It is both lethal and legal, loved by some and feared by others – the AR-15 semi-automatic rifle – seven pounds of metal and plastic that has become a lightning rod in a wrenching national debate over whether such guns belong in civilian hands. The AR-15, with an estimated four million in circulation, has become a symbol of freedom to many of its owners and is now America’s most famous, and infamous, firearm.

On Thursday, April 25th at 10PM ET/PT, CNBC Prime presents “America’s Gun: The Rise of the AR-15,” a one-hour documentary reported by Brian Sullivan, that examines the controversy surrounding this high-powered rifle. The program profiles a broad range of dealers, instructors and owners who are AR-15 enthusiasts and have made it America’s preferred rifle for hunting and sports shooting. CNBC also speaks with extremists and provocateurs who have threatened violence if their gun rights are denied.

Brian Sullivan discusses some of these issues, touches on some topics that will be covered in the documentary, plus shares what he learned from working on the story:

Tune in to CNBC Thursday, April 25th at 10PM ET/PT to watch “America’s Gun: The Rise of the AR-15.”