It really angers me when people who are in a position to propose, influence or change our laws are totally ignorant of even the simplest terms and definitions that define the things that they are trying to legislate. We as gun owners probably made a big mistake way back when the first AR-15 came on the scene. What they are in fact is a demilitarized version of the military M16. What we should have done is chosen the name “semi-automatic sporting rifle.” To the average non-shooter, that sounds a lot less lethal than “assault rifle.” Shooters need to understand that the average person, who is not gun-oriented, takes many of these things literally — and you have to admit, “assault rifle” has a very dangerous sound to it.

Just to show you an example of how foolish that concept really is, back when I was a kid one of the most common and popular hunting rifles was a lever action called a .300 Savage. Wow, the word “savage” kind of gives me the chills. You see where I’m going here.