I think the charts posted in post 31 help to explain the rise of the AR.Part of which was the AWB. But the growth of sales in the U.S. began most after the ban was in place and real growth came in this century and after the ban was lifted. The real explosive growth came after the ban and coincided with a few other developments. I'll list these other factors in no particular order:
1. The first Gulf War. The gun was seen often in the arms of U.S. troops.
2. 9-11, Afghanistan and Iraq. Television and video showed us the rifle and the M4 in action.
3. The increased use of the AR by law enforcement in the U.S. made it more familiar to folks here and more people curious about it here.
4. The growing number of vets familiar with the weapon.
5. The internet made gun forums, you tube how to vids, and on line "gun gurus" more available.
6. Video games, movies and TV. For over 20 years now (kids to teens to adults) have seen it as an available "go to" weapon and popular.
7. The constant propaganda against the AR and AK spurred both panic buying and sincere increased interest in the guns along with a desire to get them before they were banned.
8. Political reaction to the attempts to ban them.
9. Growth of aftermarket parts and custom shops made the gun easily adaptable.
In the U.S. it's the use of a weapon by law enforcement and the military that stamps that gun, handgun or long gun, as a viable weapon. Telling folks that only we can have this weapon and you can't falls flat to millions.
Compare the charts in post 31 to the chart below: