The Truth about assault weapons

[melman1]

Actually, the term "assault weapons" is a misnomer. As stated in the original presentation, "assault weapons" is an invented term that has no technical meaning. When people talk about "assault weapons" the natural assumption is that they mean machine guns or assault rifles. The truth is most gun murders (indeed most gun violence period), are committed using handguns. An "assault weapon" could be anything, including knives, baseball bats, golf clubs, and pistols. That being said, gun murder is still the most common type of murder committed in the US, because handguns are the most popular weapon in America.

 According to the 2011 edition of the FBI’s annual "Crime in the United States" report, 6,220 murders were committed using handguns, while rifles accounted for only 323. The report also stated that 2,030 murders were the result of other types of guns, including shotguns and other "firearms, type not stated". This trend would seem to suggest that instead of a ban on so-called "assault weapons", maybe we should impose a ban on all types of handguns. Would that solve the problem? I doubt it. I think Falconer02 is right when he says "Good people obey laws, bad people don't."

On a personal note, I keep a 38 special in my car for protection and I have a 357 magnum at home, also for protection. My personal stance is that anyone who needs more than six bullets to protect themselves should visit a gun range more often.   

[billyb1024]

No matter what gun it is... Every gun starts out legal...if they end up in the hands of criminals someone should be held accountable. Manufacturers, dealers and gun owners alike...if people were more responsible this contry would not be debating any kind of gun.

[healthfreedom]

The government have lied to the American people repeatedly concerning assault weapons. I think this is nothing more than a deception to lay the groundwork to take awy guns from us. Then, here comes the Russians to invade us and send many people to concentration camps.

[sigmapi1501]

The government have lied to the American people repeatedly concerning assault weapons. I think this is nothing more than a deception to lay the groundwork to take awy guns from us. Then, here comes the Russians to invade us and send many people to concentration camps.

I don't think citizens having guns is the only thing keeping the Russians out.

[Falconer02]

Then, here comes the Russians to invade us and send many people to concentration camps.

You'd better be careful with that viewpoint. It's an antique. Could break easily if you dropped it.

[drandall]

The government have lied to the American people repeatedly concerning assault weapons. I think this is nothing more than a deception to lay the groundwork to take awy guns from us. Then, here comes the Russians to invade us and send many people to concentration camps.

I don't think citizens having guns is the only thing keeping the Russians out.

Aint that the truth!