Opinion
H/T to Garand Thumb on Youtube for the detailed break down. Be sure an follow his page & show you support.
When a high-profile figure like UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson is assassinated, speculation spreads like wildfire. The weapon allegedly used in this tragic event has become the subject of intense debate and misinformation. Let’s sift through the myths and focus on the facts, informed by firearms expertise and an honest assessment of the evidence.
Understanding the Weapon Debate
Initial reports from the NYPD suggested the use of a Brügger & Thomet Station Six, a modern reproduction of the WWII-era Welrod. While this integrally suppressed firearm is highly unique, it’s also an odd choice for an assassin due to its limitations and trackability under the National Firearms Act (NFA).
Here’s the thing: the Station Six is quiet but clunky. It requires manual cycling for each shot, and its suppressor relies on rubber “wipes” that wear out quickly. Surveillance footage shows the gunman cycling the weapon in a way inconsistent with how the B&T Station Six 9mm Pistol operates.
This raises doubts about its use in this crime.
Live Inventory Price Checker
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B&T Station Six 9 Training Suppressor (NFA) SD-123158-US | EuroOptic.com | $ 525.00 |
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B&T Station Six Bolt Action .45 ACP 5" Bbl Black 8Rd 1 Mag w/Suppressor BT-410110 | EuroOptic.com | $ 2040.00 $ 1842.00 |
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B&T Station Six .45 ACP Bolt Action Pistol, 5" Barrel, Suppressor Kit, Black | Bereli | $ 1850.00 |
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B&T Station Six Black Right-Hand Shoulder Holster BT-SIXRH | EuroOptic.com | $ 250.00 |
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What Makes More Sense?
The most plausible theory points to a homebuilt suppressor. A DIY suppressor wouldn’t have a booster—a critical component for semi-automatic pistols—forcing the shooter to manually cycle the gun after each shot. This aligns with the behavior seen in the footage: the shooter cycled the slide manually, tapped the back to ensure the gun was in battery, and appeared to expect malfunctions.
Other Theories to Consider
While the homebuilt suppressor theory holds the most weight, two other possibilities are worth mentioning:
- Subpar Suppressor Performance: Older or poorly designed suppressors are notorious for causing cycling issues in semi-automatic pistols. This could explain the shooter’s need to manually cycle the gun, though modern suppressors tend to function reliably.
- Subsonic Ammunition Modifications: The shooter may have modified standard ammunition to create subsonic rounds, reducing the noise but also causing cycling issues. This is relatively easy to do with basic tools, making it a feasible option for an untrained assassin.
Separating Fact from Fiction
Some mainstream reports have focused on the rarity and “assassination weapon” history of the Station Six Pistol, painting a dramatic narrative. However, as Jeremy, a contributor in the Gran Thumb analysis, aptly put it, the odds of an assassin using a registered NFA item are “basically non-existent.”
Why? Because crimes committed with NFA-regulated items are exceedingly rare due to their traceability and the steep penalties for misuse.
Don’t Let Fear Drive Legislation
It’s crucial to resist knee-jerk reactions that exploit this tragedy to push for restrictive gun laws. Suppressors are a tool—not an inherently nefarious one—and their regulation under the NFA already places heavy restrictions on lawful ownership. Demonizing suppressors based on this incident does nothing to address the root causes of crime.
More Questions Than Answers
This assassination raises more questions than it answers, but one thing is clear: misinformation helps no one. Whether you’re a seasoned gun owner or new to firearms discussions, understanding the technical details and context surrounding incidents like this is essential to preserving Second Amendment rights.
Let’s remain vigilant, informed, and ready to challenge myths with facts. If there’s one takeaway, it’s that constitutional rights should not be collateral damage in the face of any tragedy. Stay sharp, and stay free.
My guess is that the evil ones will redouble efforts to ban threaded barrels. Claiming that this might have been an improvised suppressor attached to a threaded barrel. Never mind that this is a single death and that there are several tens of millions of threaded barrels in circulation. Also never mind that anyone capable of improvising a suppressor could relatively easily thread a barrel – so it would not stop any crime – not even one!
Considering the price alone of this firearm it gives pause as to the idea that the shooter wasn’t being paid for this hit. Especially when far more inexpensive options are available and the fact that the need for a surpressor wasn’t all that necessary to complete the task.
Connecticut already bans threaded barrels but stay tuned our state congress morons will pass a bunch of anti gun laws this session…
Now New York mayor Adams and law enforcement are claiming he used a ‘ghost gun’ made with a 3D printer.
He had pants on too, so I’d like to get those banned. Please contact your senators!
Value of a suppressor to the perp: same as the value of a suppressor to anyone – less noise. Less to attract attention, and less to damage his hearing, which he might need during his escape. In Europe, suppressors are considered a courtesy to neighbors – by reducing annoyance. They also may reduce or eliminate the need for hearing protection on the shooter – MAY. That allows a sportsman to hear what’s going on around him without requiring active ear protection. Thanks to higher volume of purchase, they’re also dramatically less expensive than in the US – under $100, and no $200 “tax stamp.”… Read more »
These guys in the video should be doing the investigation because they appear to have more knowledge about the possible gun used than the ” professionals” investigating
Garand Thumb I just can’t take seriously, after his recent creepy sex scandal, and it’s just very dark and twisted. So much for the “dad advice” part of his videos.
Sadly, it appears they have caught the guy.