What if the AR15 had not been created?

[stanc]

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.

Sorry, but all that is just top notch engineering, in my book. Plus, considering that almost everything about Stoner's design had been done before, I find it difficult to classify it as genius.

- Straight-line stock
- Buffer tube
- Pistol grip
- Bolt carrier
- Multi-lug rotating bolt
- Direct impingement gas system
- Hinged upper and lower receivers
- Plastic furniture

All of these were used in weapons that preceded the AR.

With great ergonomics.

Honestly, I don't see what's so great about AR ergonomics.

The original charging handle could be grasped by only one finger. The standard T-handle isn't much better, and is located where leverage is poor. On many other designs, the charging handle is large enough to be grabbed with the palm, not just a finger or two, and usually located where leverage is greater.

And insofar as balance and handling are concerned, I rate this as superior:
[video=youtube;N06ySsT2EKU]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N06ySsT2EKU[/video]

That is easy for untrained people to shoot to military standards.

Ya mean, like this?
[video=youtube;ltsYULIT9I4]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ltsYULIT9I4[/video]