Eugene Stoner

Full Name: Eugene Morrison Stoner
Profession: Inventor

Nationality:

Biography: Eugene Stoner was an American firearms designer, best known for developing the AR-15 rifle, which was later adapted into the military M16 and M4 Carbine rifles. His work has had a significant impact on the design of modern infantry weapons, particularly in the United States, where his designs have been widely adopted by both military and civilian firearms users.

Stoner's career in firearms design began after World War II, when he started working in the aviation industry. His knowledge of lightweight aircraft materials would later be instrumental in his firearms designs, which often utilized alloys and plastics to reduce weight without sacrificing strength.

His first significant design was the AR-10 battle rifle in the late 1950s, a lightweight, gas-operated rifle that used advanced materials and manufacturing techniques. While the AR-10 did not achieve commercial success, it laid the groundwork for the AR-15. Introduced in the early 1960s, the AR-15 was lighter and smaller than its predecessor, firing a new, smaller caliber .223 round. The rifle was ultimately adopted by the U.S. military as the M16, which has remained in service in various forms to the present day.

After the success of the AR-15/M16, Stoner continued his work in firearms design, contributing to several other notable projects including the Stoner 63 weapons system and the Future Assault Rifle Concept (FARC). He worked in the firearms industry up until his death in 1997.

Born: November 22, 1922
Birthplace: Gosport, Indiana, USA

Generation: Greatest Generation
Chinese Zodiac: Dog
Star Sign: Sagittarius

Died: April 24, 1997 (aged 74)
Cause of Death: Cancer