NRA releases 'Practice Range' shooting app -- after blaming video games for violence

[Penny Lane 8,159]

Just weeks after the National Rifle Association forcefully blamed violent video games for gun violence, the gun-rights organization has released a new shooter game for kids as young as four.

NRA: Practice Range, a new app in the iTunes store, was released Sunday by the nation’s largest gun-industry lobby. It features a 3D-shooting range and offers users simulated target practice.

The game's launch comes one month after the shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn., which touched off a national debate over how to limit gun violence.

“Guns don’t kill people. Video games, the media and Obama’s budget kill people,” NRA Executive Vice President Wayne LaPierre said at a Dec. 21 press conference where he addressed the tragedy at Sandy Hook. "There exists in this country, sadly, a callous, corrupt and corrupting shadow industry that sells and stows violence against its own people, through vicious, violent video games with names like ‘Bulletstorm,’ ‘Grand Theft Auto,’ ‘Mortal Kombat’ and ‘Splatterhouse.’”

The free app, recommended for ages 4 and up, according to the iTunes rating system, “offers a 3D shooting game that instills safe and responsible ownership through fun challenges and realistic simulations,” says the app’s description. “It strikes the right balance of gaming and safety education, allowing you to enjoy the most authentic experience possible.”

Users don’t shoot live subjects in the app, but instead are given an M9 handgun and sent to target practice in three immersive shooting ranges.

The NRA says the app “puts the organization’s broad scope of resources in the palm of your hand – with 2nd Amendment newsfeeds, gun law information centers and educational materials that you can access anywhere, anytime.”

The app has received three-and-a-half out of five stars in the iTunes store, but has attracted several scathing customer reviews, some calling for it to be pulled from the iTunes store.

“Is this some kind of sick joke?” asked one user known as Papershipsonfire. “The NRA complains about violent games and then releases one a week later. Sure you’re not shooting humans but does it really matter?”

“What a dumb move,” posted Mansonr6. “Good luck getting anyone to take your video game theory serious after this.”

But others praised the educational content offered in the game.

“This is fun and informative plus there is no need for eye and ear protection,” wrote Joe in BrynMawr. “A must have for any gun enthusiast and defender of the U.S. constitution.”

Last week, after a meeting with Vice President Joe Biden’s gun reform task force, the NRA slammed the White House.

"It is unfortunate that this Administration continues to insist on pushing failed solutions to our nation's most pressing problems," the NRA said in a statement. "We will not allow law-abiding gun owners to be blamed for the acts of criminals and madmen."

http://usnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/01/15/16524425-nra-releases-practice-range-shooting-app-after-blaming-video-games-for-violence#comments

I thought this was hilarious.

[^_^ 5,021]

I don't see why some are so outraged over this. I remember playing shooting games as a kid, I didn't turn into some crazy gun nut. I just realized if I ever did get my hands on a gun I'd probably shoot the wrong person. Gave me a reason to stay away!

[decocker 7,198]

contra was about as violent as i ever got. never had the desire to even so much as touch a gun in real life.

my son wanted to buy grand theft auto china city something. the guy at gamestop was like, do you know one of the objectives in the game is to break and weigh out coke? i said, as opposed to what - killing people? the guy looked at me like i was crazy. maybe i am, but i just don't see the difference.

[^_^ 5,021]

contra was about as violent as i ever got. never had the desire to even so much as touch a gun in real life.

my son wanted to buy grand theft auto china city something. the guy at gamestop was like, do you know one of the objectives in the game is to break and weigh out coke? i said, as opposed to what - killing people? the guy looked at me like i was crazy. maybe i am, but i just don't see the difference.

I spent one day in my life with guns. I don't know what kind. All I know it was some kind of rifle from Enfield. The recoil hurt like a mofo and everyone else laughed.

[Penny Lane 8,159]

I enjoy Grand Theft Auto. It's never made me want to run down a hooker with my car or shoot up a bar full of people, though.

[^_^ 5,021]

I enjoy Grand Theft Auto. It's never made me want to run down a hooker with my car or shoot up a bar full of people, though.

There must be something wrong with you.

[Penny Lane 8,159]

[quote name=' timestamp='1358283976' post='5923771]

There must be something wrong with you.

I'm a pacifist in my real life for the most part. In GTA, my violence knows no bounds.

People should be happy it's not the other way around.

Edited January 15, 2013 by Evylin

[decocker 7,198]

there is a clear line between fantasy and reality, unless mental illness is involved. it makes no sense to tell children that the line isn't that clear and they ultimately don't have control over their own decisions and actions.

growing up, my mom would allow my little brother to have action figures but she would take the accessories away.no toy or real guns/weapons were allowed in our house. one year my brother got a david and goliath doll set for his birthday. i asked if she was going to take the sling and sword away. she didn't. for some reason, those weapons were okay. we were some confused kids..

[We Keep Receipts 9,238]

I'm a pacifist in my real life for the most part. In GTA, my violence knows no bounds.

People should be happy it's not the other way around.

You are so gansta!!!

[Penny Lane 8,159]

You are so gansta!!!

To be fair, there are times when I obey all the traffic rules in GTA and apologize to the people I accidentally run over. So while gangsta, I'm still very Canadian.

[We Keep Receipts 9,238]

To be fair, there are times when I obey all the traffic rules in GTA and apologize to the people I accidentally run over. So while gangsta, I'm still very Canadian.

A polite gangster, now that I would love to see

[Penny Lane 8,159]

I had no idea that Stephen Colbert photo was so huge. My bad.

[The Nature Boy 4,224]

I thought this was hilarious.

Not shooting people , shooting targets... Big Difference... Nice try

there is a clear line between fantasy and reality, unless mental illness is involved. it makes no sense to tell children that the line isn't that clear and they ultimately don't have control over their own decisions and actions.

growing up, my mom would allow my little brother to have action figures but she would take the accessories away.no toy or real guns/weapons were allowed in our house. one year my brother got a david and goliath doll set for his birthday. i asked if she was going to take the sling and sword away. she didn't. for some reason, those weapons were okay. we were some confused kids..

They were in the bible. of course those weapons were ok for kids to play with..

[Penny Lane 8,159]

Not shooting people , shooting targets... Big Difference... Nice try

Still a game about shooting weapons. And the starting age is 4. For the people who honestly believe that shooting a fake gun makes people want to shoot a real gun, they're sure starting 'em early.

[The Nature Boy 4,224]

I enjoy Grand Theft Auto. It's never made me want to run down a hooker with my car or shoot up a bar full of people, though.

So porn is ok and does not degrade women, because it is fantasy right ?