The M16 became the standard issue rifle for the U.S. military and many other armed forces around the world, solidifying its place in military history.

The AR-15 design, in its semi-automatic civilian variants, became incredibly popular in the United States for sporting, hunting, and self-defense purposes. It's one of the most popular rifle platforms in America.

Stoner's designs, particularly the AR-15, influenced countless other firearms designs, with many modern rifles adopting similar features such as direct impingement gas systems, modularity, and lightweight materials.

Eugene Stoner received posthumous recognition for his contributions to firearms design, cementing his legacy as one of the most influential figures in the field.