Why Does Anyone Need an AR 15 Rifle?
When was the last time you heard that AR 15 assault rifles and other weapons of war have no place on our streets? Will banning or highly regulating all AR15 rifles make the average citizen safer? And who needs an AR 15 anyhow? Finally, what are the top reasons for owning an AR 15?
I hope to answer these questions and maybe challenge some pre-conceived thoughts on the topic.
The AR15, why does anyone need one?
This post started because a listener of our Concealed Carry Podcast called R.G. wrote in with a question:
Hey Guys,
Was listening to the recent News episode of the podcast. I had a question for you guys. I've been in some discussions with people who ask the infamous question, “Why does anyone need an AR 15?”… One response that I get that I would like to know how you would respond to is, “The same outcome could have been accomplished with a handgun or a shotgun.” … I have my response to that but I was curious to how you would respond to someone suggesting (telling) you what you should use for home defensive purposes.
No One Needs an AR 15:
I think gun owners need a logical, fact-based response to this question. Some of those wanting to regulate guns don't understand the complexity of gun legislation; often, they don't know how firearms operate.
Their opinion is based solely on emotion and the misinformation spread by the news.
Some people who want more gun control are kind-hearted people who believe that ‘gun control' will save lives.
- Clear up misconceptions about AR15 rifles and guns in general
- Address effectiveness of current legislation
- Propose what may work even better
Fact-Based Responses:
Telling someone they are wrong and you are right is rarely convincing. But facts and data can open eyes. For that reason, I have cited many references in this post and you can use the data in your discussions.
Why does anyone need an AR 15?
- I don't need an AR 15, but the 2nd Amendment protects my right to own one. It is a simple answer that stands alone. Outside of states that already have “assault rifle” bans, owning an AR 15 is not illegal. Making this simple statement turns the question back toward the person.
- The question is for them to explain why people shouldn't have an AR 15.
Likely responses to why you shouldn't have an AR 15 are:
- AR 15 rifles are military-grade – This is FALSE
- No military in the world uses a semi-automatic AR 15.
- Fully automatic/machine guns – This is FALSE
- They are semi-automatic, the same as 90% of other rifles and nearly 100% of handguns. And no semi-automatic and fully automatic are not ‘pretty much the same thing.'
The AR-15 is semi-automatic only—one shot per trigger squeeze. Fully automatic rifles can fire 3-round burst or continuously with a single trigger squeeze.
- AR-15 rifles are more lethal – This is FALSE.
- Guns are lethal. If they were not lethal, criminals wouldn't use them to hurt others, and good guys wouldn't use them to defend themselves and others.
- AR 15 use high or large-caliber ammunition – This is FALSE.
- The 5.56 cartridge is minuscule and has less kinetic energy than most popular hunting rifles. Look at the Remington 750 30-06 semi-automatic rifle. It doesn't look too scary. Look at the 30-06 cartridge of the Remington 750 and compare it to the 5.56 cartridge of the AR15. Clearly, there are far more ‘powerful' caliber rifles than that of the typical 5.56 AR 15.
- AR15 rifles come in several calibers. Should AR 15 style rifles that shoot .22LR ammunition be banned as well? If it is the caliber and not the rifle, which caliber(s) should we regulate?
The 5.56 cartridge used in AR15 rifles does not have close to the mass and kinetic energy of the 30-06, which is a common hunting caliber.
- AR 15rifles are never used for hunting – This is FALSE.
- AR 15 rifles are versatile, easily handled guns. They are very popular for killing coyotes and other predatory animals on farms and ranches across the country.
- Mass killers use AR 15 rifles more than any other guns – This is FALSE.
- I would direct you to this link from the FBI. It shows that ALL rifles used in homicides are only a tiny fraction of the types of firearms used in homicides. For example, in 2019, rifles of all kinds were used in 364 homicides. Compare that to the 6,368 homicides where criminals used a handgun. Or the 1,476 deaths where criminals used a knife or cutting instrument.
Weapons 2018 2019 Total 14,446 13,927 Total Firearms 10,445 10,258 Handguns 6,683 6,368 Rifles 305 364 Shotguns 237 200 Other Guns 164 45 Firearm, type not stated 3,056 3,281 Knives or cutting instuments 1,542 1,476 Blunt objects 455 397 Personal weapons (hand, fists, feet etc.) 712 600 Poison 6 16 Explosives 4 3 Fire 76 81 Narcotics 102 93 Drowning 9 7 Strangulation 75 64 Asphyxiation 92 92 Other or not stated 928 840 - AR 15 rifles are the gun of choice for mass shooters – This is FALSE.
- Killers used AR15 rifles in many mass casualty incidents, but they are not the “weapon of choice.” And the presumption that mass shootings or killings would not take place without the AR15 is factually incorrect.
- The Virginia Tech shooter used only handguns to kill 32 humans and wound 17. In Columbine, the deranged teens used handguns and shotguns. The Fort Hood shooter used handguns, and the list goes on.
- Here is a compilation of mass killing incidents and what guns the criminals used.
- The Virginia Tech shooter used only handguns to kill 32 humans and wound 17. In Columbine, the deranged teens used handguns and shotguns. The Fort Hood shooter used handguns, and the list goes on.
- Killers used AR15 rifles in many mass casualty incidents, but they are not the “weapon of choice.” And the presumption that mass shootings or killings would not take place without the AR15 is factually incorrect.
- AR 15 rifles can kill more people because of high-capacity magazines – This is FALSE.
- The term ‘High-capacity magazine' is a made-up term. The standard AR 15 magazine holds 30 rounds and only became “high capacity” when politicians asserted that limiting a magazine to a 10 round capacity would make the gun safer. No data shows a magazine of 11 rounds makes a gun more dangerous than that of a firearm with a 10 round magazine.
- Furthermore, no statistical evidence exists that shows any reduction in crime or mass shootings in states that have enacted laws banning magazines of 10 rounds or more.
- On a side note, the Parkland shooter used 10 round magazines. The magazine's capacity has nothing to do with the lethality of a firearm. Most people can change magazines quickly, negating the “more bullets = more lethal” concept. Furthermore, magazines holding over 10 rounds are not unique to AR 15 rifles. Magazine limit restrictions just don't work.
- Here is a video that compares overall shot times with various magazine sizes. The result is that magazine capacity does not play a significant role in how long it takes someone to shoot multiple rounds.
- AR 15 rifles only kill innocent humans – This is FALSE.
- People often use AR15 rifles to protect innocent lives. Of course, people quickly pivot away from this point, but it is factually accurate.
- Listed are just a few incidents where someone used an AR15 in self-defense. Anyone who searches for “AR15 used to save a life” or similar will be able to find many more justified uses.
This average man named Steven Williford prevented the Sutherland Springs massacre from being worse. He used his AR-15 to shoot the suspect, who later died of his injuries.
Check out our training course, Complete Home Defense, where we discuss armed and unarmed strategies to keep your family safe.
But, Couldn't They Have Just Used a
- Could they have just used a handgun?
- Sometimes, any gun could have stopped the attackers. There is no way to know for sure. But you can be sure that examples like Sutherland Springs, where the good guy shot from a distance, would have been much more difficult with a handgun. And with a shotgun, nearly impossible.
- Shotguns shot at a long distance are less effective and actually place the public at increased risk because of the spreading of pellets.
- Maybe they could have used a different gun to defend themselves. But let's ask, why do you think the person chose an AR 15?
- AR-15s are easy to learn how to shoot. They are accurate, light, and don't produce much recoil, making the gun perfect for everyone. These are just some of the reasons why it is the most popular rifle used in shooting sports. Furthermore, the AR 15 rifle replaced nearly every other carbine or rifle used by law enforcement because it is so effective in various applications.
- Sometimes, any gun could have stopped the attackers. There is no way to know for sure. But you can be sure that examples like Sutherland Springs, where the good guy shot from a distance, would have been much more difficult with a handgun. And with a shotgun, nearly impossible.
Alpha Addy, a juvenile competitive shooter, can handle the AR-15 like a champ. This ease of use is one reason it is such a popular rifle.
Let's look deeper at the “couldn't they just use a handgun or shotgun” argument.
- If someone ‘could have used a different gun to defend themselves, is it not fair to also wonder if criminals would just use a shotgun or handgun if we banned AR15s?' The answer is obvious, sure they would. You can show them the above incidents where the person committing murder DID use a different type of gun, knife, blunt object, etc. Good guys and bad guys may have similar motivations for choosing an AR-15, although the WAY they USE the gun is different.
AR 15 rifles are functionally NO DIFFERENT than almost every semi-automatic rifle sold.
-
- The way a gun looks has nothing to do with the way it functions. Here Steven Crowder does a great job of exposing this fallacy.
Why don't we try an Assault Rifle Ban and see what happens?
The Federal Government implemented an assault weapons ban for 10 years. However, a government study showed it had ZERO effect on crimes committed with ‘assault weapons.' Here is a Washington Times in 2004 article on the study.
And Most Simply:
- I need or want an AR 15 because criminals have AR-15 rifles. As long as criminals can get them, I want to defend my family with one. Furthermore, since there are more than 10 million AR15 owned in the United States, it's safe to say I only place myself and my family at a significant disadvantage if I turn mine in. Why should you not be able to defend your family with a firearm that shines in the role of self-defense?
So What Proposals do AR15 Owners Propose?
I won't presume to speak for every gun owner, but here are some things to consider:
Perhaps additional gun laws aren't the answer. Instead, educating more people on how to prepare better and respond to an incident would be better. How about promoting training and concealed carry, rather than making it taboo or a burdensome process? Furthermore, teaching firearm safety not only helps the gun owner but others as well.
When Attorney General Holder made it a point to “really brainwash” the way Americans looked at guns, it put a scarlet letter on gun owners. The notion that people who own guns are dangerous, or more prone to violence than non-gun owners is absolutely ridiculous.
As a result, learning how to be safe with a firearm or even carry one for protection has become suspect behavior. Many law-abiding, good-hearted gun-owners won't post a picture of themselves training with a gun on social media because of the reflexive, negative judgment they may receive.
Next time you hear someone say, “the NRA is a terrorist organization” or “the NRA is killing our kids,” ask them to name the last mass shooting committed by an NRA member. Yet the organization is constantly depicted as evil and the members a freakish cult of maniacs waiting for an opportunity to kill someone. The NRA has issues. However, the organization has probably done more to push gun safety and training than any other organization in history.
Turning every gun owner in America into a boogeyman hasn't helped.
Finally:
Truthfully, the only solution is a change of heart. If someone murders people, it has never been and will never be a result of a gun. It is always that person's action that caused them to pull a trigger. We are all influenced by failures, problems, and the unfair and evil world we live in. But nothing anyone says or does to us absolves us from the ultimate responsibilities of our own decisions. We have to stop scapegoating others for the crimes of another. Call it what it is, evil.
I hope this helps and can be used as a reference when answering the question-
Why does anyone need an AR 15?
If you like the content like this, make sure to check out the Concealed Carry Podcast, where we present legal, tactical, and educational aspects related to firearm ownership and concealed carry.
My little village here on Ridge road in NY, is about 60 miles East of Niagara Falls. During the war of 1812, a Brit group with a band of Indians started moving East, burning every farm. The first survivor arrived and gave warning. There was one farm here, with enough land cleared to support a horse, so that rider set out immediately. Within 24 hours, they Marched West with 200 men after electing their own leader, most with a blanket for a coat, and old equipment to stop the threat. They met the brits and indians who were at a village tavern about half way to Niagara Falls, they waited until past midnight, rushed the tavern and captured the brits who had stacked arms, and killed some of the indians who fought back with axes and knives. They then marched the prisoners to link up North of Buffalo and took part in the battles. When they were released to return home. Every member of the unit was given a brand new Brittash rifle, ammunition and ball. The state of the Art weapon of the day, each man kept them. The intent of the 2nd Amendment was clear then, and it is clear now. With Asymmetric warfare the coming threat, anyone intending on watering down the 2nd Amendment and banning the ‘common use arm’ of the day, the AR-15, is either clueless or wanting to see the Nation weakened. The AR-15 is the one weapon currently available that meets the intent of the 2nd Amendment. Same training, same parts, same magazines, same ammunition, and same accessories. Anyone thinking of removing them from citizens hands is wearing blinders.
Well said, John! Thank you.
The AR15 is not and never was an assault rifle. It was designed for civilian use. The earlier ones could be modified to be made fully automatic, but not the later ones. SO what is an assault rifle? To start with every gun used in a military way in history was an assault rifle/( weapon). This going back to the days of the match lock musket and earlier. Of course that does not mean those things are used today other than demonstrations. Hence the AR16 and newer versions are the assault rifles. So the Liberals also want to take magazines of 10 rounds and over away. Think about that? I know of very few rifles with less than a 10 round magazine except some WW11 ones. I, in away don’t believe we need magazines more than the 20 round ones which come with the AR15. we don’t need the 30, 40 or 50/100 round canister magazines which are on the market.
The original Stoner/Armalite pattern rifle WAS designed as a battle rifle. It was later adapted and marketed as a civilian sporter version by removing the full auto on the selector switch. It’s a sporter rifle who’s pattern was originally a battle rifle. AR stands for “Armalite Rifle” NOT “Assault Rifle”. The current M-4 is the battle rifle version. The term “Assault Rifle” is a made up term. Battle Rifle is the correct term for a rifle intended for military battlefield use.
10 rounds should be enough. This will help cut down on mass shooting casualties. 10 rounds is still a lotta rounds for anybody that needs them.
The question should not be Why does anyone need one? but..Why doesn’t everyone have one?
Japan did not attack our shores because they thought everybody was armed and ready to defend our Country!
In some 65 years I have only carried a side arm when I was flying in Nam or Angola. I never used it and so far have n ever used a gun for anything. I have a dozen or so and they are in the attic and it would take me an hour to find them. I live in far west Texas and have never seen an intruder unless you count Border Patrol Agents. Never needed a gun for anything.
Thank you for your service and I hope God continues to bless you.I repeat what I read from a police officer… you never need a gun… until you REALLY need a gun
I do not like the AR platform rifles due to my military experience. In my opinion, it is not suitable for the battlefield.
I prefer the “old iron” technology of the M1911 and the M14. Solid and dependable. Don’t get me wrong, I own all sorts of shotguns, rifles, and handguns.
I hunt deer with a venerable pump-action 30.06 rifle.
I’m looking at an AR type rifle. I think iron sites allow target acquisition much faster than a scope. Is that your point?
They may take more practice. Which is a good thing.
Thanks
“no one ‘needs’ a {Fill in the blank}; there are ‘wants’ and ‘needs’; everyone ‘needs’ FOOD, CLOTHING, and SHELTER…everything else is ‘nice to have’………unfortunately, I usually run out of ‘money’ before I run out of ‘wants’….
People also need to be educated on what AR 15 means and does not stand for Assault Rifle!
The Real Person!
Great point, I overlooked the confusion people have with the name.
Absolutely…my DB15 looks exactly like an “AR15” (the AR is an abbreviation of the manufacturer…does not mean Automatic Rifle (which I think are not available to the public to acquire/have)).
True, the AR-15 is not an “assault rifle”. It is an “assault style rifle”, meaning you have to rapidly squeeze the trigger as fast as you can 35 times, then quickly pop in another pre loaded 35 round mag and start firing again. It takes at least a minute to fire 100 rounds.
Great article! I enjoyed reading it!
Some people as you state will never change their mind, either because they are just so far gone there actually is no way back for them or they have been brainwashed for so long, they won’t even listen to an opposing opinion! No one has brought up that back in my school days (45 years or so ago) there wasn’t a pickup truck that could be seen without a gun rack in the back window, and usually a shotgun or such on the rack in the school parking lot, and that was a normal site seen everywhere. We didn’t go out and shoot anyone, it wasn’t even a thought, In fact I really don’t remember school shootings at all ever while i was growing up, so I guess the statement “guns don’t kill people, People kill People” Actually is true!!.
As proven over and over Knowledge is power but I’m afraid with all of the media pushing this falsehood about guns most people really do believe what their hearing…… That used to be something you could do in the past (put some trust in the media as to what they were saying was actually true), but not anymore in today’s world!
Great Article Thanks!!
God Bless America!
Bill
The Real Person!
Thank for the great feedback Bill! The attitude towards guns and gun owners have changed. We will continue to fight the noble fight and do it with facts and reason. God bless Sir!
The Real Person!
I love the AR-15 and have owned a few in the past. What is interesting is when I did have an AR all it did was collect dust. So i have sold them in the last few years and probably will not buy another rifle in the near future. With that said the AR-15 platform is the best rifle in the USA as far as I am concerned. It is very easy to shoot, very little recoil and very easy to clean.
One argument I’d like to add in regards to magazine capacity (few people think of this): with minimal practice a magazine change can be performed in about a second (even less with more practice), therefore a magazine capacity restriction only empowers those meant to do harm over those who respond in defense. How do? Well… a person threat is going on the offensive will take time to prepare (as is seen in nearly EVERY case of a mass shooting or home invasion). They will have spare magazines loaded and stuffed into a tac vest, magazine pouch etc. ready for speedy reloads. The defensive responder on the other hand will very often not have time to prepare. They will tend to only have the rounds already in the rifle (or handgun, or shotgun) to use to defend themselves and others. Imagine the situation where you are awoken by the sound of your door being kicked in in the middle of the night… are you going to have spare magazines at the ready? Or time to grab them? I bet you’d feel a lot better with 30 rounds than 10. Your attackers will have spares…
I want to thank anyone/everyone who contributed to this most informative and refreshing review of the AR-15:the myths surrounding it, the lies told about it, and the many practical, nay, indispensable uses of–not least of which are the protection of home, hearth, person,, freedom, and country. Sometimes I feel as if I am adrift in a sea of limbic brained, crayon chewing liberals incapable of creating anything resembling coherent thought on their own. Thankfully there are folks out there who use DATA and their gray cells to think these problems through! Godspeed to all of you!
The Real Person!
Thanks Robert,
I appreciate the feedback about on the post. I agree, that there is much confusion about what the heck the AR is and what it isn’t. I am amazed at the level of ignorance surrounding the AR-15 amongst average citizens. But also disappointed by gun owners who believe that anyone who asks “why do you need an AR-15” should be answered with expletives and anger. They will be quick to condemn a ‘leftist’ because when it comes to gun rights they have no idea what they are talking about. But at the same time, can’t articulate an argument for their position besides regurgitated talking points like ‘molon labe’ and ‘because the second amendment says I can’. Obviously, these people are not the ones who will be part of the solution in educating the masses. They actually do more harm than good. Anyhow, I am glad you saw the goal of the article is focusing on cogent arguments by which people can use to educate rather than infuriate.
Hi Matthew, Thank you for your response. I wasn’t aware that I had used “expletives,” which (I interpret as bad words) in my response–but I certainly did use some…shall we call them less-than-generous terms? Do I engage in the use of name calling when I engage the uninformed public? No, I don’t and neither do I allow myself the pointless luxury of becoming angry (at least visibly). As you pointed out this is counter-productive–it reinforces the very myths we are trying to dispel about firearms owners. In this context I did use the terms “limbic-brained, crayon chewing liberals” because I thought that I was enough among friends that I could (finally) let off a little steam after 30 years of firearms activism in which I have behaved myself, I believe, admirably. I completely agree with you that we must conduct ourselves as ladies and gentlemen when addressing these issues. If my words gave you pause to gently correct me, then I thank you for taking time out to do so. I meant no offense, certainly. At the same time, it has become difficult to behave in an exemplary fashion when others engage in mindless chanting and call us fascists. It’s hard to stick to the facts and behave when the other side is screaming obscenities and accusing one of being either openly a “Nazi” or perhaps a “Crypto-Nazi.” It would be nice if the other side in this debate would behave themselves in the same manner in which we are expected to behave. But you are right–to “win” here, we must conduct ourselves properly. But after 30 years, I’m getting a little tired. Thank you for your time, your sentiments, and your gentle correction. Sincerely, Robert
The Real Person!
Robert,
I apologize but my response about gun owners not being civil when asked questions like these was not directed toward you at all. I wish I would have made it more clear that I was grateful for your comment because it echoed what I was trying to convey in the original article. I truly appreciate your response and you taking the time to comment on the post. Your comment wasn’t filled with any expletives or anything offensive what so ever. And I completely agree that it becomes unbearable to have your moral integrity attacked simply for disagreeing on a policy issue. But honestly, I have learned to accept these people and found it helps decrease the frustration. What I actually find more frustrating are gun owners that don’t want to be part of an educated discussion and instead give the appearance that gun owners are ignorant maniacs. This plays into their hands. I see their posts all the time over social media. Again, I am truly sorry that my response seemed to be directed toward you. It was not what so ever. Thanks again 🙂
As a crayon chewing liberal I can’t wait to leave the state of Ct. and go where I can by and shoot a AR-15. My 1911 45 and snub nose 357 are fun but don’t have the distance I’d like to practice from. So please, be careful who you insult.
@Craig R. ~ You aren’t the only Left-of-Ghengis-Khan who is also a proud (and I pray responsible) gun-owner here. Since I frequent quite a few gun-related sites daily, I’ve been called names and told I belong to some nameless cabal with the sole purpose of destroying 2A, and quite frankly, I’m exhausted by it. I’m going to take a leap here, and guess than most gun owners are conservative, but by no means are *all* gun owners conservative, and the Democrats I know and share this passion with, are 2A first, other politics second.
I’ve come to understand that true liberals value many of the same things that conservatives hold dear. It’s leftist that have no respect for and are attempting to destroy America. Unfortunately, the Democrat party has gone very far left.
Here in our country, we have the highest rate of gun violence than in any other developed nation in the world. The Democrats are simply trying to enact common-sense gun laws. In my opinion, by the way, I have owned a 357 Magnum, we do need to ban assault-style weapons.
The Real Person!
Diane, can you site the numbers and study you’re referencing? What do you make of the numbers that show United States isn’t Anywhere close to the top of the list when adjusted per capita for population? https://worldpopulationreview.com/country-rankings/gun-deaths-by-country
Do you need a firearm that can decapitate someone?
The Real Person!
Which ones do that Diane?
The physician who spoke in front of members of Congress this morning testified that some of the children in Uvalde, Texas were decapitated by the AR15 the killer used. I was a nurse for many years. Thankfully I have never witnessed what those first responders did that day.
The Real Person!
People say a lot of things that aren’t true.
Diane, I have deer rifles that are much more likely to decapitate someone, if that’s the intent…it isn’t. Your complaint is, unfortunately, exactly what this article was about, had you read it. Government officials and those who give “expert” testimony for them are well-known for creating drama to shape public opinion. It apparently works.
Thank you, Matthew 🙂
I would like to add. From the beginning of mans existence the right to defend yourself has been a given. Those with the biggest rock stays alive.
Then again why is it anyone’s business what I own….
Why do we need cars with 300hp? The speed limit is 65 or less….and accidents claim 161K per year.. Why do we need to buy beer in 30 packs? Drinking kills 88K per year… Why do we need supersized meals at McDonalds and large sugar snacks? Heart disease kills over 600K per year…Each of those “needs” kills more people exponentially than guns each year in America…33K gun deaths AND 19K of those were suicide… heart Disease, drunk driving, and reckless driving are Americas real threats!
Why do I need my AR-15? Because I have a right and a duty to protect my family and my freedom… and my constitutional right allows it…besides, it is safer than speeding, drinking, and eating too much.
The only time you may need a gun is when the government tries to take it away from you.
I am immediately concerned whenever someone tells another person what is an appropriate need. I could argue that nobody needs a vehicle capable of driving faster than 30mph. Certainly that limited capability would reduce traffic fatalities! Or perhaps someone could decide the nobody needs a home with more than 2500 sqft. That would save resources for other homes that could serve the homeless.
Why does anyone need an AR15…hmmm, BLM, Antifa, Drug cartels, etc. pick one or more and there are dozens more reasons to own one. It’s call self defense.
There is NO such thing as an assault weapon, assault is an action and a gun is an inanimate object that can do absolutely nothing on it’s own. And you are 100% correct as to why we NEED them.
These damn communist in our own government is another reason
AR RIFLE and GUN LOGIC
NEWS FLASH:
Irr-Responsible actions by PEOPLE are the cause for shootings –
Not in-animate metal machines. ie Guns “Cant Think”. Duhhhhh
Some Simple facts:
Figures are approximate but close.
1) AR’s sold to civilians are NOT “Weapons of War”.
NO true Soldier would take a Civilian AR (ie Semi-auto AR) into Combat.
2) RIFLES – AS A CLASS OF GUNS
Account for 4% of gun crime.
3) AR’s “Assault Rifles”
Account for less than 0.05% of total gun crime.
ALSO
4) When a Drunk Driver kills someone they don’t call for Banning Cars.
We put the Drunk in Jail – where he belongs.
Are you saying that a gun is as necessary to life as a car???
I don’t have the stats on this but how many people are killed by drunk drivers each year? What make of car is involved most often? Let’s just say Ford is that brand the Government should ban Fords and confiscate them paying pennies on the dollar. That makes as much sense as banning AR-15s. The Government also wants to make firearm manufactures liable for a criminal act with one of their product misused by a criminal. With that thinking all Auto manufactures would be liable for drunk driving fatalities. Just some of my thoughts, feel free to use them
Thank you all for your intelligent responses. Some I have heard but some I have not. It’s always good to have fresh “ammo” to respond with when having an adult conversation.
Educating the masses about firearms is the best way to reduce violence with firearms I believe. It would be impressive to see television ads showing the true facts of legal gun use and its history. Then maybe people will shed their fears and perhaps take an interest in owning their own gun or guns.
I do not care what kind of rifle or handgun that a person has. It does not matter how many rounds of ammo that they hold. Just like an automobile, knife, baseball bat, chain saw or anything else that can be used to kill or hurt, it is the person that uses the item that matters. The corrupt people in the government just want to take away all our weapons so that we are defenseless against them.
No one is trying to take away guns from sane law-abiding citizens. The AR15 is the weapon of choice for mass shooters. It kills a lot of people quickly and does extensive damage to the human body. Why is this gun so sought after now after mass carnage?
Please forward a copy to President Biden. Maybe he will read it and learn something.
I’ll tell you who needs an AR-15… someone like ME who likes how it makes the end of my bed a little heavier. I love the feeling of my covers pressing firmly against my feet.
And WARMTH!!! I love how that big piece of metal retains a little bit of the heat that’s rising from under the covers on my bed. So I keep my AR-15 a little bit warmer, and it keeps ME a little bit warmer… down there on the end of my bed… know what I mean??? 😉
MC
Your kind of comments are not helping anyone. I really do not care that your AR15 makes you more comfortable in bed. That is not a good reason to own this weapon.
I do not understand why my comments are all awaiting moderation. My views are not in sync with the majority of views on this site. Is that a good enough reason to not publish my feelings on this issue?
The Real Person!
They aren’t all awaiting moderation. Stop with the theatrics.
Eugene Stoner, the developer of the AR-15, noted in his statement during a Congressional hearing back in 1967 that the smaller 5.56 round travelling at super-sonic velicity loses stability when it enters a person’s body. This causes the round to “tumble.” This tumbling causes more damage and a larger exit wound than a larger round that maintains stability and leaves a straight, clean channel through the body. Smaller, lighter ammo, greater lethality… these added up to a superior weapon on the battlefield.
Also, Regular Army are issed the M-16A2, which is an AR-15 with 3-round burst. Special Forces are issued the M-4 which is the AR-15 with full-auto capability.
The Supreme Court in its 2008 DC v Heller case said that weapons covered under the 2nd Amendment include weapons in “common use.” I think it would be hard to argue that AR-15s aren’t in “common use.” They are perhaps the MOST common weapon out there. I think it’s important for the citizenry to have access to a comperable weapon used by the military. This ensures the balance between the government and the governed the Founding Fathers intended, thus preventing tyranny.
I’m a veteran and own 2 AR-15s. I don’t plan to give them up.
https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/1981/06/m-16-a-bureaucratic-horror-story/545153/
Because when it goes dark and upside down I want it
Thanks for all this. I’m wondering why you think this country has a problem with mass shootings in a way no other country does. Many make the argument that it is much more difficult to obtain a gun in other countries. What do you think the reason is?
The Real Person!
Thanks for reading Rayhan. My opinion is that the problem is much deeper than mass shootings. If we could theoretically eliminate mass shootings, we wouldn’t even scratch the surface of the problem with murder, assaults, rapes, and the countless other crimes due to sin. Ease of access to firearms also helps those who defend life with firearms. Killers typically don’t stop killing until they are stopped, and usually it requires someone with a firearm. Evil hearts can’t be legislated they need transformation.
I agree with you about people with evil hearts. No legislation will rid the world of evil, deranged individuals. The fact is that these people like weapons that will kill the most people in the shortest period of time. Right now they like the AR15. What choice do rational people in good conscience have?
The Real Person!
Diane, if the AR-15 didn’t exist, criminals would use other guns to inflict mass casualties, they already do as seen in these numbers. Rational people with firearm should not be the concern for anyone. These laws only effect the law-abiding and don’t inhibit the non-rational killer. This is the objection to these laws. Law-abiding people are only a threat to those who want complete control. History shouldn’t be ignored when looking at governments restricting gun access.
https://www.fbi.gov/news/press-releases/press-releases/fbi-designates-61-active-shooter-incidents-in-2021
https://www.concealedcarry.com/safety/background-checks-and-mass-shooters/
Here is a weblink with some facts and considerations that we should remember if we are going to come to some compromise on reasonable (to be defined) gun safety laws.
We need to ensure greater safety for all in America, and we should do this together, not acting like enemies, but as one people in the USA who want to change what is happening that is horrifying to all.
There are many issues to address, and the easy availability of some assault weapons and modification devices is one that I believe should have a peaceful dialogue about in the mix. I’m not looking for comments or an argument and only asking you to review this article.
https://www.politifact.com/factchecks/2022/may/25/joe-biden/joe-biden-said-mass-shootings-tripled-when-assault/
It’s far too easy for an angry teenager to obtain or buy a gun intended for use as weapon. As a responsible gun owner I support higher age limits, waiting period, training and red flag. The marketing to kids is irresponsible. My rifle of choice was the 22-250 and rolling my own ammo. Varmints. Or bow hunting deer. If you want ar-15 style you’ll always be able to own one. And convert to auto easily if you want. But be responsible. Take liability. If you are worried about rights be taken away, consider what has happened to your basic right to vote and for that to count. That is immediate threat ongoing.
A couple of things it is not easy to convert a semi auto AR into a full auto. It requires parts that are not easy to come by and expensive and even machining to the receiver to do so. As well it will get you a nice long stretch in federal prison.
Second red flag laws are a very bad idea. Let me use this example. You are accused of a crime and you are guilty until proven innocent instead of the other way around. Is that something you would agree is appropriate?
It was FAR easier 60 years ago for ANYBODY to purchase a firearm via the mail. But mass shootings were rare. Why do you suppose that was? Would you impose the restrictions you support on firearms ownership on other rights, such as freedom of speech? And as far as ‘immediate threats’ go, you have it bass ackwards. ‘Soap box, ballot box, cartridge box’ – Abraham Lincoln. P.S. What in the world is ‘take liability’?
Easy answer, look to the Ukraine and their citizens. Why do you need an AR and a 30 round magazine? That’s why. And on a side note no matter what facts and logic you can provide Diane is never going to see the truth.
Why does anyone need to read the Bible? Or differ with a view espoused by the government? Or need to be served with a warrant before your property is searched? Or need to meet with others who share your point of view? C’mon, man!
I enjoyed reading the article. But the most important point was left out. Why do people get mag wheels or spinner hubcaps? Why do manufacturers paint the brake disc calipers red. It looks neat and that’s what it’s all about. They could use any semi auto rifle, but they think they would look stupid with a walnut stock 30-06. When I was a kid we played army and fought the Nazis. We got gear from the army navy store, helmets, packs and the like. We had to create our weapons. A broomstick or whatever. I was lucky. I was the son of a home builder. We had caulking guns laying around. I was really easy to fashion it into a submachine gun. And boy, I was the coolest looking kid in the group. At least I thought so. And that is what matters. The AR-15 does what they want it to and they think they look cool.
Absolutely! Let’s answer that with another question. Why do people need a Porsche or Lambo that can do 200 in a country where the speed limit is rarely over 70? should they be banned? Why do two people need 3 cars? should they be limited to two cars because that is what makes sense to you, not being a car enthusiast? Why does someone need a silent crossbow.. no silencer needed?
Defending our right to defend ourselves. Ok. Who is defending the right of our small young children to stay alive. Maybe this type of weapon would be less harmful if it were restricted to woman. Maybe woman with children they love
It seems that some people are just simply scared of guns, are sick and tired of shootings, and speak out of emotion rather than reason. I can understand how ignorance of the facts and the media might give them a false understanding of the subject.
The fact is, the right to bear arms shall not be infringed according to the Constitution and is necessary to ensure a free state. That is the only argument needed against banning firearms or even AR-15 carbines.
Agree. It’s mostly AR-15 being demozined as “weapon of war” on media that makes people just on hate bandwagon.
This article is probably the best written article about the AR 15 that I’ve ever read. I absolutely love this article’s common sense approach, simplicity and the way you debunk the myths about a very useful, life-saving tool that is also fun to use for recreationale purposes….
The Real Person!
Thank you for the kind comments Bob, I’m glad you found it helpful!
Let’s answer that with another question. Why do people need a Porsche or Lambo that can do 200 in a country where the speed limit is rarely over 70? should they be banned? Why do two people need 3 cars? should they be limited to two cars because that is what makes sense to you, not being a car enthusiast? Why does someone need a silent crossbow.. no silencer needed?