What if the AR15 had not been created?

[pinzgauer]

But, what Stoner did was to copy features of several previous weapons and incorporate them into the AR design. I give Stoner credit for first-class engineering ability, but to my mind a "genius" comes up with something original, he doesn't just rearrange what's already been done by others.

The Stoner genius was that he designed a rifle that can be assembled into a reliable, light, strong performing rifle with zero hand fitting. Out of a box of random parts. And is comparatively accurate out of the box. And has a minimal parts count. With great ergonomics. That is easy for untrained people to shoot to military standards.

For years I did not get it. Until I built them myself, and really understood how they go together. How all the critical tolerances are managed at mfg rather than by hand fitting. (Barrel extension as the sole exception).

Appreciation of direct impingement vs alternatives took longer to understand. And again, took some experience with cleaning (or not) AR bolts, carriers, etc. And I realize that much of the maligned rep of the AR comes from US military "white glove" inspection traditions. Which has now been measurably documented to create malfs, increase wear, and shorten service life.

There are other designs I also like. But to me and others, Stoner was a genius. Maybe not as vaunted as John Browning, but he's up there in the top 5-10 firearms designers.