The gun in question is semiautomatic AR-15. The cartridge is the .223; the same used in many hunting rifles. In states that don’t allow hunting game with .223 you can select other calibers such as 7.62x39 (similar in ballistics to the 30-30), 6mmx45, or the .50AE (from a 16" barrel has muzzle energy similar to a 12 gauge slug or a .45-70 black powder load). The AR-15 has proven to be a very accurate rifle, well suited for varmint hunting or Service Rifle competition. The fact that it looks military is likely, as usual, what is sparking the controversy.

The gun in question is semiautomatic AR-15. The cartridge is the .223; the same used in many hunting rifles. In states that don’t allow hunting game with .223 you can select other calibers such as 7.62x39 (similar in ballistics to the 30-30), 6mmx45, or the .50AE (from a 16" barrel has muzzle energy similar to a 12 gauge slug or a .45-70 black powder load). The AR-15 has proven to be a very accurate rifle, well suited for varmint hunting or Service Rifle competition. The fact that it looks military is likely, as usual, what is sparking the controversy.

 

So you're saying that if this was a .357 everyone would be okay with it?

So you're saying that if this was a .357 everyone would be okay with it?

I'm saying it isn't exactly new that someone under 18 has won a hunting rifle. You're talking about a handgun, yes you can hunt with one but that's not why most people buy one.

I'm saying it isn't exactly new that someone under 18 has won a hunting rifle. You're talking about a handgun, yes you can hunt with one but that's not why most people buy one.

 

My point was that I don't think the kind of gun has anything to do with the uproar.

 

I could be wrong though...

My point was that I don't think the kind of gun has anything to do with the uproar.

 

I could be wrong though...

I'm sure it's because it's given to a kid, but I'd bet the kind of gun has a lot to do with it. This alone tells me that:

 

 

Windsor Hills Baptist had planned to give away a semiautomatic assault rifle until one of the event's organizers was unable to attend.[/Quote]

Unbelievable! A playstation would have been cheaper.

I would be a little ticked off as a parent that a church could give my child a gun without my permission. This coming from someone who got a BB gun for my 8th birthday and had (supervized) shot a whole slew of rifles, shotguns and handguns by my 10th birthday. Still, I want to be the one making those decisions for my children.

I'm sure it's because it's given to a kid, but I'd bet the kind of gun has a lot to do with it. This alone tells me that:

 

Technically, isn't hunting "assaulting"?

I misunderstood the original intent. It is only one hunting rifle being given away to a group of church kids in a rural state. Big deal.

 

I went to a Wild Turkey Federation auction last winter where several weapons were raffled or given away as door prizes. Thought nothing of it. As RTS pointed out, if you call it what it is and not an "assault rifle", it's no big deal at all.

Unbelievable! A playstation would have been cheaper.

 

In many cases a playstation is much more violent.

Unbelievable! A playstation would have been cheaper.

I see nothing wrong with teaching our youth the proper way to shoot and to respect guns. What's wrong with getting them interested in shooting? It used to be very popular before the anti-gun people started in on every facet of shooting.

I misunderstood the original intent. It is only one hunting rifle being given away to a group of church kids in a rural state. Big deal.

 

I went to a Wild Turkey Federation auction last winter where several weapons were raffled or given away as door prizes. Thought nothing of it. As RTS pointed out, if you call it what it is and not an "assault rifle", it's no big deal at all.

 

Only one gun? Oh, that's much better. I didn't realize that. I somehow invisioned boxes of guns and 8 year olds lining up and being armed.

I see nothing wrong with teaching our youth the proper way to shoot and to respect guns. What's wrong with getting them interested in shooting? It used to be very popular before the anti-gun people started in on every facet of shooting.

 

I agree entirely, which is why I think that the parents should make the decision. Kids cannot learn gun safety and respect on their own.

Only one gun? Oh, that's much better. I didn't realize that. I somehow invisioned boxes of guns and 8 year olds lining up and being armed.

 

 

Me to, until I read the article. Makes a difference, doesn't it?:thumb:

Me to, until I read the article. Makes a difference, doesn't it?:thumb:

 

Yeah...I normally read the attached articles, too! But I am guilty as charged on this one. :creepy: