One of the many creations of Eugene Stoner (inventor of the M16), the AR-18 was intended to be a cheaper and easier to build alternative to the M16 during the Cold War. Though the rifle saw limited use, it did become a symbol of the conflict in Ireland and Northern Ireland in the 20th century where a number of them were smuggled into Ireland and fielded against British forces. The AR18 also influenced the design of other rifles such as the SA80/L85 and the G36.