Why Do You “Need” an AR-15 Rifle Anyway?

Opinion by Michael Stripling

Sparkling Shiny New Glowing AR15 Rifle
Why Do You “Need” an AR-15 Rifle Anyway?

USA – -(AmmoLand.com)- Why does anyone need an AR-15? This question came to me, for the second time in recent history, while I was teaching a concealed carry firearms course at a private range surrounded by woods in Central Florida.

To be honest, even though I had heard this question recently, I still stumbled over my answer. I hesitated slightly and half heartily blurted out something about home defense, but why was this question so hard for me to answer? I mean, the first time I was asked, I have to admit I got a little defensive, and it was my own mother who had asked me. I had fumbled my words, became quite frustrated and told her “I would go find my copy of the Constitution for her to read”.

I later realized that I owed my mother an apology, she had genuinely meant no harm, she was merely ignorant of the subject, and asked in curiosity. It was myself I should have been upset with because, in times like these where our guns and rights are always under attack, I just was not prepared with an intelligent response.

You see, I’m a “gun guy.” I’m a proud NRA member, a firearms instructor, a chief range safety officer, and a veteran. I’m registered to vote Republican, and I have been collecting guns since I was a kid. So how is such a little, simple question presenting me with so much frustration? Well after some careful thought, I realized what the problem was. It was the question; it was not so little or straightforward after all. The question itself is misleading, often unbeknown to the asker.

Why do I have to find a reason to justify my need for it?

The truth is my need doesn’t matter. It might be property defense, it might be hunting or competition, but it doesn’t matter. I don’t NEED to NEED it. I have the RIGHT to WANT it. Why does the average American household need 3 TV’s? Why does my wife need 15 pairs of boots? Why do people need to put rims on their vehicles, or what is the need for a microwave oven? Wouldn’t the cars still drive with factory tires? Don’t most kitchens have conventional ovens? So why does anyone need any of these things? The answer to all of these questions is the same! It’s because I WANT them and it’s my RIGHT as an American!

You see, we have this thing called a Constitution, the American Heritage Dictionary defines Constitution as “The system of fundamental laws and principles that prescribes the nature, functions, and limits of a government or another institution. The supreme law of the United States, consisting of the document ratified by the original 13 states and Amendments.”

The question in itself leaves the tart taste of communism in one’s mouth. The fact is, the Second Amendment protects us, the law-abiding American citizen, and it protects the other Amendments of the Constitution, and it is now under blatant attack.

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The left tells us they just want to ban the “dangerous assault rifles,” high capacity magazines, and bump stocks, but that is just the beginning. They only say this to win over those, who wander on the middle ground. What comes next are “permanent protective orders” like the House Bill 2060 that’s making its way to the Pennsylvania state Senate right now. Which would require certain individuals to relinquish all firearms and ammunition within 24 hours. You can be sure it won’t stop there, if the Liberals get their dirty claws in the American people, they will undoubtedly pull us in for the kill, sinking their infecting teeth in the whole Constitution, shredding and destroying all of our freedoms and liberties.

This is it folks, this is a Civil War and we must fight, not yet with violence, but with our voices and our votes. We must resist in any way possible before it’s too late. I urge you to call, or write your Senators, remind your friends to register and to vote. Let the snowflake Liberals know that, “we will not stand for our freedoms to be stripped away.” The time is now upon us, our Constitution was written to protect the people of this great nation, and it is under attack. “We the People” must return the favor and protect the Constitution.

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Kam A

Why an AR-15 for home defense when a lesser weapon, such as revolver, a knife or baseball bat can do the job? Simple, when the lives of my wife and children (not to mention my own) are at stake, I don’t want a fair fight, I don’t want 6 chances in the dark with Grandpa’s revolver that kicks like a mule, I want 30 chances, with another 30 right next to it, and I want them as quickly as I can pull the trigger. I also want a pressure activated flashlight and a laser sight so when I grab the… Read more »

Mike Dargusch

Really Paul? Really? The only thing speacial about ARs is the ability to customize. That isn’t a deadly trait. The ability to customize means I can own just one rifle and change components to suit various purposes, such as long range vs short range optics, barrels with different twist rates, etc. Given the low amount of recoil, it also means it isn’t limited to larger, stronger people to operate it. It uses one of the weakest and smallest cartridges of any rifle, so how can you (an alleged rifle owner) make such a blatantly ignorant comment? If you outlaw this… Read more »

Ken

I wonder how many people were killed each year in car accidents that didn’t WANT to die…but someone’s WANT to own an automobile ended their life. Cars are not a NEED…they are a WANT. We could just as easily walk, bicycle or take public transportation. Hell: cars are not even constitutionally guaranteed… Statistically they kill way more people in the US than all gun crimes! We need to STOP and ban these rolling machines of DEATH before another person has to die! Why waste time going after these lesser causes of DEATH when we can have the greatest impact with… Read more »

The Revelator

@Mac

You are not helping the situation.

Michael McAllister

@The Revelator Who’s situation? ExGob? Please!

The Revelator

@Mike McAllister Let me ask you a question in response. Do you think that by acting condescending and name calling that ExGob or Macofjack are going to change either of their minds or be open to contemplating ideas that perhaps neither had considered? Perhaps if you look at what started the issue, you’d notice that MacofJack did the exact same thing to ExGob that ExGob did to Bill. So what we have now are two people trying to argue their opinions instead of facts, and each one wants to puff up their chest and show that they can urinate higher… Read more »

The Revelator

@ExGob There was no misinterpretation. Having compared your responses from the last few days to the first response of yours that I saw made back on the 11th, there was a very dramatic change. You attacked someone who voiced their opinion because you took exception to their comment. When another individual stepped up and criticized you for it, you lashed out at them as well. Whether you choose to admit or not, all three of you were right about various points you were making. Now allow me to make clear why I have questioned your grasp on Rights and Freedom.… Read more »

Richard Revoir

Well said sir , well said !!

MacofJack

@ExGob You are another that is a legend in his own mind! You need some help! Get it.

Ren

So childish to start rippin on peoples spelling. Grow the f up, child.

Bill

Communist leaning judges, commiedemocrats all know that the way to make subjects out of citizens is to disarm them. I dread the day that is obviously coming when we will have to vote with a rifle instead of a pen. About 50 years ago some left leaning judges and democrats took GOD out of schools. No more praying for fear of offending some dumb a##. You wind up with both ordinary people and the “leadership” having no law higher than their own, They don’t even acknowledge the LORD so they don’t have to be accountable to HIM. Calling themselves wise… Read more »

Macofjack

@ExGob You better what the news more (and not the fake news). Students are NOT allowed to pray anytime in silence (unless you mean just in there mind, which is NOT the same). You seem to be one that does NOT believe in God in any form, so you have no idea what it is to pray.
WISE UP or shut up.

MacofJack

@ExGob I can smell you BS from 10 miles away. Since you got the point you just prove you are a spelling NAZI. Good luck trying to have a life, because you sure don’t have one now!

The Revelator

@ExGOB I have a question for you, but would first like to quote you directly. “Students were and still are, at liberty to believe as they please, when and where they please and to pray in silence anytime they desire, just as it should be.” Those are your own words.. Just as it should be.. Tell me, if we have freedom of speech in the same amendment as freedom of religious choice, then why does it have to be silent? Why would anyone be able to do anything to anyone with the law if they pray out loud since you… Read more »

The Revelator

@ExGOB

I would also like to add, I did see your comment from November 11th, so I do know you should know better than how you responded here between Bill and Macofjack.

RicksterAR

ExGob. Well said Sir, well said

RicksterAR

No question , just a response. I couldn’t care less how one gets their point across . you managed to do just that Bill. We are not all equally articulate , we do however , want our constitutional rights upheld. Thank you.

Wild Bill

@ExGob, Your statement that “… what was taken out were the requirements for mandatory participation of students in religious activities and teachings.” is quite wrong. Maybe, you should read Everson v. Bd or Ed. and McCollum v. Bd. of Ed. to find out what was really taken.

Geary Mcdevitt

The left has never understood the meaning of liberty. Freedom of speech is your right to be silent !!!?
Your freedom lies in your ability not to listen, to walk away, not to silence someone else.
The left pushes the collective, but cheer one athieist, forcing thousands who enjoy a cross in a public cemetery, remove that cross.
You have the freedom to leave others alone, exercise it.

John W Bletsch

The way things are playing out with Dems stealing elections then using their usurped offices to attempt to void the Bills of Rights leads me to believe I could use another AR platform rifle in larger caliber than 5.56mm. Something that would reach out with authority & a good optical sight. From a place you did not see and a sound you did not hear.

Richard LaRouche

Its becoming more and more of a need with congressmen and women threatening to kill us, send the police at our door as a legal way of a death squad (im pro police btw, but they are used to enforce lm laws) and and a Californian congressman wanting to nuke us.
Congress and governors have become the proverbial red coats of England and we as a country have 100% let them enslave us

ren

I am all for realistic measures. My FIRST one is: Get rid of gun free zones ! DONE.

Tom

Well, you kind of glossed over the fact that the Army and Marines adopted the platform during Vietnam and was designated a AR15 by the Army and the Marine Corps recieved it and it was designated the M16. Before that, we in the Marine Corps were issued the Springfield , M-14 in 7.62mm or the .308. When you decide to tell the history of arms, don’t leave anything out. I could swear it is almost like reading “fake news”.

Heed the Call-up

Tom, the AR15 that was adopted by the military is not and was not the same firearm sold by Colt to the civilian population as the AR-15. Your post is a lie, or at the least disinformation, unfortunately for you, we here that are regular readers and posters are not the ignorant masses that would believe your disingenuous post. You need to post your lies elsewhere, if you want or expect a fawning audience.

JoeUSooner

Not quite, Tom…

It was an M-16 in the Army’s designation, too. The Armalite company caused some confusion by originally calling BOTH the full-auto rifle (supplied exclusively to the military) and the semi-auto rifle (supplied exclusively to the civilian market) an AR-15… but the Army’s official nomenclature became (just like the Marines) an M-16. I carried one in VietNam in ’69, although I took Basic (in ’68 at Ft Polk LA) with the old M-14… and loved that beast!

Geary Mcdevitt

Not a chance the Army ever called it an AR 15 lol
Fake news is right, and you sir are the perpetrator

A.x. Perez

Closest is the CAR 15 series by Colt, but the most successful was the Colt Commando type classified XM177E1 by the Army and GAU-5 by the Air Force.

Don’t need one but given how close I live to Juarez and outbreaks of fighting by cartels, might sing different song next week.

Jim Macklin

For a number of years Colt was the only maker of AR15s. They had many parts in common with the M16. Primarily the trigger and safety selector were the only different parts. When the military went to te 14,5″ barrel Colt made 16 inch barrels for the civilian US market. The ATF got all excited about newspaper stories about how easy it was to put an Allen wrench in the trigger convert it to full auto. ATF insisted on changes. So Colt made large pins so a mili spec trigger could not be installed and the slot for the trigger… Read more »

MacofJack

@GI – You don’t want a gun then don’t get one (as you said). As to the rest of your rant you are a total idiot.. Don’t need a semi-auto for home defense? Ask the person that gets a gang breading into the house.
Maybe you should use you brain for more that an counter weight!

SS2nd1

Rosa Parks didn’t NEED to sit in the front of the bus.

A.x. Perez

I’m stealing this and posting it to Facebook.

John Kariotis Jr

Rosa Parks may not have needed to sit in the front of the bus. But, she deservered the right to sit anywhere she wanted on the bus. She should not have been restricted to the back of the bus.

Robert J. Lucas

Most firearm owners already know this, but for those of you who do not, here is a nutshell history lesson on what the definition of AR is, along with its history. 1952-1954 Work on the AR-1 “Para sniper” rifle begins breaking new ground by using a foam-filled fiberglass stock and an anodized aluminum barrel with a thin steel liner. In 1954, Armalite was established as a Division of Fairchild Engine and Airplane Corporation. The AR-1 was one of the first rifles produced at Armalite’s location in Hollywood, CA, and paved the way to the development of the AR-10. All rifles… Read more »

Tom

Well, you kind of glossed over the fact that the Army and Marines adopted the platform during Vietnam and was designated a AR15 by the Army and the Marine Corps recieved it and it was designated the M16. Before that, we in the Marine Corps were issued the Springfield , M-14 in 7.62mm or the .308. When you decide to tell the history of arms, don’t leave anything out. I could swear it is almost like reading “fake news”.

Robert J. Lucas

Sorry Tom,
If you felt that I glossed over Army & Marines applications during the Vietnam era, no disrespect intended.
I only get the historical information from its original source, the ARMALITE history book.
I have Great respect for the FAIRCHILD ENGINE and AIRPLANE CORPORATION, in which ARMALITE was a division of. Fairchild had many fantastic divisions, cameras, recording equipment, semiconductors,
the history of Fairchild also had historical ties with Alexander Graham Bell…
I will not write “fake news”, only facts….

Robert J. Lucas

Because I Want One…

9mm-Ick-Ick-Ick

What have Republicans actually DONE for gun owners? Has Trump lifted the ban on importing Norincos? SVT40s? Overturned the NFA? Lifted the import ban on Mosin Nagants? This piece mentions “liberals” but the “Liberal Obama” permitted guns on Amtrack & on National Forest land.

My guess is Trump & his fellow travellers will be all chummy with us when they want our votes & then conveniently forget us once re elected. It stinks.

Wild Bill

@9mmiii, Trump has not had the Congress available to him to do those things. Trump’s S.Ct. picks can prevent gun grab schemes and get us back to the Constitution. It has only been two years of his administration, and he has had unprecedented resistance from libtards, the bureaucracy, and the Grand old Prostitute party. Have a little patients.

Curt M. Selby

I wonder whether Antifa will turn in their AR-15? Not likely!

E6H

Well put, the majority of our fighting men and women would be on the side of legitimate gun ownership as they took an oath to defend the Constitution against all enemies. Foreign and domestic. I took it as did all my friends.

John C Kariotis Jr

You know what! No one is going to come to your house and demand you turn over your guns. Do you know why I know that? I’m a gun owner. I’m also one of your liberal snowflakes. Ignore for the moment my mention of gun ownership. I will defend your to protect your second amendment rights as adamently as I would demand you defend my constitutional rights. I will stand by your side and argue w/our government why you deserve your AR. I will stand back to back if necessary. I would expect no less from you.

Douglas Anderson

Tell that to the 61-year old man who was recently executed by police IN HIS HOME in Maryland when he refused to turn over his firearms. The gradual eradication of 2nd Amendment rights is, and has been, happening in many parts of our country. Leftists/socialists/communists/DemocRATS don’t seek to eradicate all gun ownership…..they seek to ensure that CITIZEN gun ownership is eliminated and/or so severely restricted that no effective resistance can be mounted against their well-armed government thugs. Why do you think so many local law enforcement agencies are now being equipped with military equipment, especially crowd control equipment???? This kind… Read more »

JoeUSooner

John, you are in the minority, A Democrat supporter of the 2nd Amendment is exceedingly rare!!

Ren

To the people who claim we would not have a chance to fight our own military;
2 things at play here.
1. Our own military is US (we) so they would not be available in its full size, if any
2.We can’t win the war in Afghanistan which is a rag tag enemy consisting of farmers with rifles. What makes you think our military could win a war in the US with over 300 millions fire arms spread out in every town,city and rural area ?

Geary Mcdevitt

Absolutely correct, Ren have heard that bogus argument for years. I believe the majority of our military would be on our side. Right now the bureaucracy is our biggest threat.
IRS, BLM, and all the others that have become weaponized.

StLPro2A

WHY I NEED A GUN: -For the same reason as LEOs….only difference is they get paid! -Evil and Violence exist…always have; always will; -Because to ignore the danger of Evil and Violence is simply to invite it; -On a bad day, Evil and Violence may come calling at my door; -Evil and Violence often come calling in numbers greater than one; -Evil and Violence never call ahead for an appointment; -Evil and Violence strive to overwhelm by surprise; -Evil and Violence are usually more powerful than a rapidly aging old fart…..a gun is the great equalizer; -Evil and Violence won’t… Read more »

SavvyVet

Well said.

Smart american

Trust and believe i will not give up my protection.thats what they want is for us to be defencless so they can herd us up in fema camps and to de populate.that is what they are doing and anyone who is smart would figure that out.the ones who give up their guns are one of them.cival war is gonna happen so why give up your gun are u stupid.goverment could care less if anybody shoots up a place.they dont care they act like they do.the use it as a tool to take from us.they probably paid them to do it.

Ekrajmon

Why Police officer and Army have to have gun? Why most shootings having in the School or in the bar or in Church or in movies? The answer is very sample because of these places are not allowed good guys with guns in to stop the bad guys with guns. Special place like these are please allow good guys with guns in to safe good people. Wake up people let safe our children our love ones and stop stupid gun control.

Jim Macklin

The question that has not been asked, except perhaps in some scifi books. If a graduate Marine with one or two years of service walked bare handed into a grade school with 400 kindergarten through sixth grade students and began killing people how many school teachers with out a gun would die? How many children? Maybe all military troops should be restricted to base and when their enlistment was up, their hands and feet should be cut off? Mass public killings happen because violations of the Second Amendment create “gun free zones” which are Unarmed Victim Zones and need a… Read more »

cutterjack

I need a rifle, or two. I am training to perform the duty and right of self defense…as happens a couple million times a year in the US; the defensive use of firearms (DGUs) . I’m not looking for the approval of the ignorant or interested in debating with fools. I have seen what the Shumers and the Feinsteins say, and I know what they want. The gun control crowd and the appeasers reporting in here want you dead. Disarming people is evil, doesn’t matter what they say. When some cannibal comes to shoot up the place and murder you… Read more »

Lance Rebelein

We’ll said.

Bob H

How did we get to this point?? It’s who we’ve become not what we were! You see the same constitution that allows us the freedom to do everything, our FAITH refrained us from doing everything!! We’re no longer espousing our faith and our founders didn’t write moral law into the constitution, because our faith as a people (nation) refrained us from doing the immoral!!! Now when you’ve people of no faith in office, you get judges and people of power legislating immoral laws on its people!! Remember, we just want gay (insert any initiative) people to not be victimized by… Read more »

Tony

You would do your cause a service by making your point without using words like “libs”, “the left”, and, especially, “libtards”. Insulting others does nothing but weaken your position. When you talk about civil war, you make yourself the enemy.
There are some very valid points to be made supporting the right to keep and bear arms, including MSRs. We as responsible gun owners need to be willing to discuss realistic measures to keep them away from dangerous or irresponsible people.
For the record, I am a retired infantryman and own several MSRs.

Richard Revoir

Tony , name calling is when you call someone something rude , like calling a person of color the n-word. A Jewish person a name etc. These are wrong , and impolite. Ignorant in fact. Don’t confuse this with the truth. The democrats are the left , as we POTG are the right. One can call me a Right wing nut case , I am not offended , one can also call the liberal party Lib’s , they are just that. These are called abbreviations , not insulting , just factual. Believe me when I tell you , the Lib’s… Read more »

Jonathan King

Richard, you may not agree with liberals but they are half the country. Why not try an open a dialog with them and come to a point of understanding. Do you really think that half the country wants to take you guns for some sinister authoritarian agenda? The truth is that the vast majority of people supporting (even extreme) gun control measures just want less violence. They may be mistaken about how to get there but they have good intentions. They need to be educated on the issue. This adversarial rhetoric you adopt is not conducive to reaching understanding. Like… Read more »

Richard Revoir

Why bother , my comments seem to disappear shortly after I make them , go figure. But to the question asked why ……. Because it is my right as an American. Provided by our founding fathers & the blood shed for our constitution.

Richard Davisson

Don’t feel bad. Mine never even showed up!

JoeUSooner

“… responsible gun owners need to be willing to discuss realistic measures…” Nice idea, but… Two problems, Tony. First, both sides must be “willing to discuss.” And that willingness must be in good faith. The political Right is indeed willing, but the political Left (particularly their current leaders) flatly refuses either. Second, the political Left has no concept or understanding of the term “realistic.” Socialists see the “real world” (not as it is, but) merely as an impediment to getting what they want. Thus, Socialists ARE the problem, and they refuse to change their stance, instead demanding that conservatives must… Read more »

Tim

There is a oath that you take with any government job.
It has a part in the oath that reads.
“I promise to defend and protect the constitution of the UNITED STATES of AMERICA! from (ALL ) enemies foreign and domestic. ”
am I wrong anybody? I know in the military when you join, that’s the first thing you do. So all those political people are traders when they don’t honor the oath they take to be in office.
Just my thought.
And a hey there to all my veteran brothers!

Juan

Sexual in morality is the root of all of the mental illnesses that cause school shooters and thus liberals wanting to control guns. Let me explain why. If people sleep around without protection women women will probably get pregnant. If they don’t abort, they will have a child. If the guy does not wish to be a father, the woman will be a single mother. Children without father figures are much more likely to commit crimes and be mentally ill than children with (https://www.mnpsych.org/index.php?option=com_dailyplanetblog&view=entry&category=industry%20news&id=54:father-absent-homes-implications-for-criminal-justice-and-mental-health-professionals) Only mentally I’ll people will shoot up a school. School shootings are the main reason why… Read more »

BobH
RicksterAR

A gun is a tool , an AR-15 is one of the best home defense tool’s we are able to own. It is our constitutional right to protect ourselves , and our loved ones. The Right to keep and bear arms , is not hard to understand. The left and Lib’s want to shred our constitution , bit by bit , piece by piece , I say nay , they shall not infringe on my rights.

Ken

Why you need a ar 15 or any gun in that matter? Simple for the educated its because it ensure the people to keep there freedoms. Freedom of speech and all the amendments from the government to change it. and it gives the power to the people have an better fighting chance to keep our rights and to regulate the government cause musket wont do it. But if you like having a dictatorship and keep a single person in charge go somewhere else see how that works for you. If you believe government wouldnt take your rights away. I own… Read more »

Jared K. Reviea

George Strait already threw that bridge into a deal with his ex-wife when she bought some ocean-front property in Arizona.

Rick

Why do I need an AR-15? Why does a person need a corvette that goes 160 mph when most speed limits are less than half that? The answer to both questions……because I want one.

Steve

I am a registered Democrat I am also a veteran of 17 years army. I have an AR15 and numerous other weapons. I have them because I want them not necessarily because I need them. Guns don’t kill people stupid people with guns kill people. If someone has it in their mind That they are going to do evil they don’t necessarily buy the gun legally so stopping people from legally buying guns just help those who are in the wrong harm those who are innocent. We have the constitutional right to bear arms let it go at that

Jake

You may want to reconsider registering with a party that literally is treason.

TK

This is going to be long so bear with me. The key to a solid argument is not to attack the other side’s stance and quote a 242 year old legal document. A lot changes in that amount of time and that’s why people are questioning its relevance. The first step to a good argument is to understand the opposition and recognize it. I spent a year on the south side of Chicago. I saw a man get shot in a drive by. So I understand how people can feel that imposing gun control laws would limit the violence. Now… Read more »

Tom M

Because: It’s not the Bill of “Needs,” it’s the Bill of Rights. That’s why.

Glenn Edgar

I have an AR, and I like to shoot it. I’m even going to get a better barrel for it. But I don’t feel like I own it for self defense, because it seems like kind of over-kill for the type of threats “I expect”. But I’ve become so used to relative stability, I’m complacent. If something caused rioting in the streets, i’ts a different story. But do I feel like it’s going to be used against the Government that has become tyrannical? Well they have fighter jets, nuclear weapons, millions of troops, hand grenades, machine guns, mortar, artillery, etc.… Read more »

RJL

Gun Control=Disarmament=Extermination…

ALeftist

I know it’s easy to make villains of “the left” but many many leftists are pro-gun.

Liberals=/= the left.

Dennis Roper

God bless you. You have right…..

Darrell Holland

“To defend against all enemies, foreign, and domestic.”

Stan

Comparing your weapon collection to having 3 TVs, a bunch of boots or other benign stuff is a stupid argument because you can’t one day get your brain overflowed with right wing dementia and use your wife’s boots to kill a bunch of people. Even if we accept that it is your right to own unrestricted guns, you have to admit every firearm brought home increases the risk of violence by some amount. And does everyone really believe gun rights are under attack? Get a grip and look around. This has been the most unrestricted era in modern US history.… Read more »

Ed

You, sir, are a blind hypocrite. Are you sure that buying a gun would not push you over the line into “being brainwashed by the right”, thus forcing you to commit crimes without volition of your own on behalf of the political party you oppose? That was your argument. As for your farcical assumption that danger of misuse of firearms increases in direct proportion to the amount of guns in a home; it does not. Stop being afraid of something you intend to buy. If you can’t do that, don’t buy it, its not for you.

TextingKills

Or a new phone..

Ian

If it ends up being the will of the people to place limits on the right to bear arms, then so be it. If it has to be a constitutional amendment then have at it. I don’t believe regulation limiting the types of guns we can posses is necessarily going to lead to an all or nothing situation. I own some of these guns they want to ban and I’d gladly give them up if the pass a law limiting my right to posses them. I should be fairly compensated for them. I am more than tired of hearing about… Read more »

Troy D Hanson

I hear what your saying, but the old saying, that give them an inch and they will take a mile, is so true.

GNewman

& you are what is wrong with the country now, you would bow down to what they want & say.

Ian

I’d bow just like you would to an F-16. Respecting the law and abiding by it is a choice I make as a free man. If they change the Constitution to place limits or further define what exactly they want the right to bear arms means I’d gladly give up those weapons. It’s exactly like owning a bomb to me. I’m pretty sure I do not have the right to own a claymore. I’m perfectly ok with that, and I’m very ok that other people even dumber than I am don’t have that right. I would not support any change… Read more »

Denny

Mental illness is really big problem and nobody says a word !!!!

WhippinShitties

And the award for communist cuck of the year goes to: Ian!

Nate

Giving up rights in no way helps the culling of violence. Based on this logic we should all forfit our cars and trucks. I’m am told they pollute and have been used as a weapon to kill people. Giving up anything will not change the hearts and minds of people that wish to harm others. They are comitting a crime in the act of harming or intending to murder people they will use illegal means to acquire the most potent tool for that. If all guns become illegal tomorrow criminals will still use them to commit crimes.

Wild Bill

@Iann, That is not how a Constitutional Republic works. If all the people in the US will it, except me, it would still be my unalienable, uninfringable Civil Right. A Constitutional Amendment would not change it. I am more than tired of hearing about cowards that would give up MY Constitutional Rights.

Khyberpass

Right on! No anti-gun law will change my mind. These attempts at taking away others rights because you don’t like it should be instantly dismissed. Goes against the Constitution. We should have one gun law (no felon. shall own a gun) other than that anything goes. We’ll have piece through strength. Criminals will be scared

Dudevoir

While there are several laws regulating the storage and obtaining of fissile materials and hazardous materials involved in making nuclear weapons, the actual ownership of a nuclear weapon is legal. Actually the most difficult part of the process of buying a nuclear bomb would be obtaining a class 3 destructive device (explosive) for use as the priming mechanism. Feel scared yet? No, let me help with that. 1994 David Charles Hahn was able to build a nuclear reactor from scratch. Why did he build it from scratch? David was only 17, those regulations I mentioned made it illegal to purchase… Read more »

Bob Johnson

YOU ARE OUT OF YOUR MIND. .
the right to bear arms is a final checks and balance to insure the American citizens have and keep ultimate control over our government. .
It doesn’t guarantee our safety it guarantees our freedoms and pursuit of happiness from being infringed or eroded by others we elect to represent us .. I’d love to go on and on but it’s obvious I will not change your veiw.

Mississippi Rebel

And Ian when it is the will of the people that you get in the cattle cars and later in the oven, I hope you feel good about bowing to the will of the people.

Ian

Sorry but have you seen the pay load on an AC130 gunship. If they come for you you’ll bow down. We arent strong because we have rifles. We are strong because I don’t care if I have a gun or not… If they come for you to round you up I will fight with anything I’ve got to stop them… I don’t even know you but you are more my neighbor than the fictional GOV round up squad coming to get you or me. I know history has seen the kind of GOV round up you are talking about. The… Read more »

Dennis Flanders

Ian: You don’t seem to have much of a grasp on how your government operates, or how it is supposed to operate. The purpose of the Constitution, the value of your natural rights, what is required to change said Constitution – these concepts seem to evade you. You should look up the definition of the word ‘unalienable’, the word used to describe those natural rights enumerated in the Bill of Rights. Perhaps that will help you begin to grasp these concepts ‘The will of the people’ is not relevant to the status of your Constitutionally enumerated and protected natural rights.… Read more »

Fair Soldier

And when you give up your guns, where do you think the people that violate our laws with firearms get theirs from. I can assure you it is not over the counter. Illegal guns have been an issue far before this and law abiding citizens giving up their firearms will not stop nor prevent this. It will only make you an easier target. I can assure you that even after you give up your second amendment rights, guns will still fall in the hands of those who lose their rights due to whatever reason. Something to think about. Not just… Read more »

Jon

A gun is an insurance policy.

Jared K. Reviea

But also could be a liability.

StormCloud

This is not a matter of opinion.Most opinions suck.That’s why we have something called The Ten Commandments & The Bill of Rights. Both works for EVERYONE. One opinion can not rule government. Don’t you know what that is? IN GOD WE TRUST

Jerry

God is not real.

Jon

Gun owner, gun rights advocate, liberal here. Why do you feel the need to use such divisive rhetoric? “Liberals get their dirty claws” and “snowflake Liberals” ect. You assume when your mother asks that question she is full of honest intentions and just misinformed but when an anti gunner asks they are savages coming to shred the constitution? Why demonize an entire half of the country just because they see things different from you? Sure maybe there are some who see gun control as a way to eat away at freedom but they are a tiny minority. Most people who… Read more »

PM

Thank you for this. Being left of center and also believing in gun rights has made me feel like a man with no country these days. If someone asks me why I need an ar-15 I tell them because they’re fun to shoot…wanna try?

DT

If we want less violence, then we need to attack to problem directly. The person commiting these crimes. If you will note ALL of these mass shootings have occurred in “Gun Free Zones”. Eliminate these in general public access areas e.i. restaurants, movie theaters etc. and even though this Will Not STOP some of the violence, it may minimize it. If we take a gun control stance on other mass acts of violence, then we need to outlaw backpacks like the one used in the Boston Marathon bombing. Home Depot 3/4 ton trucks like the one used to plow through… Read more »

Fair Soldier

A dangerous tool is also a kitchen knife. Do we get rid of those as well? I don’t hate but I do believe education is needed. Look at Europe when they rid the people of guns. Stabbings went up. A firearm is not a weapon until you use it as such, or intend to cause harm. Anything can be a weapon, an neck tie can be used as a weapon to cause harm when someone decides to choke someone with it. Do we need those? Do we get rid of them? Stop looking at the tool used and start looking… Read more »

Ac

I need one bc people like Tucker Carson’s wife need one…

I think this argument is now closed.

Jonathan Jordan

Exactly. But that’s also why those turds don’t do that kind of B.S. in states with less restrictive gun laws.

Mike

When you have a political “pundent” like Carlson whe preaches his rhetoric on a daily basis meaning to rile up tRumps base what do you expect will happen, when you have the Commander in chief doing the same thing at his ego stoking rally’s what do you expect will happen?

Brian

Even after all that thought, you’re incapable of answering the question. The existential purpose of an AR15 is to kill a lot of people in a short period of time. It’s an extremely effective tool. We know this because it has demonstrated that effectiveness at Sandy Hook and countless other places across the United States.

Ted

So is a speeding truck aimed at pedestrians.

Randy Ely

The gunner did not use an ar15 in sandy hook. It was found in the trunk of his car

Joshua watson

The need is there in case of having to overthrow an over bearing, tyrannical government. Literally the purpose the second amendment was written into the bill of rights was to protect citizens ability to do just that in the scenario they ever needed it.

Richard Revoir

Exactly ” it is a tool ” it is also my right , as a law abiding citizen , to have it. I absolutely believe in our constitution , our 2nd Amendment , and the knowledge that my AR-15 and other gun’s are not going to grow a person & go on a shooting spree. It takes a person to use any weapon , I am well aware of how Lib’s & the left are fixated on taking our right to own any gun we have , leaving us defenseless. But with all of the criminals in the US having… Read more »

Jake Pacitti

Actually, you’re incorrect. The ar15 has been used in two shootings and any gun can be used to kill people. Handguns are used 57% of the time in any shooting, mass or domestic.

Steve

I agree, handguns are used in more homicides AND criminal acts then the ar15 will ever be! So tired of hearing assault weapons should be banned when people dont know the truth. List to Chicago police scanner one night. How many shootings? Too many! In my city we have had more the 300 hundred homicides a year for the past few years and on track to do it again. Guess how many were killed with an ar15? NONE!

Steve

A firearms purpose, what they are designed to do is to launch a projectile down range. That’s it, thats all they do.
The projectile may or may not be designed to inflict damage on a soft target.
Its the operator of the firearm that determines what that target is.

Herb

You ought to ask a couple of Koreans that were present back in the LA Riots why they needed AR15s. Then get back to us.

A.x. Perez

When someone asks why do you need a (whatever), what they mean is “Why should I give you permission to get a(whatever)?”
The right answer is “What I do not need your permission to get a (whatever). Furthermore, I have a feeling that no reason I give you would be good enough for you to give me that permission, so thank God I don’t need it. Now, if you think you know of a gun that you think would meet my needs better tell me what it is and we can have a friendly conversation.

Jeff

Thank you! Very well put!!

Richard

Bullseye. Thank you for saying what I was thinking.

Parker

The same “We the People…” in the Declaration of Independence is used in the second amendment, “right of the people to keep and bear arms..”

KM

So what’s wrong with house bill 2060? I am a gun owner and advocate but if a man beats a woman first you shouldn’t be allowed to walk the earth must less own firearms. They should be taken away. Lesson is control yourself or loose you rights.

Carlos

Maybe because not everyone is honest and a woman can just make up a false story and ruin a mans life with a domestic violence accusation (ive seen it happen). Another good reason is that these are only incremental steps towards gun confiscation. Same issue with all these red flag laws. I believe people should not have their rights stripped away unless they have been proven guilty of a crime.