Your going to have to show a source for that one. Stoner developed the AR15/M16 platform as a replacement for the M14, not for plinking or hunting. Unless you consider hunting humans, then yes it was designed for hunting.
Armalite and Stoner had already produced rifles before that. The AR-10 was designed to
compete with the M14; not to replace it. The AR-15 only happened because the AR-10 didn't perform in testing.
He's probably talking about the round and ideas behind it, though, unless he's got a really good memory and a lot of interest. They were civilian developments encouraging high speed and precision. In other words, designed specifically to go downrange in high numbers and tight groups, as well as penetrate effectively. The perfected varmint rifle was being created.
Those rounds and concepts became the core upon which the entire AR-15 was formed. Polymers had been used many times already in civilian arms, as well; and so had aluminum and more "pistol-style" grips than traditional. All the pieces had been on the table for decades, with only the round being developed within ten years or so of the rifle.
Stoner was no fool, but Armalite was a small business full of glorified hobbyists. That's one of the things that really pissed people off. They took what they saw and modified it. One of their most interesting innovations, the composite barrel, is just now flirting with popularity.
In many ways the AR-15 was either inspired or preceded by civilian innovation and weaponry. The really shitty thing about it all? You used to be able to easily dig this stuff up. Now you can't, unless you want to waste time or get paid for it.
I won't be presenting any sources, either. Not even going to look. Not even going to dig up the initial intent firearm that was indeed designed with civilian use in mind, as Armalite wanted to hit the big markets when the red tape held them up.
Why? It's a pain in the ass now, and it doesn't matter anymore. It's too late. Either way, I've watched that information pulled and edited for a number of years now, and buried. You ain't never getting it back unless you hit a library, and even
books aren't safe these days.
Cheers,
Kennith