Quote Originally Posted by rxer311 View Post
I think if he had access to all the modern materials and manufacturing capabilities we have today and he started designing today, the rifle would probably look nothing like an AR-15.

The AR was revolutionary for its time, but much has changed in 50+ years. If he had a clean slate...who knows. Titanium, carbon fiber? A completely different rifle.
I think you're right, however we still have modern firearms that look and operate much the same. There are plenty of manufacturers building brand new stuff, where is the "Plasma gun in the 40-Watt range"?