To the Editor,
First off, AR-15 style firearms are more appropriately termed “modern sporting rifles” used by hunters.
Next, modern sporting rifles are not assault weapons. An assault weapon is an automatic military arm used in battle. Automatic firearms have been severely restricted since 1934.
Next, MSRs function like other semi-automatic sporting firearms by firing only one round with each pull of the trigger.
Next, they are no more powerful than other hunting rifles of the same caliber.
About the age restriction idea, these 18-, 19-, and 20-year-olds can serve their country in war and can vote. Maybe we should restrict those from getting a driver’s license and not be allowed to vote. Gun ownership is a right, not a privilege. Also, our forefathers knew all about progress and knew we wouldn’t be using muskets for the next 200 years. Thus, the Second Ammendment. What they meant of the First Amendent is speaking, not buring our flag or kneeling during the National Anthem.
Dave Grahek
Houston, MN
John says
Stop crying. No one is coming for your playthings.
Thomas E.H. says
//First off, AR-15 style firearms are more appropriately termed “modern sporting rifles” used by hunters.
Next, modern sporting rifles are not assault weapons. An assault weapon is an automatic military arm used in battle.//
FYI, the AR-15 was used as a military weapon in war. Vietnam.
//Automatic firearms have been severely restricted since 1934.//
Far more restricted in 1994-2004. If I recall, the AR-15 was banned at that time and no court overturned the ban, so it wasn’t seen as unconstitutional to ban the AR-15.
//Next, they are no more powerful than other hunting rifles of the same caliber.//
Power isn’t always the issue, though, is it? The speed at which the power can be delivered is literally the multiplying factor.
//About the age restriction idea, these 18-, 19-, and 20-year-olds can serve their country in war and can vote.//
Yes. And that is where those particular weapons belong, same with tanks, antiaircraft weaponry, RPGs, etc.
//Maybe we should restrict those from getting a driver’s license and not be allowed to vote.//
Driving is a privilege. Not the same category. Voting is a right. And people can vote to overturn Amendments. Not that they would need to in order to get the AR-15 banned. Again, that’s been done and the ban was not seen as unconstitutional.
//Gun ownership is a right, not a privilege.//
And rights can also be taken away from people. Rights are also restricted. Rights are not unlimited. I can provide examples, but I’m sure you are already aware of this.
//Also, our forefathers knew all about progress and knew we wouldn’t be using muskets for the next 200 years.//
They also didn’t think the Constitution would last as long as it has without Amendments, hence the ability to make them and take them away.
//Thus, the Second Ammendment.//
Thus, Amendments in general and the power of the people to take them away.
//What they meant of the First Amendent is speaking, not buring our flag or kneeling during the National Anthem.//
We didn’t have an official flag at the start of our nation when the Constitution was written. Nor was the National Anthem. Nor was football. So, I guess you’re right. They didn’t imagine football players kneeling toward the flag during the national anthem. That means nothing.