Can you make a case for owning a semi-automatic weapon or assault rifle?
Without using the second amendment argument since our forefathers obviously could not have imagined today’s weaponry when they wrote it, can you make a logical argument as to why an average citizen in America should be able to purchase or own a semi-automatic weapon or assault rifle? I would like to hear well thought out reasons as to why we should have these guns readily available for sale to the public. This is a serious question because despite where I stand, I am trying to see both sides of the gun control issue.
To the person who commented about my lack of knowledge – Yes, I DO know the definition of semi-automatic. While I realize it only fires once each time you pull the trigger – it does fire more rapidly than a bolt action rifle and will fire until the stored ammunition is exhausted – which can mean a substantial number of times. Consequently – if you have a rapid trigger finger you can do a lot of damage in a short period of time. You missed the fact that I live in the south. I grew up in a house with hunting rifles and still have one. It is NOT, however a semi-automatic.
Posted in military assault
December 14th, 2009 at 1:14 am
There are several valid reasons for owning a semi-automatic weapon. First, target shooting. Competing in gun events is popular. It is a test of skill and agility. Second, hunting. Finally, collecting. Many people enjoy collecting old weapons, including military and civilian semi-automatics.
Owning an assault rifle is a little harder to justify. Obviously you would not go hunting with one, so the main reason is collecting. Additionally, there are some competitions, but not as much. Also, watch out for those doomsday fanatics!
December 14th, 2009 at 1:14 am
Nope, i understand guns used for hunting and protection but auto-assault rifles are for the purpose of killing people… On the other hand if a country decides to invade this great land then i guess it would be handy…
December 14th, 2009 at 1:14 am
I need mine for squirrel control.
December 14th, 2009 at 1:14 am
Do you even know what "semi automatic"means?
Didn’t think so.
December 14th, 2009 at 1:14 am
for military purpose only. some will say tournament competitions or collection items. OK. u mentioned the second amendment most ppl don’t even no what it says. the right to bare arms for protection of property and self is set mainly during a the time of a militia action. problem is most ppl take just one sentence from any amendment to work in there favor. instead of reading the whole article. Good Luck.
December 14th, 2009 at 1:14 am
I own a semi-auto rifle. I use it for deer hunting and shooting paper.
It happens to fall into the category you describe as an "assault weapon". It is a tool much like a hammer or saw.
I enjoy shooting it, much like people enjoy jogging, knitting, or any other hobbie.
You cannot separate the 2nd amendment from the argument.
But since you don’t want the 2nd amendment in the argument, consider the following lines in the declaration of independence.
–That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security. —
Tyranny of the minority is something we need to guard against.
To me this means that in order to protect individual liberty and freedom I need to be willing to protect it, fight for it and if necessary die for it. That is the responsibility of EVERY citizen. In order to do that one must be ready, all FREE individuals in this country ARE the minutemen, many believe Oh we will outsource this to the government. When in fact our responsibility as citizens’ is to keep government in check.
the Balance of Power in this country is
Presidency – Congress – and the People.
The average citizen you ask may not want to own a gun, but why ban those things for those who would want to own one?
December 14th, 2009 at 1:14 am
Far too many of these anti-gun zealots use this same argument to attempt to show that these types of weapons are not need and have no legitimate use by the average man, and should be banned. Bull! The way this question is posed is deceiving. It makes one think only in terms of the average guy hunting or protecting their home and family from a single armed prowler. This is a smoke screen. Many people buy guns for different reasons. MANY enthusists like to go to ranges and shoot. They like multiple targets, they like moving targets. They have competitions. All of these are MUCH more fun with a rapid fire semi-automatic weapon or high powered rifle. Its not all about the lone guy in the woods, but large game hunters can and do use high powered (assult) rifles. As for the protection part of it, there is always a possibilty that this country or any country will come under attack and be invaded or maybe we’ll have a huge civil unrest scenario. The people have a right to defend themselves. If they find themselves being attacked by multiple armed and dangerous predators, this type of weapon is warranted and gives them a much better chance of survival. There are legitimate legal reasons to have and own rapid fire style and high powered weapons.
December 14th, 2009 at 1:14 am
Not me. I don’t see why any private individual should need a gun for any reason. Many law enforcement officers feel that guns in the hands of private individuals make crime worse. When a person is surprised on the street or in his/her own home by a criminal, and that person is armed, the chances are good that the criminal will end up with the weapon and the victim will end up injured or dead.
As far as hunting goes, we hunt sometimes at our house, but we use a bow in order to make it more of a sport and a challenge, and to give the animal a sporting chance. My husband owns a BB gun for target practice, and several bows. We eat meat and wear leather. Our sons have been trained in handling guns in Boy Scouts, but they are not interested in owning one or even using one except for target practice.
I think the type of weapon you are describing belongs only in the hands of law enforcement or the armed services.
December 14th, 2009 at 1:14 am
why do people drive hummers and never go offroad? Why do 2 people live in a 500000 dollar house? Why do people need a 200mph car? Why do women spend hundreds on makeup? Why do people drive when they could walk? Why do people play basketball? Football,hockey,run,jog? they are sports. I like to target shoot. Just because you do not like it I should give it up?
What is your sport? I would like to bash it. I think basketball should be banned because the players fight. If there were no basketballs there would be no violence on the courts.
pretty stupid huh!
December 14th, 2009 at 1:14 am
I have never commited a crime, I have served my nation, state and community. I enjoy hunting and marksmenship.
The acts of a nut, any nut, will not justify punshing me and the majority of others who are not guilty of anything.
The rational gun control follows can follow knives, cars, airplanes etc.
Did you know that homicide only accounts for about .7% of all deaths in the USA and this is not totally accounted for by guns. Most people die of 1. heart attacks 2. cancer and 3. strokes.
Twinkies are much more dangerous than guns. Statistically homicides are down 28% from 1979.
Why would people want gun control? Fear, unjustified fear.
I don’t need to justify my want to own, use and enjoy firearms.
December 14th, 2009 at 1:14 am
To protect yourself from someone that breaks into your house and has the same.