Should the US institute a ban on assault weapons.

dignin

Assault weapon is a term used in the United States to define some types of firearms.[1] The definition varies among regulating jurisdictions, but usually includes semi-automatic firearms with a detachable magazine and a pistol grip, and sometimes other features such as a flash suppressor or barrel shroud.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assault_weapon

PJPOWER

other

Automatic or semi-automatic? There is a difference. There is already a ban on "automatic" rifles. They can be obtained, but it takes a major process.

RoleModelsinBlood31

They already are if that's your definition.

jeffbr

We already ban automatic weapons from general public sale. If you're talking about semi-automatic firearms, then we'll need a bit more detail. Mag capacity, caliber, grip style, barrel length, etc... There are semi-auto, non-scary looking rifles that have legitimate hunting uses.

dignin

Yes

Sorry my bad, I meant assault weapons...not rifle. Had that in my head for some reason.

rgambs

other

We need to focus more on the specific appointments and features than the specific weapons that package them.

Essentially that would be a ban on assault rifles, but it would avoid the trifling arguments of the hobbyists.

tempo_n_groove

other

Get something that ALL the states could agree upon. People aren't going to give up their guns. Everyone needs to meet on some sort of common ground.

jeffbr

rgambs said:

We need to focus more on the specific appointments and features than the specific weapons that package them.

Essentially that would be a ban on assault rifles, but it would avoid the trifling arguments of the hobbyists.

I don't consider myself a hobbyist at this point. I don't have any desire to purchase a high capacity, large caliber, semi-auto sporting rifle at this point in my life. But the laws and regulations need to be written clearly because we've all seen gov't create unintended consequences for new initiatives. I just want to make sure that we aren't legislating against the look of a firearm, while allowing something more dangerous and less scary looking past, and vice versa. A .22 caliber scary looking semi auto doesn't concern me, but would that be covered in the assault weapons ban? A normal looking Ruger 10/22 .22 caliber rifle would clearly not be prohibited. What happens when someone changes out the stock/grip/magazine? Essentially the same rifle, same firing mechanism, same caliber, but now is scary looking. Is it now an assault weapon?
I'm asking these questions not as a nitpicking hobbyist, but to make sure that when people are making proposals on prohibitions, we are crystal clear what is allowed and what is not. That is the only way we'll be able to enforce it.

Legal under this ban?


Same gun. Still legal under the ban?


I like rgambs solution. Quit talking about the gun itself (AR-15 or whatever gun you don't like), and talk about those aspects or features that convert it from ordinary sporting use.

rgambs

other

Exactly, the rifle at top probably has a 14 round tube magazine that cannot be reloaded easily, quickly, or even at all under the direst of circumstances. It is unwieldy for crowded areas, can easily be grabbed, and is very hard to conceal.
The same rifle, when converted to gun porn status, can fire thousands of rounds in tens of minutes. It is easily concealed to the point of the use, easily weildable in tight spaces, and can be fired accurately from the hip, making it a much more deadly weapon for mass casualty scenarios.

Degeneratefk

Yes

No brainer

pjhawks

Yes

of course

lolobugg

Yes

ban on handguns and assault weapons.
the only point of these is to kill HUMANS.

josevolution

Yes

Yes that's the least we can do !!

PJPOWER

other

rgambs said:

Exactly, the rifle at top probably has a 14 round tube magazine that cannot be reloaded easily, quickly, or even at all under the direst of circumstances. It is unwieldy for crowded areas, can easily be grabbed, and is very hard to conceal.
The same rifle, when converted to gun porn status, can fire thousands of rounds in tens of minutes. It is easily concealed to the point of the use, easily weildable in tight spaces, and can be fired accurately from the hip, making it a much more deadly weapon for mass casualty scenarios.

Wrong, the top rifle also accepts the same magazines as the lower. And there is no such thing as accurate firing from the hip.
And all that a person would have to do to make the top rifle into the bottom is change the stock. How exactly is that going to be stopped? Not to mention all a person would have to do to make the top one "more concealable" is saw off the stock to make it more akin to a pistol.

Degeneratefk

Yes

PJPOWER said:

rgambs said:

Exactly, the rifle at top probably has a 14 round tube magazine that cannot be reloaded easily, quickly, or even at all under the direst of circumstances. It is unwieldy for crowded areas, can easily be grabbed, and is very hard to conceal.
The same rifle, when converted to gun porn status, can fire thousands of rounds in tens of minutes. It is easily concealed to the point of the use, easily weildable in tight spaces, and can be fired accurately from the hip, making it a much more deadly weapon for mass casualty scenarios.

Wrong, the top rifle also accepts the same magazines as the lower. And there is no such thing as accurate firing from the hip.
And all that a person would have to do to make the top rifle into the bottom is change the stock. How exactly is that going to be stopped? Not to mention all a person would have to do to make the top one "more concealable" is saw off the stock to make it more akin to a pistol.

I believe most "sawed off" guns are already illegal. I may be wrong.

Free

Yes

There are 2 uses for assault weapons.

1. Target practice
2. To kill

If you're not going to the shooting range why would one own an assault weapon?

PJPOWER

other

Degeneratefk said:

PJPOWER said:

rgambs said:

Exactly, the rifle at top probably has a 14 round tube magazine that cannot be reloaded easily, quickly, or even at all under the direst of circumstances. It is unwieldy for crowded areas, can easily be grabbed, and is very hard to conceal.
The same rifle, when converted to gun porn status, can fire thousands of rounds in tens of minutes. It is easily concealed to the point of the use, easily weildable in tight spaces, and can be fired accurately from the hip, making it a much more deadly weapon for mass casualty scenarios.

Wrong, the top rifle also accepts the same magazines as the lower. And there is no such thing as accurate firing from the hip.
And all that a person would have to do to make the top rifle into the bottom is change the stock. How exactly is that going to be stopped? Not to mention all a person would have to do to make the top one "more concealable" is saw off the stock to make it more akin to a pistol.

I believe most "sawed off" guns are already illegal. I may be wrong.

You are right, although that doesn't really stop a person from getting a hack saw and doing it.

dignin

Yes

PJPOWER said:

Degeneratefk said:

PJPOWER said:

rgambs said:

Exactly, the rifle at top probably has a 14 round tube magazine that cannot be reloaded easily, quickly, or even at all under the direst of circumstances. It is unwieldy for crowded areas, can easily be grabbed, and is very hard to conceal.
The same rifle, when converted to gun porn status, can fire thousands of rounds in tens of minutes. It is easily concealed to the point of the use, easily weildable in tight spaces, and can be fired accurately from the hip, making it a much more deadly weapon for mass casualty scenarios.

Wrong, the top rifle also accepts the same magazines as the lower. And there is no such thing as accurate firing from the hip.
And all that a person would have to do to make the top rifle into the bottom is change the stock. How exactly is that going to be stopped? Not to mention all a person would have to do to make the top one "more concealable" is saw off the stock to make it more akin to a pistol.

I believe most "sawed off" guns are already illegal. I may be wrong.

You are right, although that doesn't really stop a person from getting a hack saw and doing it.

Well by making murder illegal we haven't stopped murders. So what's your point?

PJPOWER

other

dignin said:

PJPOWER said:

Degeneratefk said:

PJPOWER said:

rgambs said:

Exactly, the rifle at top probably has a 14 round tube magazine that cannot be reloaded easily, quickly, or even at all under the direst of circumstances. It is unwieldy for crowded areas, can easily be grabbed, and is very hard to conceal.
The same rifle, when converted to gun porn status, can fire thousands of rounds in tens of minutes. It is easily concealed to the point of the use, easily weildable in tight spaces, and can be fired accurately from the hip, making it a much more deadly weapon for mass casualty scenarios.

Wrong, the top rifle also accepts the same magazines as the lower. And there is no such thing as accurate firing from the hip.
And all that a person would have to do to make the top rifle into the bottom is change the stock. How exactly is that going to be stopped? Not to mention all a person would have to do to make the top one "more concealable" is saw off the stock to make it more akin to a pistol.

I believe most "sawed off" guns are already illegal. I may be wrong.

You are right, although that doesn't really stop a person from getting a hack saw and doing it.

Well by making murder illegal we haven't stopped murders. So what's your point?

Murder is an act and a gun is an inanimate object. I'm all about harsh penalties for people that commit crimes with guns. Funny how people say "how can you compare guns to cars" and what not, yet you are comparing owning a gun to murder? I get that you want to turn ar-15 owners into felons, but come on...

dignin

Yes

PJPOWER said:

dignin said:

PJPOWER said:

Degeneratefk said:

PJPOWER said:

rgambs said:

Exactly, the rifle at top probably has a 14 round tube magazine that cannot be reloaded easily, quickly, or even at all under the direst of circumstances. It is unwieldy for crowded areas, can easily be grabbed, and is very hard to conceal.
The same rifle, when converted to gun porn status, can fire thousands of rounds in tens of minutes. It is easily concealed to the point of the use, easily weildable in tight spaces, and can be fired accurately from the hip, making it a much more deadly weapon for mass casualty scenarios.

Wrong, the top rifle also accepts the same magazines as the lower. And there is no such thing as accurate firing from the hip.
And all that a person would have to do to make the top rifle into the bottom is change the stock. How exactly is that going to be stopped? Not to mention all a person would have to do to make the top one "more concealable" is saw off the stock to make it more akin to a pistol.

I believe most "sawed off" guns are already illegal. I may be wrong.

You are right, although that doesn't really stop a person from getting a hack saw and doing it.

Well by making murder illegal we haven't stopped murders. So what's your point?

Murder is an act and a gun is an inanimate object. I'm all about harsh penalties for people that commit crimes with guns. Funny how people say "how can you compare guns to cars" and what not, yet you are comparing owning a gun to murder? I get that you want to turn ar-15 owners into felons, but come on...

You completely missed the point.

I will put the analogy another way. We have made drinking underage illegal, kids still drink. We have made drunk driving illegal, people still drive drunk. So should we just say, FUCK IT! Some people are going to break laws so whats the point in having laws? No, we don't do that because were not idiots.

Do you get it?

MayDay10

Yes

I don't understand who would need to/want to own such a thing unless there is some sort of wild compensation for something else that may be lacking or diminished in their lives and/or reproductive organs.

Regardless. For now, we are too far down the rabbit hole. Cannot un-do the proliferation of these firearms overnight.

I do think that the "leadership" in this country (looking at all those pigs who get the sweet NRA bribes and kickbacks) needs to get to the table in good faith and figure out ways to improve our system. It has to have some restrictions. I believe there does have to be a bit of effort, paperwork and training in order to own (any) gun and have that responsibility. These fucking things are in too many ignorant people's hands. Legally

Lifted

Yes

PJPOWER said:

dignin said:

PJPOWER said:

Degeneratefk said:

PJPOWER said:

rgambs said:

Exactly, the rifle at top probably has a 14 round tube magazine that cannot be reloaded easily, quickly, or even at all under the direst of circumstances. It is unwieldy for crowded areas, can easily be grabbed, and is very hard to conceal.
The same rifle, when converted to gun porn status, can fire thousands of rounds in tens of minutes. It is easily concealed to the point of the use, easily weildable in tight spaces, and can be fired accurately from the hip, making it a much more deadly weapon for mass casualty scenarios.

Wrong, the top rifle also accepts the same magazines as the lower. And there is no such thing as accurate firing from the hip.
And all that a person would have to do to make the top rifle into the bottom is change the stock. How exactly is that going to be stopped? Not to mention all a person would have to do to make the top one "more concealable" is saw off the stock to make it more akin to a pistol.

I believe most "sawed off" guns are already illegal. I may be wrong.

You are right, although that doesn't really stop a person from getting a hack saw and doing it.

Well by making murder illegal we haven't stopped murders. So what's your point?

Murder is an act and a gun is an inanimate object. I'm all about harsh penalties for people that commit crimes with guns. Funny how people say "how can you compare guns to cars" and what not, yet you are comparing owning a gun to murder? I get that you want to turn ar-15 owners into felons, but come on...

Cars serve a legitimate purpose which doesn't include killing. The sole purpose of a gun is to kill. This analogy is so idiotic. Furthermore, driving a car is seen as a privelage, not a right, and driving privelages are regulated much more than gun ownership. Doesn't seem too radical to strive for, at the very least, similar regulations when it comes to gun ownership.

PJPOWER

other

dignin said:

PJPOWER said:

dignin said:

PJPOWER said:

Degeneratefk said:

PJPOWER said:

rgambs said:

Exactly, the rifle at top probably has a 14 round tube magazine that cannot be reloaded easily, quickly, or even at all under the direst of circumstances. It is unwieldy for crowded areas, can easily be grabbed, and is very hard to conceal.
The same rifle, when converted to gun porn status, can fire thousands of rounds in tens of minutes. It is easily concealed to the point of the use, easily weildable in tight spaces, and can be fired accurately from the hip, making it a much more deadly weapon for mass casualty scenarios.

Wrong, the top rifle also accepts the same magazines as the lower. And there is no such thing as accurate firing from the hip.
And all that a person would have to do to make the top rifle into the bottom is change the stock. How exactly is that going to be stopped? Not to mention all a person would have to do to make the top one "more concealable" is saw off the stock to make it more akin to a pistol.

I believe most "sawed off" guns are already illegal. I may be wrong.

You are right, although that doesn't really stop a person from getting a hack saw and doing it.

Well by making murder illegal we haven't stopped murders. So what's your point?

Murder is an act and a gun is an inanimate object. I'm all about harsh penalties for people that commit crimes with guns. Funny how people say "how can you compare guns to cars" and what not, yet you are comparing owning a gun to murder? I get that you want to turn ar-15 owners into felons, but come on...

You completely missed the point.

I will put the analogy another way. We have made drinking underage illegal, kids still drink. We have made drunk driving illegal, people still drive drunk. So should we just say, FUCK IT! Some people are going to break laws so whats the point in having laws? No, we don't do that because were not idiots.

Do you get it?

So shooting people with gun is illegal, right? Alcohol and cars are still legal though, right? Damn, you made me do it. Just compared guns and cars, lol. For the record, you started it.
For the record, alcohol kills way more people and is probably way more detrimental and costly to society than all guns combined. Maybe we should make it illegal...wait already tried that. I propose psychological tests, waiting periods, permits, annual drinking tests. If your IQ is lower than 140, no alcohol for you!
Edit: damn, now I'm just being facetious. Time to take a break from this topic- sorry for not taking you seriously.

pjalive21

No

Free said:

There are 2 uses for assault weapons.

1. Target practice
2. To kill

If you're not going to the shooting range why would one own an assault weapon?

You just contradicted your own vote...target practice is enough of a reason

PJPOWER

other

Lifted said:

PJPOWER said:

dignin said:

PJPOWER said:

Degeneratefk said:

PJPOWER said:

rgambs said:

Exactly, the rifle at top probably has a 14 round tube magazine that cannot be reloaded easily, quickly, or even at all under the direst of circumstances. It is unwieldy for crowded areas, can easily be grabbed, and is very hard to conceal.
The same rifle, when converted to gun porn status, can fire thousands of rounds in tens of minutes. It is easily concealed to the point of the use, easily weildable in tight spaces, and can be fired accurately from the hip, making it a much more deadly weapon for mass casualty scenarios.

Wrong, the top rifle also accepts the same magazines as the lower. And there is no such thing as accurate firing from the hip.
And all that a person would have to do to make the top rifle into the bottom is change the stock. How exactly is that going to be stopped? Not to mention all a person would have to do to make the top one "more concealable" is saw off the stock to make it more akin to a pistol.

I believe most "sawed off" guns are already illegal. I may be wrong.

You are right, although that doesn't really stop a person from getting a hack saw and doing it.

Well by making murder illegal we haven't stopped murders. So what's your point?

Murder is an act and a gun is an inanimate object. I'm all about harsh penalties for people that commit crimes with guns. Funny how people say "how can you compare guns to cars" and what not, yet you are comparing owning a gun to murder? I get that you want to turn ar-15 owners into felons, but come on...

Cars serve a legitimate purpose which doesn't include killing. The sole purpose of a gun is to kill. This analogy is so idiotic. Furthermore, driving a car is seen as a privelage, not a right, and driving privelages are regulated much more than gun ownership. Doesn't seem too radical to strive for, at the very least, similar regulations when it comes to gun ownership.

You are right, idiotic. So why then go on to say they should have similar regulations? They are not related to each other in the least. Guns are seen as a right, not a privilege. I think people have an inherent fear that politicians might use registration as a tool for confiscation. I cannot say that those fears are totally unwarranted.

Lifted

Yes

PJPOWER said:

Lifted said:

PJPOWER said:

dignin said:

PJPOWER said:

Degeneratefk said:

PJPOWER said:

rgambs said:

Exactly, the rifle at top probably has a 14 round tube magazine that cannot be reloaded easily, quickly, or even at all under the direst of circumstances. It is unwieldy for crowded areas, can easily be grabbed, and is very hard to conceal.
The same rifle, when converted to gun porn status, can fire thousands of rounds in tens of minutes. It is easily concealed to the point of the use, easily weildable in tight spaces, and can be fired accurately from the hip, making it a much more deadly weapon for mass casualty scenarios.

Wrong, the top rifle also accepts the same magazines as the lower. And there is no such thing as accurate firing from the hip.
And all that a person would have to do to make the top rifle into the bottom is change the stock. How exactly is that going to be stopped? Not to mention all a person would have to do to make the top one "more concealable" is saw off the stock to make it more akin to a pistol.

I believe most "sawed off" guns are already illegal. I may be wrong.

You are right, although that doesn't really stop a person from getting a hack saw and doing it.

Well by making murder illegal we haven't stopped murders. So what's your point?

Murder is an act and a gun is an inanimate object. I'm all about harsh penalties for people that commit crimes with guns. Funny how people say "how can you compare guns to cars" and what not, yet you are comparing owning a gun to murder? I get that you want to turn ar-15 owners into felons, but come on...

Cars serve a legitimate purpose which doesn't include killing. The sole purpose of a gun is to kill. This analogy is so idiotic. Furthermore, driving a car is seen as a privelage, not a right, and driving privelages are regulated much more than gun ownership. Doesn't seem too radical to strive for, at the very least, similar regulations when it comes to gun ownership.

You are right, idiotic. So why then go on to say they should have similar regulations? They are not related to each other in the least. Guns are seen as a right, not a privilege. I think people have an inherent fear that politicians might use registration as a tool for confiscation. I cannot say that those fears are totally unwarranted.

Well i voted yes to an assault weapons ban. Not because I think that would rid us of our gun problem; I think the only way to affect major change in that aspect is through strict regulations involving training, right of ownership, and the manufacturing and distribution of firearms across the board at the federal level. Im still in favor of an assault weapons ban however, because I think they serve zero purpose other than to inflict mass casualties and/or for gun lovers to get off on at a shooting range. The idea thrown around by gun enthusiasts that somehow someone in favor of banning certain weapons should also be in favor of banning cars is idiotic to me, because cars have a purpose other than to kill.

I do think it's rational in the spirit of consistency in regards to public safety that we, at the very least, approach gun ownership as strictly as we do driving privelages.

PJPOWER

other

Fair enough, we all have a right to opposite opinions and votes. Seems like a bit of a rediculous poll for a group of mostly liberals in a Pearl Jam forum though. Hope it was not for scientific research purposes, lol

lolobugg

Yes

alcohol is legal but I have the right to not partake/ drink it and ultimately kill myself.
I don't, unfortunately have the right to choose whether or not some crazy asshole with a gun will decide to shoot me.
that is why there should be laws in place to protect the innocent.
I guess the gun nuts will have to find another hobby that doesn't include shooting up a cardboard target of a human.

Amongst the Ani

Yes

Ban assault riffles and completely close the gun show loop hole. All gun sales should go through the background check system. Pump some funds into making the background check process instantaneous on new checks. With technology and the databases available it should be possible. It is insane to me that any person can obtain many high powered weapons in a private sale with no check needed.

Jason P

PJPOWER said:

Automatic or semi-automatic? There is a difference. There is already a ban on "automatic" rifles. They can be obtained, but it takes a major process.

Plus it costs around $30K to buy one. A guy I worked with was going through the process and I about crapped when he said how much he was spending.

rgambs

other

PJPOWER said:

rgambs said:

Exactly, the rifle at top probably has a 14 round tube magazine that cannot be reloaded easily, quickly, or even at all under the direst of circumstances. It is unwieldy for crowded areas, can easily be grabbed, and is very hard to conceal.
The same rifle, when converted to gun porn status, can fire thousands of rounds in tens of minutes. It is easily concealed to the point of the use, easily weildable in tight spaces, and can be fired accurately from the hip, making it a much more deadly weapon for mass casualty scenarios.

Wrong, the top rifle also accepts the same magazines as the lower. And there is no such thing as accurate firing from the hip.
And all that a person would have to do to make the top rifle into the bottom is change the stock. How exactly is that going to be stopped? Not to mention all a person would have to do to make the top one "more concealable" is saw off the stock to make it more akin to a pistol.

Well then let's limit those magazine sizes so scumbags at least have to reload!
Accurate firing isn't necessary for mass casualty scenarios, and besides, you are equivocating, you know the truth is that pistol and fore grips make a rifle more maneuverable and accurate in a mass casualty scenario.