The resurgence of gun stupidity: an Update (see #15 below) [View all]

[discntnt_irny_srcsm]

Last edited Sat Apr 30, 2016, 03:37 PM - Edit history (2)

IMHO the idea of a reincarnation of an Assault Weapons Ban is becoming popular. First of all the 1994 AWB defined an "assault weapon" as follows:

Semi-automatic rifles able to accept detachable magazines and two or more of the following:
- Folding or telescoping stock
- Pistol grip
- Bayonet mount
- Flash suppressor, or threaded barrel designed to accommodate one
- Grenade launcher mount

The stock: the main difference between a handgun and a rifle is barrel length and presence of a stock. The longer the barrel the greater the amount of energy derived from the propellant will be imparted to the projectile. The stock placed snug against the shoulder to steady the rifle. This becomes important when trying to hit targets at greater distances. An adjustable stock has 2 advantage over a fixed stock, it allows the same rifle to be adjusted for folks with different arm lengths and it can make the rifle somewhat shorter such that it can fit in a smaller case or lock-box. A folding stock simply makes the rifle more compact. Granted a shorter rifle may be easier to conceal but not nearly as easy to conceal as a handgun.

This feature gets the (double dunce) award for having no relation to the realities of crime and deadly assaults.


The pistol grip: A pistol grip (or two) gives one a more positive hold on the rifle than one can get on the traditional stock. A positive grip can make it easier to snug the gun against the shoulder and reduce injury from the kick. It gives the user greater control over the rifle. Greater control and a positive grip on the gun can promote safer handling.

This feature gets the (triple dunce) award for possibly making handling a rifle less safe.


The Bayonet mount, Flash suppressor or threaded barrel and Grenade launcher mount: These features are so totally irrelevant I view explaining the reasons why to be an insult to most folks over 8 years old.

These all get the (wtf) award for overall stupid, useless and irrelevant relation to anything at all.