If it didn’t have measurable advantage over other rifles why did the US military adopt the M-16? The M-16 was derived from the AR-15. The semi-auto characteristic is just one aspect of the rifle. No one, pro-gun, anti-gun, or anywhere in between takes the opinion “all semi-auto rifles are the same” seriously, because its ridiculously reductive and just not true. Its weight, length, ease of use, magazine capacity, and ammo type all significantly factor into its performance. Are you trying to be honest or are you emotionally blinded on this topic?