The best firearms reference books: https://www.headstamppublishing.com
The AR-16 was developed in the late 1950s as a less manufacturing intensive option to the AR-10. It began with the AR-12, which was a prototype intended to use a stamped receiver with the Stoner DI gas system. When Armalite sold the AR-15 patents to Colt, they had to revise that design, and it became the AR-14, with a Tokarev type short stroke gas piston and a stamped receiver. Two of these rifles were originally made, both chambered for .308 with folding stocks and mostly stamped parts. They were offered for sale, but there were no buyers – by the time the AR16 was ready most countries who needed a new rifle had already chosen the FAL, H&K G3, M14, or other option. Instead, when Stoner left Armalite, Arthur Miller scaled the AR-16 down to 5.56mm, where it became the AR-18.
Other relevant Armalite models:
AR10: https://youtu.be/8FXt5md6jPk
AR14: https://youtu.be/XLdZuFo6HFo
AR18: https://youtu.be/sRYPM-sKW74
Thanks to the Institute of Military Technology for allowing me to have access to these, the only two existing AR-16 examples film for you! Check them out at:
http://www.patreon.com/ForgottenWeapons
http://www.floatplane.com/channel/ForgottenWeapons
Cool Forgotten Weapons merch! http://shop.forgottenweapons.com
At Forgotten Weapons I think the most interesting guns out there are the most obscure ones. I try to search out experimental and prototype weapons and show you how they work, in addition to more conventional guns that you may not have heard of before. You’re much more likely to find a video on the Cei Rigotti or Webley-Fosbery here than an AR or Glock. So, do you want to learn about something new today? Then stick around!
Items you may have missed...
Lock times 1: Handgonne in slow motion
Lee-Enfield No.4 Action Extreme Stress Test
Rock Island Arsenal M15 General Officer’s Model
Hotchkiss Universal on the PCC Course of Fire
Britishmuzzleloaders and the Emma Gee: A visit to The Vickers MG Collection and Research Association
Fully Transferrable AR-18 Prototype August Premier Bedford, TX