American Gun: The True Story of the AR-15

Wall Street Journal reporters McWhirter (Red Summer) and Elinson offer a meticulously researched chronicle of the AR-15. Covering politics, profit, technology, legality, and culture, the authors detail the history of this controversial weapon from its creation through the present day. The lightweight and easy-to-use AR-15 was invented by amateur gun designer Eugene Stoner and his team in the 1950s to counter the AK-47 used by Communist forces during the Cold War. The story goes from the military-industrial complex’s procurement system—rife with bureaucratic infighting—to the past decades’ mass shootings, including the tragic 2017 Las Vegas shooting. Along the way, listeners come into contact with both famous and little-known personages and events—Arthur Godfrey, General Curtis LeMay, John Wayne, Chris Waltz, Sandy Hook, Ben Wheeler, Adam Lanza, Stephen Paddock, and Robert McNamara, to name just a few. This account is enhanced by Roger Wayne’s narration, which is measured and calming yet shows enough emotion to make the story relatable.