A Guide to Mass Shootings in America

[Penny Lane 8,159]

Why do they care? Thousands of people including children die from automobile accidents every year but I don't see anyone freaking out about that one. Where's the outcry? Better yet why isn't places like Chicago and Washington DC mentioned in these threads. Guns are all but banned in those cities yet they have the highest murder rate year in and year out. Over 500 people died in Chicago last year from gunshots yet why arnt we talking about that? I mean guns are banned there so that shouldn't happen right? Detroit just loosened up it's gun laws a few years ago and the crime rate there has dropped. And like Slim pointed out there were no weapons ban prior to 1994 so why are all these killings happening post '94?

People need not just act like they have a brain, they need to use said brain. Just about everyone has internet these days so there's no excuse for not learning about this stuff. Only sheep don't want to learn. They are followers and not much more.

Automobile accidents happen on a daily basis and always have. When a child dies in an accident, it's somehow easier to accept than them doing something innocent like sitting in their kindergarten class and having some jackass come in and deliberately blow them away. They were all shot MULTIPLE times. That's a bit harder to swallow. If you can't understand that, then that's your problem. Not mine.

My comment had nothing to do with guns. So you can spout your usual Chicago rant somewhere else. If you don't care about 20 kids being murdered, then fine. But don't expect other, rationally thinking people to go along with it.

Edited December 19, 2012 by Evylin

[Bad_Daddy 2,209]

You know the answer to this question. I posted this in another thread, it's a problem now because it's the suburbs. My boss is from Detroit, he says they won't let alot people carry there because of the high crime rate. That's why Chicago, and the other places aren't in the news.

30 little white kids, some with blonde hair died in suburbia and now it's all over the news. Funny thing is that those kids that die every day in Chicago also have parents yet we don't hear about that. Even better is the fact guns are banned in Chicago.

[We Keep Receipts 9,238]

30 little white kids, some with blonde hair died in suburbia and now it's all over the news. Funny thing is that those kids that die every day in Chicago also have parents yet we don't hear about that. Even better is the fact guns are banned in Chicago.

But if you flooded Chicago with guns, I know it wouldn't solve anything. I live 4 hours from there, trust me, you'd have more shootouts than anything. Most folks that have never lived in an urban area can wrap their heads around this. If a high crime area has no ban on guns, you have everyone packing, and more lives would be lost in the crossfire. That's why I get a little heated when certain people come on here bragging about all this heat but live somewhere that has zero violent crime and claim it's because everyone can carry. Those same folks wouldn't last a day in the places I've lived, because there if you brag or pull your heat out, guess what, either you are shooting someone or they are shooting you.

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

1962 - Colt successfully sold the AR-15 to the US Air Force to arm base security troops. Commercial models were then set to Special Forces in Vietnam, who reported great success with the weapon. This led to it being adopted as the Army's main combat rifle starting in 1964. It has remained the US's primary combat rifle in one form or another to this day, and was adopted by many NATO countries in the 1980s.

.......

Legal status of civilian ownership

Australia

AR-15 rifles, like all semi-automatic rifles, are subject to strong restrictions of ownership in all states and territories in Australia. The only means of legally owning an AR-15/M16-type rifle in Australia today beyond law enforcement is to have a Category D Firearms License (e.g. a professional animal culler), to have a Firearms Collector's License and the firearm deactivated (with the barrel plugged up and the action welded shut), or converted to blank fire if one is a member of a military re-enactment organization.

The heavy restrictions on semi-automatic rifles were introduced in 1996 in response to the Port Arthur massacre – one of the firearms used in the attack was an AR-15. Before 1996, AR-15 rifles were legal to own in a number of Australian states and territories, namely Queensland and Tasmania.

Austria

In Austria, semi-automatic centerfire rifles have to be classified as sporting or hunting firearms in order to obtain civilian-legal status. After this classification, they are considered "category B" firearms, which means that holders of gun licenses may own them. These licenses are may-issue items if the applicant specifies a valid reason (self-defense at home for example is considered valid by law in any case), passes a psychological test and attends a gun-basics course. Currently, only one centerfire AR-15 version, produced by German manufacturer "Oberland Arms" was given the B-classification. This Austrian version differs slightly from the original design in order to ensure that no military full-auto trigger, bolt and barrel may be installed. Additionally, bayonet lugs and flash hiders are prohibited on semi-automatic rifles while Muzzle brakes and compensators are legal. There is no minimum length for barrels, therefore even barrel lengths as short as 7.5" are possible.

Canada

The Government of Canada classifies the AR-15 (and its variants) as a restricted firearm. For anyone wanting to lawfully own an AR-15, they must obtain a Possession and Acquisition License (PAL) valid for restricted firearms, (commonly known RPAL,) and then each acquisition of a restricted class firearm is subject to approval by the Chief Firearms Officer (CFO) of the would-be buyer's province of residence.^[19][20] With the introduction of strict gun control measures by former Prime Minister Jean Chrétien (Bill C-68), the AR-15 had originally been intended to be classified as a prohibited firearm, making it all but impossible to privately own one. However, due to the presence of nationwide Service Rifle target shooting competitions, the AR-15 was granted a sporting exception.

As with all Restricted firearms (including most pistols, some shotguns, and some rifles) AR-15s are allowed to be fired only at certified firing ranges since the CFOs of all provinces and territories have agreed to issue ATTs (Authority To Transport) for these guns only to certified ranges. Since owners can't legally take these guns anywhere else that shooting is allowed, they can in effect only shoot them on certain ranges. In order to legally own and transport a Restricted firearm, the firearm must be registered with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Canadian Firearms Program and must apply for an Authorization to Transport (or ATT) from the Chief Firearms Officer (CFO) for their province or territory. Additionally, the firearm must be unloaded, deactivated by a trigger or action lock, and be in a locked, opaque container during transport.^[21]

The issuance of ATTs varies considerably from province to province, and is generally reflective of a particular province's political and social levels of acceptance toward gun ownership. In Ontario the only way to obtain an ATT for restricted firearms is to become a member of a range, whereas in Alberta, where firearms ownership is widely accepted, generally a single ATT is promptly issued that allows citizens to transport firearms to border crossings, gunsmiths, and shooting ranges. Firearms transfers in provinces such as Quebec can take up to 3 months to process.^{[citation needed]}

Germany and Finland

In Germany and Finland, possession of semi-automatic rifles, including the AR-15, is legal, provided that the rifle's owner acquires a permit for owning one. A license is required for each individual firearm and there needs to be a specific reason for ownership such as participation in the shooting sports and hunting.

For German hunters, their semi-automatic firearm's magazine must be modified in such a way that its maximum capacity is only 2 rounds (excluding handguns), meaning that when hunting only 3 shots in total can be fired (as one additional round is loaded in the chamber) without reloading.

Italy

In Italy, the AR-15 rifle belongs to B7 class and can be owned by civilians, provided it doesn't shoot full auto. Like every other gun it must be registered and to purchase it citizens must have a valid license, which is granted to every person who qualifies. Most of the rifles are in .223, but 5.56x45 is also allowed. Since long arms with a caliber bigger than .22 are considered hunting weapons, it is possible to own unlimited AR-15s as they are hunting rifles according to the law.

Sweden

The AR-15, like all other semi-automatic rifles, is legal for individuals who need one for competitive use (IPSC rifle or 3-gun matches). A valid competition license is required, and all weapons are registered with the police. There are no banned "assault weapon" features or parts. However, the AR-15 is not allowed for hunting use.

United Kingdom

As with all semi-automatic, centerfire rifles, AR-15s are classed as a Section 5 weapon, i.e., a person must provide an exceptional reason and gain permission from the Home Secretary, making ownership all but impossible for a private citizen. However, AR-15s in a manually operated straight pull configuration or semi-automatic AR-15s that are chambered to fire a .22 rimfire cartridge are legal and can be held on a standard Section 1 Firearms Certificate. There are no restrictions on 'assault weapon features' in the UK, and no restrictions on magazine capacity. There are a number of UK manufacturers of "straight-pull" AR-15 variants. Southern Gun Company has tried to introduce a 9mm "self-ejecting" variant for gallery rifle shooting nicknamed the "Unicorn" but, despite numerous units being sold on the understanding that the rifle was a compliant Section 1 firearm, the rifles were seized and subjected to stringent testing by the UK Forensic Science Service (FSS). A small number of pre-production models were found to be non-compliant with section 1 status. However, later models were deemed Section 1 compliant and were returned to their owners.^{[citation needed]}

United States

There are no federal restrictions on the ownership of AR-15 rifles in the United States. During the period 1994–2004 variants with certain features such as collapsible stocks, flash suppressors, and bayonet lugs were prohibited for sales to civilians by the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994, with the included Assault Weapons Ban. Included in this was a restriction on the pistol grip that protrudes beneath the stock, which was considered an accessory feature under the ban and was subject to restrictions. Some rifles were manufactured with a grip not described under the Ban installed in its place. Those AR-15s that were manufactured with those features, as well as the accompanying full capacity magazines, were stamped "Restricted Military/Government/Law Enforcement/Export Only". The restrictions only applied to guns manufactured after the ban took effect. It was legal to own, sell, or buy any gun built before 1994. Hundreds of thousands of pre-ban ARs were sold during the ban as well as new guns redesigned to be legal.

Since the expiration of the Federal AWB in September 2004,^[22] these features became legal in most states.^[23] Since the expiration of the ban the manufacture and sale of then-restricted rifles has resumed completely.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Armalite_AR-15

[slim 1,525]

Was the point of that AR-15 post to show that it's a combat rifle?

If so, that's an epic fail because I purchased mine during the AWB. Therefore it's neither an assault rifle or combat rifle. It's a target rifle. Says so right on the box. Was approved by the government to be sold to me for the primary purpose of shooting targets.

How about those "safe" cars you keep bringing up?

[Karee 4,190]

I'm sure if you spoke with any of the victims' families or survivors, they might explain the attacks along those lines. But I'm sure they would be exaggerating and just seeking attention from the press.

I would actually expect the victims families to describe it like that. Who wouldn't? However, I read somewhere once people that claim to be journalists are supposed to at least fake being impartial.

I don't recall mentioning the victims families. You might want to re-read my post. I suggest using a dictionary the 2nd time you read it.

[Ban Hammer 13,346]

posts removed that were not on topic: 25

members admin action taken against: 2

if you want to discuss drone strikes, whether drugs play a role or not in shootings, and other topics, please start another thread on that topic - don't hijack this one.

one post returned below that was removed for quoting an off topic post:

Cars primary function is transportation, a gun's primary function is to do damage to whatever is at the end of the barrel, it's that simple.

please stay on topic. failing to do so may result in a thread ban.

eta: 3 duplicate posts also removed.

Edited December 19, 2012 by charles!

[PMartin37 161]

Bushmaster .223 rifle (AR-15). A civilian version of the U.S. military's M-16.

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

Capable of holding a 30-round magazine, it was the weapon of choice of the D.C. sniper, John Allen Muhammad, who was executed in Virginia for his reign of terror in 2002 in which he killed 10 victims at random along with his young accomplice, Lee Boyd Malvo.

Because the Connecticut shooter, Adam Lanza, killed so many people in such a short time, firearms experts wondered whether he used high-capacity magazines _ the kind favored by James Holmes at his movie theater shooting spree in Aurora, Colo., last July, which killed 12 and wounded 57.

Six states, including California and New York, either ban or limit the use of high-capacity magazines.

Most models of the Glock and Sig Sauer have a normal magazine capacity of up to 15 rounds, according to the manufacturer's Web sites. With larger magazines, the capacity can rise above 30 rounds.

Both guns are lightweight, made of synthetic polymers to ease the recoil that is emblematic of larger handguns such as the vintage Colt .45 automatic, which was the standard military sidearm for most of the 20th Century until the Pentagon replaced it with the sleeker, lighter Beretta in the 1980s.

Tom Diaz, a senior policy analyst at the Violence Policy Center, which advocates for gun control, said shooters of such weapons don't need high-capacity magazines to inflict incredible damage.

''Whether Glock or Sig Sauer, it's the number of rounds and ease of reloading that makes them so lethal,'' he said. ''If you can reload and you have 4-5 magazines, you've got firepower to unload a hundred rounds.''

Read more: http://www.ctpost.co...p#ixzz2FRhKzda9

Aren't these available at Wal-Mart? In a matter of a couple of hours, you can get one of those babies. I read some reviews of the Sig Sauer M400 rifle and they liked it BETTER than the Bushmaster. I realize waiting for 2 hours is a sacrifice, especially if you plotting the demise of your classmates or office complex. (sarcasm in case you doubted)

[PMartin37 161]

Wow.

Just ... wow.

I'm still trying to decide if they are "playing dumb" or just REALLY that dumb.

[Bad_Daddy 2,209]

I'm still trying to decide if they are "playing dumb" or just REALLY that dumb.

Ya it's strange isn't it that the posters on here that are pro gun are people who either or all grew up with guns, hunt, ex military, present military, etc... and have posted many many links to back up their post. They did their background work instead of reading a news headline and then posting about it like they had a clue.

Most of the anti gun nuts on here wouldn't know what end of a gun the bullet comes out of if it bit them in their #######. I at least try to have clue on a topic before I try and debate it.

Edited December 19, 2012 by Bad_Daddy

[hellINTIM 9]

Ya it's strange isn't it that the posters on here that are pro gun are people who either or all grew up with guns, hunt, ex military, present military, etc... and have posted many many links to back up their post. They did their background work instead of reading a news headline and then posting about it like they had a clue.

Most of the anti gun nuts on here wouldn't know what end of a gun the bullet comes out of if it bit them in their #######. I at least try to have clue on a topic before I try and debate it.

No they just all pain in the ####!!! Lol..

[Mr. Big Dog 10,747]

Comon numbers and reports from Mother Jones.... they are no different than FOX one is one extreme and other is on other extreme.

What is the difference?

The difference between Mother Jones and Fox News? That's easy: Journalism. The former does it, the latter does not.

[Mr. Big Dog 10,747]

Can anyone explain to me why this is a "problem?" I keep hearing about this national problem we have and yet, the vast majority of the nation has never encountered this sort of thing. Why are we treating this like a big deal?

By that standard, 9/11 wasn't a big deal. Or Lockerbie. Or any other terrorist attack. NBD, right?

[Teddy B 17,252]

Can anyone explain to me why this is a "problem?" I keep hearing about this national problem we have and yet, the vast majority of the nation has never encountered this sort of thing. Why are we treating this like a big deal?

If you really want to save the lives of children, why don't you work on better restraint devices for vehicles?

I see we are now scraping the bottom of the barrel.

[Karee 4,190]

The difference between Mother Jones and Fox News? That's easy: Journalism. The former does it, the latter does not.

I see you can't be objective at all. But good to know. You're basically no different than the posters you ridicule, except you lob your hand grenades from the left.