Should the AR-15 be banned after mass shootings?

The popular semi-automatic rifle routinely comes under fire after mass shootings, but how do opponents justify a ban? The AR-15 is popular among gun owners. It has been used in some of the deadliest mass shootings, often resulting in calls to ban the military-style rifle for civilian use.

Why is AR-15 so popular in Texas?

The AR-15 is popular among gun owners. It has been used in some of the deadliest mass shootings, often resulting in calls to ban the military-style rifle for civilian use. Texas has had its share of mass shootings, most recently last year at Santa Fe High School, and the year before at a church in Sutherland Springs, where 26 people died.

Is it too easy for civilians to get an AR-15?

He says it’s too easy for civilians to get their hands on an AR-15, which is one of America’s most popular rifles. Kelly and his wife Gabby Giffords, the Arizona congresswoman who was severely injured in a mass shooting in 2011, were in Houston recently to promote gun control candidates in last November’s election.

Are AR-15s good for self defense?

AR-15s are popular among gun rights advocates including for self-defense but also are a weapon of choice for mass shootings. There are an estimated 10 million to 20 million legally owned AR-15s and similar weapons in the US.

Will a companion bill to ban AR-15s get a better chance?

A companion bill introduced in the Democrat-held House by Rep. David Cicilline (D-RI) could have a better chance in the lower chamber. Proposals to ban guns typically result in gun owners rushing to buy more of them. AR-15s are popular among gun rights advocates including for self-defense but also are a weapon of choice for mass shootings.

Why is the AR-15 so dangerous?

“AR-15, along with what it hits and where it hits and how it hits causes an intense amount of damage as it goes through a body,” he said.

Is an AR-15 more deadly than a 1930s Tommy gun?

“More deadly than a 1930s era Tommy gun,” Kelly, who also served in the U.S. Navy, said about the AR-15. “But the standard to buy one (is) much lower.” He doesn’t call for an outright ban, but would like it to be harder for people to get one of these rifles. Many gun rights advocates, on the other hand, downplay the lethality of AR-15s.

Why is the AR-15 not considered an assault weapon?

It has the same rate of fire as an AR-15. It is of a similar size and weight. And yet, it is often specifically exempted from “assault weapons” bans, because of its traditional and “innocent” appearance. Firearms are dangerous instruments. Nobody disputes that.

Should the AR-15 be banned for deer hunting?

No. In fact the AR-15 is illegal for deer hunting in many places because it tends to use very low-powered ammunition. I’ve recently read articles that compare AR-15 ammunition to handgun ammunition and arrive at the conclusion that the AR-15 is so powerful that it must be banned.

What are “assault weapons” bans?

Look at the actual text of “assault weapons” bans, and you’ll see that this is the case. They almost always concern semi-automatic rifles (not automatic rifles) that have some scary-looking components such as pistol grips, barrel shrouds, flash-hiders, or adjustable stocks.