Wow, extensive research, or selective research? Did you do your “research” with an open mind, or did you just go looking for the answers you wanted to find?
It is difficult to find exact numbers, but estimates vary as to how many AR15 like weapons are privately owned. The best guess is somewhere between 5 -10 MILLION! So, lets go with the low estimate – 5 Million. Now, out of 5 Million owners, how many have used that weapon in a mass murder situation? I’ll go high and say 50. 50 out of 5 Million is .001%! So, what are the other 99.999% using the weapon for? Some are collectors and the weapon has never been fired. That leaves target practice.
"Well, it's "lawful" but certainly a stupid use for such a powerful weapon"
Obviously many people enjoy it!
“From the research I've done, I've learned that many members of the military don't fire these weapons on full auto because that causes the barrel to drift up and make the rifle less accurate.”
The original M-16 had a switch with two options – semi-auto (one pull, one shot) or full auto. In the 60’s we were trained to squeeze off three rounds on full auto. The modern military version now has a third option – 3- rounds. The civilian version is semi only. Oh, and by the way. The Marines have already abandoned the m16, and the Army is also replacing the weapon with the M4.
Let's start telling the entire story, shall we?
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