The AR-15/M16/M4 series rifle is undoubtedly the most popular rifle in the United States for all military, law enforcement and commercial markets. It is the most versatile platform of rifle on the face of the planet. Another rifle has crept up into that popularity, one that was on the scrap heap of the US Army for nearly 40 years; it would be the one that started it all, the AR-10. “Tomorrows Rifle Today” in the late 1950’s has turned out to be today’s rifle today! The rifle that Ordnance Corp would dismiss in the late 1950’s would have its day in the late 1990’s. And in the new millennium it would serve as the primary sniper rifle for the US Special Operations Command, as well as, the US Army replacing M24 bolt action rifles. But where did it all begin?
In 1953, George Sullivan gained interest by Richard Boutelle of Fairchild Engine and Aircraft for his idea of developing a small arms design firm. Boutelle, a gun enthusiast, invested capital to start up this new company on October 1, 1954. The money came from the research and development budget of Fairchild. This company would have an impact on the history and direction of the modern battle rifle in the US, beyond Sullivan’s and Boutelle’s expectations. The ArmaLite, Corporation was born. The Fairchild winged Pegasus would have a circle and cross hairs super imposed as the symbol of the new corporation. ArmaLite was envisioned to be a “think tank”, not a small arms manufacturer. The new designs were to be made but manufactured by a dedicated manufacturing facility.
In 1953, George Sullivan gained interest by Richard Boutelle of Fairchild Engine and Aircraft for his idea of developing a small arms design firm. Boutelle, a gun enthusiast, invested capital to start up this new company on October 1, 1954. The money came from the research and development budget of Fairchild. This company would have an impact on the history and direction of the modern battle rifle in the US, beyond Sullivan’s and Boutelle’s expectations. The ArmaLite, Corporation was born. The Fairchild winged Pegasus would have a circle and cross hairs super imposed as the symbol of the new corporation. ArmaLite was envisioned to be a “think tank”, not a small arms manufacturer. The new designs were to be made but manufactured by a dedicated manufacturing facility.
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