the majority of firearm-related homicides in the country, while rifles (including the AR-15) are used in a relatively small percentage of cases. Additionally, a study by the RAND Corporation found that between 2000 and 2013, only 4 percent of mass shootings in the United States involved an AR-15-style rifle.

In conclusion, the statistical data pertaining to the AR-15 rifle is complex and multifaceted. While the AR-15 is one of the most popular firearms in the United States and has been used in several high-profile mass shootings, it is also commonly used for recreational shooting, hunting, and self-defense by law-abiding citizens. Additionally, the statistical data suggests that the AR-15 is not the most commonly used firearm in homicides or mass shootings in the country. As with any controversial issue, it is important to carefully consider all of the available data and evidence before drawing any conclusions or making policy decisions.

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