CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The AR-15 is one of the most controversial weapons in America.
Modern sporting rifles like the AR-15 have skyrocketed in popularity in recent years, thanks to their lightweight and customizable design.
It's now the best-selling rifle in the U.S., with almost every major gunmaker producing its own version of the weapon.
MORE NEWS: Law enforcement agencies reflect on shooter training in wake of Nashville school shooting
A new survey from the Washington Post and IPSOS found about 1 in 20 American adults, that's about 16 million people, own the military-style rifle.
But while it's revered as a modern-day musket, it's reviled as a tool for mass killers.
Ten of the 17 deadliest American mass shootings since 2012 have involved AR-15s.
Projectiles shot from the rifle inflict much more damage to human tissue than the typical handgun, which is used in most shootings.
After each mass shooting, there are calls for new bans of the rifle at the state and federal levels.
Sales of the weapon soar after each major shooting and contentious presidential campaign, according to data.
That just helps to increase the status of 'America's gun."
MORE CONNECT-THE-DOTS STORIES
MORE ON WCNC
Flashpoint is a weekly in-depth look at politics in Charlotte, North Carolina, South Carolina, and beyond with host Ben Thompson. Listen to the podcast weekly.
SUBSCRIBE: Apple Podcasts || Spotify || Stitcher || Google Podcasts
All of WCNC Charlotte's podcasts are free and available for both streaming and download. You can listen now on Android, iPhone, Amazon, and other internet-connected devices. Join us from North Carolina, South Carolina, or on the go anywhere.
Locked On is the leading podcast network for local sports and is owned by WCNC Charlotte's parent company TEGNA.
Listen to Locked On here.
All of WCNC Charlotte's podcasts are free and available for both streaming and download. You can listen now on Android, iPhone, Amazon, and other internet-connected devices. Join us from North Carolina, South Carolina, or on the go anywhere.
Wake Up Charlotte To Go is a daily news and weather podcast you can listen to so you can start your day with the team at Wake Up Charlotte.
SUBSCRIBE: Apple Podcasts || Spotify || Stitcher || TuneIn || Google Podcasts
All of WCNC Charlotte's podcasts are free and available for both streaming and download. You can listen now on Android, iPhone, Amazon, and other internet-connected devices. Join us from North Carolina, South Carolina, or on the go anywhere.