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I have seen, as many of you have, the term "Assault Weapon" used to described a class of rifles in particular. Each time I hear it I am aware of the politically correct spin that is being employed and it ruffles my feathers every time. Is it just me or wouldn't any type of weapon be an assault weapon? Usually the people that use this term are the same folks that call every firearm with a magazine an "automatic". I'd be interested in your take on the matter.
Yea, this term being thrown about is a pet peeve of mine also. The term was originally coined by the Germans during WWII in naming their SturmGewehr 44. Technically, an assault rifle is one that fires an intermediate sized cartridge, as opposed to a full sized rifle cartridge and is capable of firing either in semi automatic or automatic (either full automatic or burst fire) modes. So technically, our "MForgeries" and our semi auto only AKs are NOT assault rifles. :smile:
AKA "Very scary looking" by some groups.
I concur...I loathe the term, as it pre-supposes an action taken by a user. The ignorant and/or anti-gun love this term to project their inability to control themselves, as such, owners of evil black rifles are all potential mass murderers who shoot at schools and kick puppies.
Thus, when I hear/read about gun owners asking about owning an "assault rifle", my first question is: who or what are you going to assault? Or do you want to own a gas-operated, air-cooled, magazine-fed, semiautomatic rifle?
The first question supposes a future illegal action.
The second question is exercising a legal right.
Semantics? Yes. But it's how the "other side" fights the war of words and ideas.
It's like nails on a chalkboard to me when I hear someone mention it in a conversation. I immediately know which news networks they watch most frequently. You don't hear the term manslaughter cars or killer airplanes yet more people are killed by those than firearms each year. As Sigguy229 said, it's a war of words and ideas. Ever read the book 1984?
Just begin calling them "Defensive Rifles" every time you need a descriptor.
This is what I do.Quote:
Originally Posted by Rock and Glock
I have no dog in this fight as to what some one should call it or not call it, but what does AR actually stand for? Is it simply a model designation or does it stand for assault riffle?
I just call 'em rifles.
Had a guy at work use the term. I asked, what is an "assault rifle?" He looked at me, and muttered somthing like ".....you of all people should know." I said I knew it was a term used by the ignorant to further an agenda. I told him that the weapons that he thought of when using the term are no different than my bolt action hunting rifles, other than they are not nearly as powerful as my bolt guns. He said they are a very specific type of weapon used for a very specific purpose. I said BS, I've been around a bunch, and have yet to be assaulted by any of them. Tried to explain that the operator of said weapon determines the purpose. Hunting, rec, target, defense, all about the user. He maintained his position. Still assault weapons.
I reached into my tool box, grabbed a torque wrench, and explained that this is also a very specific tool, used for a very specific purpose, but if I so desired I could cave his skull in with it. I asked "Does that capability make this a Snap On 1/2 drive assault torque wrench? And if so, why would a liberal like you have one in your tool box as well?"
As expected, he was at a loss for words.
I, too, hate it, because it's like saying "freezing cold" or "burning hot". Like, weapons are meant to assault.
One of the first "assault weapons"
http://www.medievalwarfare.info/pics/spear_02.jpg
In recent months I have heard, on the MSM, the term assault shotgun too!
The firearm isn't the assaulter, the person committs the assault.
It's all words to cause an emotional reaction. For "them" it's to strike fear with in the fearful/ protect me crowd. And you know what.... it works. There are many more un educated fearful "support me" folks then educated responsible people.
It means "America's Rifle" -- great for target shooting, hunting, competition and self defense.Quote:
Originally Posted by Terse
The AR has been in production since 1963 or so and our 2nd amendment rights to own them keep us free.
BTW, if you're a gun owner join the NRA asap. :smile:
To the anti's on the Left the definition is simple: anything with a trigger and a projectile.
FWIW, I looked it up after posting. AR stands for the company who originally built it, Armalite.