AR-5

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The AR-5 was the basis of the MA-1 aircrew survival rifle, adopted by the USAF in 1956. The AR-5 was developed by ArmaLite, a division of Fairchild Engine and Airplane Corporation. ArmaLite's website [1] notes the AR-5 was submitted in response to an Air Force request shortly after the division was established on October 1, 1954.

The MA-1 was a four-shot, bolt-action rifle, chambered for the .22 Hornet cartridge. Parenthetically, the .22 Hornet is somewhat heavier than the common .22 Long Rifle cartridge, with a higher velocity and range, yet with a relatively light, controllable recoil.

Designed to be stowed in cramped aircraft cockpits, the rifle was made from lightweight plastics and aluminum alloys. The MA-1 was unique for being able to be disassembled, and all working parts stored within the stock. When stowed in this manner, the rifle was able to float^[1]. The MA-1 established ArmaLite as a firearms company to be reckoned with, leading to several other rifles of varying success. However, the USAF never received funding to buy more than the original 12 test models.

Of note in this context is the AR-7, an eight-shot semi-automatic rifle chambered for the .22 Long Rifle cartridge. Released in 1959[2] as a civilian survival weapon, the AR-7 is related to the AR-5 in terms of its overall design, retaining the same modular takedown, storage in stock, and the ability to float. Photos of the early ArmaLite product line can be found here.