Quote:
Originally Posted by mpipes
The AR platform was common but not the #1 seller it is today. There were dozens available at every gunshow I have ever been too. Galils were getting pretty popular; bought mine in 1985. AKs started showing up in 1983 or so.
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One of the issues with ARs not being "prolific" like they are today was Colt's IRONCLAD SOLE OWNERSHIP of the AR rights. They were only producing a few thousand civilian rifles a year because of the military contract for the A2. Then the ban hit and that was that. When their exclusive rights ended around the turn of the Century, EVERYONE began bidding on government contracts for M16s. Then the Ban expired in 2004 and things really took off.