My hot take - if you own an AR-15 you have a few loose screws

[Anonymous]

“Not good for hunting.” Depends on the game. The 5.56x45 cartridge is considered a “varmint” round, typically used to get rid of prairie dogs and the like. It is ordinarily viewed as inadequate for deer or larger animals. It does OK against feral swine.

“Disintegrate the trophy or meat.” You’ve been watching too many movies. They’re bullets, not hand grenades.

“the firearm is 4x more powerful than a 9mm handgun and will go through multiple walls and potentially hit your family.”. I don’t know how you’re measuring “power,” but a 5.56 round actually is less likely than a 9mm to penetrate drywall and framing; if you’re “potentially hitting your family” you’re violating Safety Rule no. 4: “be sure of your target and what’s beyond it.”

“Assault rifle.” An AR15 lacks fully automatic capability. It cannot, by any definition, be an “assault weapon.” It is no different in operation than numerous other rifles, many if not most of them predating WWII. It just “looks scary.”

Target shooting is a sport. It is difficult. It requires study, training, practice and self-discipline. The AR15 is the gun of choice for “high power” and “service rifle” competition, where people challenge themselves to place those tiny little bullets precisely at distances up to 600 yards, without (until recently) any optical aids — only “iron sights.”

Self defense is a natural right. The right to self defense Carrie’s with it the right to the efficacious means of self defense.

Instead of blaming inanimate objects you know nothing about, and disparaging people with interests (and self discipline) you do not share, why don’t you ask yourself (1) why are these shootings occurring now, when guns are heavily regulated, instead of in the past, when a person could buy a gun cash and carry at the local K-Mart with no regulation or records; (2) why, after too many such events, schools are still sitting ducks for demented, evil, sick people — other places are secure; why aren’t schools; (3) why are there so many demented, evil, sick people who think it’s appropriate or desirable to do such things — what is making them that way; (4) why are the perpetrators of these things not being identified in advance — in the vast majority of cases their crimes surprise no one who knew them.

Hello wanna-be gun nut. Are you an NRA member so you can feel part of something meaningful in your life? If so, hello sucker. If you are one of these suckers, your money was used to fly Wayne Lapierre on private jets to Caribbean islands to vacay with his family. He profits and luxuriates thanks to death and killing and lots of suckers. All of our children are placed at risk and terrified by shooter drills thanks to this evil profiteering and the R voters who support it.

"Wayne LaPierre used the NRA as a 'personal piggy bank,' N.Y. attorney general says
Trips to the Bahamas, private jets and luxury hotel suites were some of the ways the CEO and other executives are alleged to have used the nonprofit's money."

[Anonymous]

majority of mass shooting are from handguns

https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2022/02/03/what-the-data-says-about-gun-deaths-in-the-u-s/

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:majority of mass shooting are from handguns

https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2022/02/03/what-the-data-says-about-gun-deaths-in-the-u-s/

....which is why 18 year-olds go buy AR-15s for their mass shootings. Because they are not allowed to own handguns until age 21.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It's funny that you think banning AR-15s would make any difference.

Another proud voice from the Ammosexual Community. Welcome, sir!

Paying for Wayne LaPierre's facelift to own the libs!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:majority of mass shooting are from handguns

https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2022/02/03/what-the-data-says-about-gun-deaths-in-the-u-s/

....which is why 18 year-olds go buy AR-15s for their mass shootings. Because they are not allowed to own handguns until age 21.

game.. set.. match.

[Anonymous]

“Assault rifle.” An AR15 lacks fully automatic capability. It cannot, by any definition, be an “assault weapon.” It is no different in operation than numerous other rifles, many if not most of them predating WWII. It just “looks scary.”

Nobody here claimed that AR-15s are fully automatic.

And if you are struggling with the definition of “assault rifle”, here is a good start for you:
https://www.cga.ct.gov/2013/rpt/2013-R-0241.htm

The law defines an “assault weapon” as (1) a selective-fire firearm capable of fully automatic, semiautomatic, or burst fire at the user's option; (2) any of more than 150 named semiautomatic firearms, including semiautomatic centerfire rifles and semiautomatic pistols (see Appendix 1); (3) a semiautomatic firearm that has certain features; and (4) a shotgun with a revolving cylinder.

The definition of an “assault weapon” includes any part or combination of parts designed or intended to convert a firearm into an assault weapon or any combination of parts from which one may be rapidly assembled if possessed or controlled by the same person. It does not include (1) firearms rendered permanently inoperable or (2) unassembled parts or combination of parts possessed by a licensed gun dealer or gunsmith he or she employs for repairing or servicing a lawfully possessed weapon.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:majority of mass shooting are from handguns

https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2022/02/03/what-the-data-says-about-gun-deaths-in-the-u-s/

Which is why we need to address this complex issue from multiple angles.

The common sense thread has good ideas.

[Anonymous]

After seeing the incompetence of the police in this situation and so many others like it, how can you possibly leave your family’s safety and security to anyone but yourself? After all, can you blame a human being for exhibiting fear in a fearful situation? When they have a spouse and children to come home to as well?

We own a lot of firearms and my husband is in the industry. Unfortunately, the police aren’t trained nearly as much as you’d think. I believe they have to get their recertification every 3 years. Some of them won’t practice at all during that time. My DH is at the range weekly and is a range safety officer as well as a licensed instructor, though that isn’t his primary job. He’s certified so that he can take executives and inexperienced people to the range and know how to give them the basics. I know that there are those on this board who like to paint a picture of the typical firearm owner as being some loaner in his basement plotting to take over the world but I assure you that 100+ million households would prove otherwise. These are people from every walk of life, ethnicity, background, social class, religion, political persuasion.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Agree or disagree? It's not a good gun for hunting - you'll disintegrate the trophy or meat. It's actually pretty terrible for home defense, as the the firearm is 4x more powerful than a 9mm handgun and will go through multiple walls and potentially hit your family.

So that really comes down to two reasons: (1) you intend to massacre a group of people as quickly and efficiently as possible or (2) because you LARP as an "operator" and somehow that gives you a sense of self-worth and confidence.

There's no reason to own this fire arm, unless you're a bit of a nutcase.

The. End.

“Not good for hunting.” Depends on the game. The 5.56x45 cartridge is considered a “varmint” round, typically used to get rid of prairie dogs and the like. It is ordinarily viewed as inadequate for deer or larger animals. It does OK against feral swine.

“Disintegrate the trophy or meat.” You’ve been watching too many movies. They’re bullets, not hand grenades.

“the firearm is 4x more powerful than a 9mm handgun and will go through multiple walls and potentially hit your family.”. I don’t know how you’re measuring “power,” but a 5.56 round actually is less likely than a 9mm to penetrate drywall and framing; if you’re “potentially hitting your family” you’re violating Safety Rule no. 4: “be sure of your target and what’s beyond it.”

“Assault rifle.” An AR15 lacks fully automatic capability. It cannot, by any definition, be an “assault weapon.” It is no different in operation than numerous other rifles, many if not most of them predating WWII. It just “looks scary.”

Target shooting is a sport. It is difficult. It requires study, training, practice and self-discipline. The AR15 is the gun of choice for “high power” and “service rifle” competition, where people challenge themselves to place those tiny little bullets precisely at distances up to 600 yards, without (until recently) any optical aids — only “iron sights.”

Self defense is a natural right. The right to self defense Carrie’s with it the right to the efficacious means of self defense.

Instead of blaming inanimate objects you know nothing about, and disparaging people with interests (and self discipline) you do not share, why don’t you ask yourself (1) why are these shootings occurring now, when guns are heavily regulated, instead of in the past, when a person could buy a gun cash and carry at the local K-Mart with no regulation or records; (2) why, after too many such events, schools are still sitting ducks for demented, evil, sick people — other places are secure; why aren’t schools; (3) why are there so many demented, evil, sick people who think it’s appropriate or desirable to do such things — what is making them that way; (4) why are the perpetrators of these things not being identified in advance — in the vast majority of cases their crimes surprise no one who knew them.

I'll bite.

I grew up around guns, hunters, LEO, and military.

1. One company, Colt, manufactured AR-15s prior to 1990. The manufactured only limited quantities, and even *stop manufacturing them* after a mass shooting that killed 5 children. The patent expired in 1990, other companies began manufacturing them, and sales skyrocketed from a few thousand to millions. So in the past, people could not buy weapons that could kill dozens in mere moments. A pistol has nowhere near the same killing capacity - you have to aim and reload, so 1. Fewer people are killed and 2. Would-be mass murderers don't even consider it an option for the most part, because it would require training and have a low success rate.

2. What places are secure? Mass shootings happen in all kinds of places. Churches, WalMart, restaurants, office buildings. Do you suggest every building have armed guards and metal detectors?

3. There have always been sick, evil, demented people. Look at how this country treated Africans and Indigenous people - it was absolutely sick, evil, and demented. And what public policies do you suggest we enact to combat "sick and evil"? You can't pass a law saying "don't be sick and evil". You can't pass a law requiring everyone to receive mental health services (would you even want to? Or does that also infringe on your freedoms?). You can't pass a law requiring parents to raise their children in certain ways to prevent "sick and evil". You CAN, however, have public policy that prevents these people from gaining access to things that can kill people.

4. These people are flagged, but because of our rights, there is not much that can be done. I have LEO family that investigate people who threaten to carry out shootings. Not much can be done besides a stern talking-to. What are you going to do? Lock up millions of people who make a bad joke? What about our freedom of speech? Also, I worked in a school, and some boys make very, very dumb jokes. Some are on the spectrum and don't understand why they can't say certain things. There's no way to tell them from the actual threats. Do we just kick them all out of school? Take them away from their parents? Force them to undergo mental health treatment, therefore undermining their parents' rights?

What exactly do you propose? More mental health services? More flagging and monitoring? Where will the money for this come from? Are you willing to fork over more of your salary so we can do these things? Are you willing to endure higher taxes so we can provide the family services that actually help people?

Ever single LEO I know who has worked mass shootings wants stronger gun laws. Every single one. And the stories they tell are chilling. I know LEO who responded to Sandy Hook and El Paso. Wanna know what it was like at El Paso? Dead silence, except for the sound of dozens of cell phones ringing on dead bodies as people called their loved ones to see if they were alive.

I know hunters. They don't use AR-15s. Know what the people I know who most enjoy hunting use? Bow & arrow. Because it's not about killing, it's about an experience of tracking, being in nature, and providing yourself with just enough meat to feed yourself.

"Sport" is not a justification for keeping these firearms legal. A handful of people who enjoy shooting at a target is not a justification. If they want to shoot an AR-15 that badly, they can join the military. They'll get plenty of practice.

An AR-15 is not used for self-defense. Statistically, a firearm in the home is more likely to shoot an inhabitant than an intruder. Statistically, you are much safer locking yourself in a room and allowing them to steal whatever they want, rather than trying to confront them. How exactly do you think you will protect yourself with an AR-15? Spray bullets at them, likely hitting innocent people as well? Also shooting your neighbors or someone walking down the street?

But I'm all ears. Please explain to your solutions. REAL solutions, not just some vague idea that we need better family values.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:In reading the news reports, the bad guy could have been in the classroom with a baseball bat and a fake gun and done as much damage because the cops refused to enter for an hour.

So much for Texans being tough and all that. What a terrible fiasco for everyone.

absolutely not. Damage from AR15 is horrific, way worse than a normal handgun, a knife or baseball bat. Ask doctors who have treated AR15 victims.

Bear in mind that an “AR15” encompasses high velocity rifles of differing calibers that fire a variety of cartridges, both hollow point and metal jacket. Most typically it is a .223 for non-military use. The .223 is also a common caliber for bolt action and non-semiautomatic rifles and some handguns.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:majority of mass shooting are from handguns

https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2022/02/03/what-the-data-says-about-gun-deaths-in-the-u-s/

Which is why we need to address this complex issue from multiple angles.

The common sense thread has good ideas.

It wasn't complex in Australia or Scotland. There was a mass shooting, the people said nope, laws were passed and it didn't happen again.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:After seeing the incompetence of the police in this situation and so many others like it, how can you possibly leave your family’s safety and security to anyone but yourself? After all, can you blame a human being for exhibiting fear in a fearful situation? When they have a spouse and children to come home to as well?

We own a lot of firearms and my husband is in the industry. Unfortunately, the police aren’t trained nearly as much as you’d think. I believe they have to get their recertification every 3 years. Some of them won’t practice at all during that time. My DH is at the range weekly and is a range safety officer as well as a licensed instructor, though that isn’t his primary job. He’s certified so that he can take executives and inexperienced people to the range and know how to give them the basics. I know that there are those on this board who like to paint a picture of the typical firearm owner as being some loaner in his basement plotting to take over the world but I assure you that 100+ million households would prove otherwise. These are people from every walk of life, ethnicity, background, social class, religion, political persuasion.

What percentage of 18-21 year old men have extensive gun training?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:After seeing the incompetence of the police in this situation and so many others like it, how can you possibly leave your family’s safety and security to anyone but yourself? After all, can you blame a human being for exhibiting fear in a fearful situation? When they have a spouse and children to come home to as well?

We own a lot of firearms and my husband is in the industry. Unfortunately, the police aren’t trained nearly as much as you’d think. I believe they have to get their recertification every 3 years. Some of them won’t practice at all during that time. My DH is at the range weekly and is a range safety officer as well as a licensed instructor, though that isn’t his primary job. He’s certified so that he can take executives and inexperienced people to the range and know how to give them the basics. I know that there are those on this board who like to paint a picture of the typical firearm owner as being some loaner in his basement plotting to take over the world but I assure you that 100+ million households would prove otherwise. These are people from every walk of life, ethnicity, background, social class, religion, political persuasion.

What are you arguing for here, exactly?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Wives of DCUM: do you feel safe knowing your husbands owns one of these? What's his mental health REALLY like?

The few guys I know who own an AR all have "issues" of some sort - maladjusted socially, can't keep a stable relationship, anger issues, tend to drink too much, etc.

This specific firearm seems to appeal to fragile/unstable men for whatever reason. My guess is the marketing and online culture that has sprung up around this weapon feels empowering.

This - my Trump loving, "you'll pry my guns from my dead hands" brother, who 15 years ago agreed the NRA was overstepping, agreed that common sense gun control, like registration and a waiting period etc made sense, has increasing gone off the deep end along with his 20 something son. It's crazy because he's highly educated - an engineer in charge of just shy of 100 engineers working on global projects. He's in the midwest and many of his fellow workers were further along this path and between Fox and them, he's jumped into the deep end. No rational discussion possible. He is fairly recently sober and definitely has anger issues. I notice they've completely bought into the fear spread by Russia/GOP/Trump/Tucker too.

I'm for separating out the red states from the blue at this point and let them fend for themselves tax-wise. It is literally a different reality in the midwest and I don't see any reasonable solution short of civil war at this point.

[Anonymous]

Anyone who owns one is compensating for something. The end.