ArmaLite AR-5
ArmaLite, Inc. · Rifle · Discontinued · 1956
Also known as: MA-1, AR-5 Survival Rifle, MA-1 Aircrew Survival Rifle
Overview
The ArmaLite AR-5 is a lightweight bolt-action takedown survival rifle chambered in .22 Hornet, designed by Eugene Stoner and adopted by the United States Air Force in 1956 as the MA-1 aircrew survival rifle. Built largely from aluminum alloy and fiberglass to minimize weight, the rifle could be field-stripped into its receiver, barrel, and magazine, all of which stowed inside its hollow buttstock. The resulting package was buoyant enough to float when dropped in water, making it well suited for stowage in cramped aircraft cockpits and ejection-seat survival kits.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 1130 g (39.9 oz) |
| Overall Length | 787 mm (30.98") |
| Barrel Length | 356 mm (14.02") |
| Action Type | Bolt Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Striker Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 4 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 723 m/s (2372 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 763 J (563 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 100 m (109 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Frame Material | Aluminum Alloy |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Fiberglass |
| Finish | Anodized |
Calibers
- .22 Hornet · primary — also known as 5.6x35mmR
Features
- Firing modes: Repeating
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety
- Features: Takedown Design, Stows In Buttstock, Floats In Water, Lightweight Construction, Detachable Box Magazine
Service history
Operators
- United States Air Force · adopted 1956 · as MA-1
Production
Production years: 1956-1959
Adopted but produced only in small numbers; the USAF retained existing survival-weapon stocks instead of fielding the AR-5 widely.
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Designer: Eugene Stoner
Discontinued: 1959
Notes
Although adopted by the USAF, the AR-5 was never produced in significant quantity because the service had large stocks of existing M4 and M6 survival weapons. Its commercial descendant, the semi-automatic AR-7, became far more widespread.
Background
The MA-1 adoption was a watershed for ArmaLite, establishing the young Costa Mesa company as a recognized firearms maker and paving the way for Eugene Stoner's later AR-10 and AR-15 designs.