How do you really feel about AR-15s?

I've been a long-time lurker here (never posted much), but I have observed that many people here absolutely despise the concept of the AR platform and the fact that it is so popular. I've read looong, angry, passionate diatribes from experienced members here about how it's overused, how it's a terrible hunting rifle due to 5.56, how it's a fad that needs to die, etc. It seems that many people here have an inherent dislike for the platform, and it's often mocked by veteran gun owners.<br><br>I've been buying guns since my early 20s, and I have been fairly eclectic thus far. I've owned:<br><br>* A 9mm Glock to learn about pistols<br>* A 9mm BHP for the history and beauty of the design<br>* A .357 revolver for the versatility and because I just like wheelguns<br>* A .380 for a pocket gun<br>* A pump 12 gauge for home defense and skeet<br>* A bolt action .308 for hunting (first real centerfire rifle I owned)<br>* A bolt action 30-06 for hunting (bigger game)<br>* A .22 bolt action Marlin for plinking<br><br>And while each have their place, I just recently purchased my first AR-15 this year (a Colt 6920). Previously, I just kind of viewed them as "not my cup of tea". But after finally purchasing one and shooting it... I get it now. And I _get why_ looong, heavy, clunky, wooden rifles with fixed mags are not nearly as fun.<br><br>I now understand why veterans all swear by them, why they're great for personal defense, why they're so good for home defense, why 5.56 is so widely used for certain hunting (I use it for coyotes now), and why it's such a wonderful rifle for beginners. I kind of knew most of these reasons already, but until I owned one and actually shot it extensively, I never understood just how fun they are. <br><br>Living in Arizona, I take it out pretty regularly to shoot prairie dogs, coyotes, and other varmints. I've shot it more than all my other guns _combined_ over the last year. I just absolutely love shooting it. With a can on it, it's just about perfect. I've learned all the ins and outs of the system, and I swear by it. <br><br>So I thought I'd make a post to guage interest, just for my own curiosity.<br><br>How do you really feel about AR-15s?<br><br>**EDIT:** Wow, this kinda blew up. My guess is that the vast majority of you are AR owners, and that the vocal minority of those who complain about them are just, well, a vocal minority. I think the poll accurately reflects how people in this community really feel. Thanks all!