We think: Assault-weapons ban one way to fight back against violent crime

[Bobby+Umit 161]

"Mexican law enforcement authorities and soldiers face heavily armed drug gangs with high-powered military automatic weapons. Perhaps 90% of these weapons are smuggled across the US border. They are frequently purchased from licensed US gun dealers in Texas, Arizona, and US border. They are frequently purchased from licensed US gun dealers in Texas, Arizona, and California.

AK-47 assault rifles are literally bought a hundred at a time and illegally brought into Mexico. Mexican authorities routinely seize BOXES of unopened automatic military weapons. The confiscation rates by Mexican law enforcement of hand grenades, RPG's, and AK-47's are at the level of wartime battlefield seizures. It is hard to understand the seeming indifference and incompetence of US authorities at state and Federal level to such callous disregard for a national security threat to a neighboring democratic state. We would consider it an act of warfare from a sanctuary state if we were the victim.

The bottom line---the US is ineffective and unresponsive to Mexican concerns about weapons, bulk cash, and precursor chemicals flowing south into Mexico from the United States--- with a blow-torch effect on the security of the Mexican people."

~ After Action Report—General Barry R McCaffrey USA (Ret)

http://www.mccaffreyassociates.com/pdfs/Me...cember_2008.pdf

what ... no serial numbers to track back to the supposed dealers so these dealers can be jailed (hint: dealers must maintain records of firearms in their possession) especially Title II firearms. These dealers who sold "new in boxes" quantities of Title II firearms in direct violation of the NFA 1986 aren't being prosecuted? It's hard to fathom that there were so many unsold NIB Title II firearms on dealers shelves for the past 20+ years.

So maybe General McCaffrey just doesn't know what the heck he is talking about?

Maybe, I seriously doubt licensed US gun dealers can cover the sale/theft of RPG's/Grenades/Ak-47's. (whole boxes of automatic military weapons).

The boys in the ATF would be all over that. I routinely shop at gun stores, and know many of the owners, and I never saw such weapons being sold, let alone be transferred out of country.

He makes claims, but I see no evidence, in either court cases or indicments concerning the turnover of military grade weapons.

Oh - one more thing, notice that all the weapons he is talking about are all east bloc in origin? something to think about.

[Ban Hammer 13,355]

Advancements in technology have enabled people to arm themselves beyond reasonable means. Coupled with the elimination of the assault-weapons ban, the prospect of more violence is alarming.

Getting these guns off the streets would make them safer. Why else would so many police chiefs and sheriffs, people not generally associated with wobbly-kneed liberals, agree?

In Alabama, 11 people — including the shooter — died after a barrage of bullets from a Bushmaster AR-15-style assault rifle and an SKS assault rifle. The shooter reportedly fired an excess of 200 rounds during the assault. He used high-capacity magazines taped together so when one was spent, it would be easier to reload.

ar-15 is a semi auto - not an assault rifle. was the sks semi auto too? and taping magazines together isn't a new trick, it existed in the vietnam war. maybe we should outlaw duct tape too.

Gun enthusiasts will argue that in some instances, all it takes is a couple of cosmetic features to make a gun fit the definition of an assault weapon. After all, a garden-variety hunting rifle works the same way as the most sinister-looking assault rifle — one shot per trigger pull.

here's what some consider to be an assault rifle:

oh yeah, baby, a mini-14!

the original before the modifications below.......

But assault rifles mimic the design of military weapons that are meant to kill people, not deer, and sometimes feature such charming options as muzzle flash suppressors and bayonet mounts.

and such charming options really impress deer.

Banning assault weapons will help protect us in other ways: It's expected to help slow the flow of guns going across the Mexican border, which has been a hot spot for violence in recent months.

Mexican government officials are pointing accusatory fingers at the U.S. because of the availability of such guns from this country.

so this really isn't about our rights under the 2nd amendment, eh?

In Orange County alone, deputies have seized 321 AK-47s, AR-15s and other high-powered weapons between 2003 and 2007. And of the 42 murders in Orlando last year, five involved assault weapons, including the triple-murder at The Palms Apartments.

any deer rifle is a high powered weapon. and again, unless the ak-47's were automatics, then both the ak-47's mentioned along with the ar-15's are semi auto........

The confiscation rates by Mexican law enforcement of hand grenades, RPG’s, and AK-47’s are at the level of wartime battlefield seizures. It is hard to understand the seeming indifference and incompetence of US authorities at state and Federal level to such callous disregard for a national security threat to a neighboring democratic state. We would consider it an act of warfare from a sanctuary state if we were the victim.

rpg's aren't us made.

[one...two...tree 2,762]

Charles, that's a classic bait and switch argument made by the gun lobby - to make it sound as if it's impossible to classify what guns are used for hunting vs. what guns were made for combat. We can argue over what is is all night...the fact is that there assault rifles that were manufactured for combat use and those types of weapons shouldn't be on the streets. Our police officers shouldn't have to equip themselves to fight against such armament.

[britty 1]

Charles, that's a classic bait and switch argument made by the gun lobby - to make it sound as if it's impossible to classify what guns are used for hunting vs. what guns were made for combat. We can argue over what is is all night...the fact is that there assault rifles that were manufactured for combat use and those types of weapons shouldn't be on the streets. Our police officers shouldn't have to equip themselves to fight against such armament.

which just leaves the criminal element in possession of "assault" rifles ??? Great idea.

[natty bumppo 297]

Charles, that's a classic bait and switch argument made by the gun lobby - to make it sound as if it's impossible to classify what guns are used for hunting vs. what guns were made for combat. We can argue over what is is all night...the fact is that there assault rifles that were manufactured for combat use and those types of weapons shouldn't be on the streets. Our police officers shouldn't have to equip themselves to fight against such armament.

so ... please tell everyone what firearm can't be used for combat?

ever hear of a boss system on a browning hunting rifle ... on a bolt action rifle ? what do you think it is? in all aspects.

[Ban Hammer 13,355]

Charles, that's a classic bait and switch argument made by the gun lobby - to make it sound as if it's impossible to classify what guns are used for hunting vs. what guns were made for combat. We can argue over what is is all night...the fact is that there assault rifles that were manufactured for combat use and those types of weapons shouldn't be on the streets. Our police officers shouldn't have to equip themselves to fight against such armament.

just make all assault rifles look like this

and do please define assault rifle, as your use of that phrase seems a bit arbitrary.

Edited March 24, 2009 by charles!

[Kevin&Leilei 1]

Since when does banning anything actually get rid of it?

[Ban Hammer 13,355]

Since when does banning anything actually get rid of it?

like weed?

[sj5 4]

Charles, that's a classic bait and switch argument made by the gun lobby - to make it sound as if it's impossible to classify what guns are used for hunting vs. what guns were made for combat. We can argue over what is is all night...the fact is that there assault rifles that were manufactured for combat use and those types of weapons shouldn't be on the streets. Our police officers shouldn't have to equip themselves to fight against such armament.

You can take their job instead. I think, it's cheaper to keep you on the street without gun.

[stangguy 0]

Charles, that's a classic bait and switch argument made by the gun lobby - to make it sound as if it's impossible to classify what guns are used for hunting vs. what guns were made for combat. We can argue over what is is all night...the fact is that there assault rifles that were manufactured for combat use and those types of weapons shouldn't be on the streets. Our police officers shouldn't have to equip themselves to fight against such armament.

The only way to distinguish between military and civilian weapons is whether they have an automatic fire mode, beyond that it is impossible to distinguish between which weapons are made for military purpose and which are made for civilian purposes. All semi-automatic rifles function in the same way. The action doesn't know if it is in a military or civilian weapon. Additionally, most of the major rounds currently used for hunting are military in origin. And just because the "civilian" rifle that fired the round looks different from the military rifle that fires the same round doesn't mean the bullet is any less deadly.

The .30-06 round which is the most common choice for North American large game, was developed in 1906 as military cartidge.

The Remington 700 rifle which is one of the most common choices for deer hunters is also known as the M24 in the US Army.

And both of the mini-14s shown are assault rifles by most common definitions. It is derived from the military M14 which existed just prior to the adoption of the M16 and is still used in limited capacity by the US military. It also fires the military grade NATO 5.56x45 and equivalent civilan Remington .223 round.

[Ban Hammer 13,355]

Charles, that's a classic bait and switch argument made by the gun lobby - to make it sound as if it's impossible to classify what guns are used for hunting vs. what guns were made for combat. We can argue over what is is all night...the fact is that there assault rifles that were manufactured for combat use and those types of weapons shouldn't be on the streets. Our police officers shouldn't have to equip themselves to fight against such armament.

The only way to distinguish between military and civilian weapons is whether they have an automatic fire mode, beyond that it is impossible to distinguish between which weapons are made for military purpose and which are made for civilian purposes. All semi-automatic rifles function in the same way. The action doesn't know if it is in a military or civilian weapon. Additionally, most of the major rounds currently used for hunting are military in origin. And just because the "civilian" rifle that fired the round looks different from the military rifle that fires the same round doesn't mean the bullet is any less deadly.

The .30-06 round which is the most common choice for North American large game, was developed in 1906 as military cartidge.

The Remington 700 rifle which is one of the most common choices for deer hunters is also known as the M24 in the US Army.

And both of the mini-14s shown are assault rifles by most common definitions. It is derived from the military M14 which existed just prior to the adoption of the M16 and is still used in limited capacity by the US military. It also fires the military grade NATO 5.56x45 and equivalent civilan Remington .223 round.

which definitions are those? the mini-14 is semi-auto and was not designed for combat.

An assault rifle is a rifle designed for combat, with selective fire (capable of shooting fully automatic and semi automatic). Assault rifles are the standard infantry weapons in most modern armies, having largely superseded or supplemented battle rifles (which are similar to assault rifles but are larger and more powerful) such as the FN FAL and the Heckler & Koch G3. Examples of assault rifles include the AK-47, the M16 and the Steyr AUG.

wiki

assault rifle

NOUN: Any of various automatic or semiautomatic rifles designed for individual use in combat.

yahoo education

n. Any of various automatic or semiautomatic rifles designed for individual use in combat.

answers.com

The Mini-14, Mini Thirty, and Mini-6.8 are small, lightweight semi-automatic carbines manufactured by the U.S. firearms company Sturm, Ruger.

...............

History

The Mini-14 was first introduced in 1974 by Ruger. Mini-14 is derived from the military M14 rifle implying a miniature version of the M14. Ruger used the M14 as a model for the new rifle while incorporating numerous innovations and cost-saving engineering changes. The Mini-14 proved popular with small-game hunters, ranchers, law enforcement, security personnel and target shooters.

wiki

and what country has adopted the mini-14 for their army? from what i can find, none!

Edited March 24, 2009 by charles!

[almaty 19]

wow, i had one of those when i was younger..gave it to my nephew later on..for target shooting

[moelarrycheese 0]

Quite expectedly, gun zealots are on the defensive following the recent shooting rampages in Alabama and Germany.

"The enemies of Liberty will use anything as an excuse to rape our civil rights," read a recent blog post by a gun activist.

Please, spare us the righteous indignation.

Most sensible people understand the difference between the legitimate, constitutional right to bear arms and the rat-a-tat chaos inflicted by assault weapons.

If people want to protect their homes they don't need an assault weapon.

It's time to get new ones off the streets by reinstating the assault-weapons ban that expired in 2004.

President Barack Obama has the political juice to make it happen, and it's on his list of things to do. He's said so on the campaign trial.

Go for it, sir.

Advancements in technology have enabled people to arm themselves beyond reasonable means. Coupled with the elimination of the assault-weapons ban, the prospect of more violence is alarming.

Getting these guns off the streets would make them safer. Why else would so many police chiefs and sheriffs, people not generally associated with wobbly-kneed liberals, agree?

In Alabama, 11 people — including the shooter — died after a barrage of bullets from a Bushmaster AR-15-style assault rifle and an SKS assault rifle. The shooter reportedly fired an excess of 200 rounds during the assault. He used high-capacity magazines taped together so when one was spent, it would be easier to reload.

Gun enthusiasts will argue that in some instances, all it takes is a couple of cosmetic features to make a gun fit the definition of an assault weapon. After all, a garden-variety hunting rifle works the same way as the most sinister-looking assault rifle — one shot per trigger pull.

But assault rifles mimic the design of military weapons that are meant to kill people, not deer, and sometimes feature such charming options as muzzle flash suppressors and bayonet mounts.

Banning assault weapons will help protect us in other ways: It's expected to help slow the flow of guns going across the Mexican border, which has been a hot spot for violence in recent months.

Mexican government officials are pointing accusatory fingers at the U.S. because of the availability of such guns from this country.

As in Mexico and its drug cartels, assault weapons seem to become guns of choice in the drug subculture.

Orlando Police Chief Val Demings understands the danger locally. She has no quarrel with true sporting-gun enthusiasts or those who want to protect their homes.

But Ms. Demings has serious concerns over criminals and other dangerous characters having such easy access to assault weapons, as if arming themselves for Armageddon. That's what it looks like on some of our nation's streets today. She sees it. Most of those who argue so passionately to protect assault weapons do not.

In Orange County alone, deputies have seized 321 AK-47s, AR-15s and other high-powered weapons between 2003 and 2007. And of the 42 murders in Orlando last year, five involved assault weapons, including the triple-murder at The Palms Apartments.

We understand that banning the sale of new assault weapons isn't a cure for violent crime. Having a more effective way of tracing guns that are sold by their original owner is equally important.

But reinstating the ban on assault weapons is a good place to start.

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/opinio...0,4845042.story

The second amendment was put in the constitution to protect the rights of the citizens to resist a tyrannical government by force if necessary. Today, the weapons that would best serve this purpose are assault weapons-- your ordinary handguns, .22's etc. are not up to the task. Small arma are useful for personal protection, but this is not what the framers intended by the right to bear arms-they intended for the populace to be able to overthrow the government if it got too big for it's britches. The only weapons up to the task are precisely those the government wants to ban.

Criminals who want to get these weapons will get them whether legal or not-- thus, a ban would only remove rights guaranteed the lawful population of this country to the benefit of criminals and (potential) tyrants.

[john & jean 37]

Quite expectedly, gun zealots are on the defensive following the recent shooting rampages in Alabama and Germany.

"The enemies of Liberty will use anything as an excuse to rape our civil rights," read a recent blog post by a gun activist.

Please, spare us the righteous indignation.

Most sensible people understand the difference between the legitimate, constitutional right to bear arms and the rat-a-tat chaos inflicted by assault weapons.

If people want to protect their homes they don't need an assault weapon.

It's time to get new ones off the streets by reinstating the assault-weapons ban that expired in 2004.

President Barack Obama has the political juice to make it happen, and it's on his list of things to do. He's said so on the campaign trial.

Go for it, sir.

Advancements in technology have enabled people to arm themselves beyond reasonable means. Coupled with the elimination of the assault-weapons ban, the prospect of more violence is alarming.

Getting these guns off the streets would make them safer. Why else would so many police chiefs and sheriffs, people not generally associated with wobbly-kneed liberals, agree?

In Alabama, 11 people — including the shooter — died after a barrage of bullets from a Bushmaster AR-15-style assault rifle and an SKS assault rifle. The shooter reportedly fired an excess of 200 rounds during the assault. He used high-capacity magazines taped together so when one was spent, it would be easier to reload.

Gun enthusiasts will argue that in some instances, all it takes is a couple of cosmetic features to make a gun fit the definition of an assault weapon. After all, a garden-variety hunting rifle works the same way as the most sinister-looking assault rifle — one shot per trigger pull.

But assault rifles mimic the design of military weapons that are meant to kill people, not deer, and sometimes feature such charming options as muzzle flash suppressors and bayonet mounts.

Banning assault weapons will help protect us in other ways: It's expected to help slow the flow of guns going across the Mexican border, which has been a hot spot for violence in recent months.

Mexican government officials are pointing accusatory fingers at the U.S. because of the availability of such guns from this country.

As in Mexico and its drug cartels, assault weapons seem to become guns of choice in the drug subculture.

Orlando Police Chief Val Demings understands the danger locally. She has no quarrel with true sporting-gun enthusiasts or those who want to protect their homes.

But Ms. Demings has serious concerns over criminals and other dangerous characters having such easy access to assault weapons, as if arming themselves for Armageddon. That's what it looks like on some of our nation's streets today. She sees it. Most of those who argue so passionately to protect assault weapons do not.

In Orange County alone, deputies have seized 321 AK-47s, AR-15s and other high-powered weapons between 2003 and 2007. And of the 42 murders in Orlando last year, five involved assault weapons, including the triple-murder at The Palms Apartments.

We understand that banning the sale of new assault weapons isn't a cure for violent crime. Having a more effective way of tracing guns that are sold by their original owner is equally important.

But reinstating the ban on assault weapons is a good place to start.

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/opinio...0,4845042.story

The second amendment was put in the constitution to protect the rights of the citizens to resist a tyrannical government by force if necessary. Today, the weapons that would best serve this purpose are assault weapons-- your ordinary handguns, .22's etc. are not up to the task. Small arma are useful for personal protection, but this is not what the framers intended by the right to bear arms-they intended for the populace to be able to overthrow the government if it got too big for it's britches. The only weapons up to the task are precisely those the government wants to ban.

Criminals who want to get these weapons will get them whether legal or not-- thus, a ban would only remove rights guaranteed the lawful population of this country to the benefit of criminals and (potential) tyrants.

WHEN WEAPONS ARE OUTLAWED, ONLY OUTLAWS WILL HAVE WEAPONS!!!!

[pedroh 21]

yea because drug cartel people are gonna raid your houses.. as if you were in their interests..

please.. be more real about it.. yea I need a fukcin smg just in case the drug dealers raid my house.. same dumb argument as after 9/11 'we have buildings in our town dem terrorists would like to blow, like our walmart'