Whether you think Eugene Stoner was a genius or prefer Mikhail Kalashnikov's AKM platform it is hard to ignore the M16 as a weapons system. Since its introduction in Vietnam and up to its current use in Iraq, the M16 has held a certain mystique and controversy. Opinions on the M16 and AR-15 cover a wide spectrum. On one hand, it is praised as an out of the box 600 yard accurate dispenser of 5.56 NATO or .223 Remington lethality with no recoil, light weight with perfect ergonomics by the high speed low drag crowd. Sounds perfect. Perhaps, almost too good to be true. Maybe that is what we love about the AR, it is so American. It is what the Good Guys carry and yes, we can have it all.

Detractors are quick to point out the little centerfire ammunition is inadequate due to weak terminal ballistics. The fact a that forward assist even exist verifies the weapon's gas system and BGC (Bolt Carrier Group) is unfit for battle. That is why your extractor will shatter into pieces if you even price steel cased ammo. To make matters worse when your AR fails, it is too frail to attach a bayonet if it has a bayonet lug. Politics have left some without that little tidbit below the front sight base or a 30 round magazine.

Perhaps even more diverse than the opinions are the people behind them. The survivalist prepping for SHTF or TEOWAWKI and Roof Top Voter have theirs. The competitive target shooter has his. The average shooter has one. Ask any member of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, National Guard or Coast Guard and you will probably get an AR story. Law enforcement is also an area where the AR is in use. Many LEO including SWAT, DEA, FBI and local police are well versed on the AR.

While I'm not sure what Special Operations units like SEAL or Ranger teams use, it is easy to picture them with a M16 SOPMOD variant.

With all the big manufacturers such as Armalite, Bushmaster, Colt, DPMS, Olympic, Rock River, Smith & Wesson, Stag and some smaller ones such as CMMG or Wilson Combat there is much debate on which brand to buy.

Variations can seem endless with A1, A2, A3, A4 spec, Carry handles, Flattops, Optical sights, HBAR and other barrel differences like twist rate, length and Flash Suppressor.

If that is not enough, you can then add a Picatinny rail and more accessories. You can decide on lights, vertical fore grips, stocks, handguards, slings or how many sighting systems one AR needs. You just draw the line between tactical and tacticool where you want it.

Owning an AR-15 comes down to personal opinions and choices. Most of all it should be fun.