Welcome back to the 43rd installment of my blog, in which I don’t claim to be an expert, in fact, the opposite. I’m a new user to the AR platform and want to share my findings and experiences as I go through and build rifles as well as being the Operations Manager at Tyrant Designs.

If someone asked you what you thought was the most iconic American gun, what would you say? The first gun that comes to my mind is the AR-15, but that’s just because how relevant it is currently. There has been a handful of American firearms that I believe could be considered the most iconic and I will make a case for each.

1. Colt Model 1851 Navy Revolver

Even though the Paterson was the first revolver produced by Colt, the model 1851 was much more successful. Commercially, it was extremely popular and very reliable. In fact, this is the first successful handgun in American history, which makes it an easy shoe-in for most iconic American gun. I also think it will replace my M&P Shield as my new EDC.

2. Winchester Model 1873 Lever Action

Also known as the gun that won the west. This lever action rifle was the most popular rifle for Americans living among the new territories in the west. You’d be hard-pressed to have never seen this rifle in a western film or TV show.

3. Springfield Model 1903 Bolt Action

As you might have guessed, this rifle has been a US Military staple starting in 1903. It was the most popular rifle during World War I and was still used in World War II. The rifle remained as a service sniper during World War II, the Korean War, and early stages of Vietnam.

4. M1 Garand Semi-Auto

A favorite of General George S. Patton, this rifle was a game changer for the US. It replaced the bolt action model 1903 and boasted a much higher rate of fire and had 8 round clips. These rifles were deadly accurate and reliable. Check out those “Clips”.

5. Thompson Submachine Gun

One of the most iconic looking guns in American history, this gun was at the height of its popularity during the age of prohibition. It’s more synonymous with American gangsters, but this gun was also used by police and law enforcement.

6. Colt Model 1911

This semi-automatic pistol has been carried by our armed forces since 1911. Virtually unchanged since its introduction, this gun is chambered in .45 and has some power as well as low recoil. It wasn’t until 1986 that our armed forces started phasing them out and replacing them with the 9mm Beretta M9.

7. AR-15

Chances are if you subscribe to my blog, you have heard of this rifle. It is the semi-automatic version of the US Military’s M16 rifle. Magazine-fed and gas operated, this rifle was designed by Eugene Stoner (not a pothead). It has been virtually unchanged since its introduction in 1963. Also known as the Mr. Potato head of rifles, it is fully customizable and can be chambered in many different calibers.

As I typed out this list of American firearms, it made me further question my original selection being the AR-15. I think I’m going to stick with my first selection as I did vote from the heart. This is not science, it’s opinion and I’m curious to see what you think! Leave a comment below.