This is in reply to BigDaddyBRC's post that has since been edited out:

First off, I didn't say the 2nd Amendment was a culture, I said it ALLOWED a culture that helps PREVENT the need for a Libya or Egypt situation. Another way of wording it would be to say we don't HAVE to worry about it, because we have these weapons available to us, so the odds of the government going that far are exceptionally slim. Perhaps you should reread what I said in regard to that.

As far as high velocity piercing rounds, they make hollowpoints and various other cartridges that minimize penetration. Including frangible rounds. Also, that extra barrel length will MINIMIZE the chance of a miss when one isn't thinking clearly. Easier to be sure that 16" barrel thats on your shoulder is lined up with the guy in your house, than your 3.5". Also, assuming for some reason you DO choose to use a 5.56 FMJ, who says that the person that chooses to use it lives within 1 mile of a neighbor? Not everyone lives in a city or suburb. Once again, different strokes for different folks.

As I said, that AR is the quintessential "Assault Rifle" under law. But that M203 wouldn't make a non-Assault Rifle one either way. So, what is your point?

Local laws also DEFINE an assault rifle. With the federal AWB no longer in effect, there is no legal description in effect for one EXCEPT in localities, such as CT with assault weapon bans on the books. They DEFINE an assault weapon. The difference between an assault weapon is that an assault weapon MUST have a detachable magazine, and two of the following: Flash Suppressor/Threaded Barrel, Pistol grip, Folding/Collapsing Stock, Bayonet Lug, Grenade Launcher (Once again, M203 does NOT count. They refer to the style that attaches to the end of the barrel and requires a blank to use.) So, as you and I agree cosmetics DON'T make a gun more dangerous. And the difference between an assault rifle and non-assault rifle under state laws that define them are cosmetic features.

Also, a pistol has to reload in most cases after NINE SHOTS? Actually, most 9mm magazines are double stacks and easily hold 16+ rounds, as a standard capacity.

In this case, do you really know the difference? You DO realize assault rifles are SEMI AUTO under laws that define them, right? So I pull the trigger, it's ONE SHOT. Just like that semi auto handgun, or semi-auto shotgun. And odds are, rate of fire wont make one bit of difference in a shooting like that.

In addition, to wrap it up, the shooter used a modified chinese AK that was illegally made to fire full auto according to reports I've seen. Odds are it would be rather hard to control on full auto as such, and such guns have faded from primary use for CQB for a reason. Spray and pray is NOT superior to burst firing or single shot firing.

Frankly I'll also add any experience you have overseas or in a war zone is irrelevant, same as any experience I may or may not have. The need is simple, it can fill the NEED for a home defense weapon with a plethora of available ammunition. It can fill the NEED of a hunting rifle should one choose to use it in such a role. And it can serve the NEED of a fun range toy. You might not LIKE it, but that doesn't mean no one has a NEED for it.

Haha, my apologies, indeed, they'll be quite useful when the undead rise! :P