It is a well-known fact of sales and advertising is that if you want to create demand for a product, you show it, extol its features and wonders, and then say, “…but you can’t have it.”
I have a similar reaction to a product when someone might want to prevent me from owning it: I get one.
Longtime Readers will be only too familiar with my attitude towards the AR-15 poodleshooter and its varmint ammo — the executive summary would be that I despise the frigging things.
However, the more that the anti-gun brigade wants to ban them as eeeevil assault rifles (“only the military”, “designed not to hunt but to kill humans” etc. etc. etc.), the more I think that every American citizen should own one (or more, as the urge takes).
Which is a long way of saying that I am really, really glad that I now have one: not because of any love I may have for the thing, but because now that I own one, I’m never going to give it up to any government agency, no matter what laws or restrictions the government may pass to make them illegal.
Were the Nanny Hoplophobe Set not so keen on banning them, I wouldn’t own one in a month of Sundays, because let’s just say that I might happen to have alternatives that I would consider far more effective in the AR-15’s purpose.
But regardless, I’m glad that I have a poodleshooter… simply because some asshole doesn’t want me to own one.
And it appears that as many as 15 million Americans feel the same way that I do — and very many likely for the same reason.
So while news items like this are very welcome, we sure as hell don’t need to have some super-lawyers (e.g. the USSC) explain the Second Amendment to us. We know what it means, regardless of what they think or how carefully they may parse penumbral meanings out of the Constitution.
As for the would-be gun-banning types: FOAD.
I carried a REAL one for 4 years so I thought it only proper that I own a FAKE one as well.
Did the research, bought the best parts I could almost afford, and built my own.
Been real happy with it.
May build another one this year in 7.62.
Welcome to the AR-10 Brotherhood.
While I agree with the post, absolutely, we differ on our view of the effectiveness of the 5.56 “poodle shooter” INSIDE 75-100 rounds vs OUTSIDE that range where the 7.62×39 shines. We’re too old to change our minds about that, however. lol.
But I see now that 5.56 ammo is cheaper than 762×39. While not as big a difference as between 9mm and .45 goodness in range ammo, cheaper is cheaper, and you have to admit (I think?) the AR is fun to shoot. Take it to the range, save a few shekels, and keep the Kalashnikov handy for social engagements.
On the courts, however, one would think they’ve made it clear—not to us, as you mentioned we need no clarification in our understanding—but to the federal judiciary that this kind of nonsense must stop. Heller and Bruen come to mind. But if you think that, you’d be wrong. For that reason and that reason alone, I’d welcome a SCOTUS decree that the AR is legal anywhere, period, full stop. It should not be needed, but at that point maybe people will feel more comfortable simply ignoring federal judges. At least on this topic.
I commend you and your gentle readers to this excellent Kurt Schlichter piece on the state of the federal judiciary.
https://townhall.com/columnists/kurtschlichter/2026/04/30/the-courts-are-guilty-of-failing-to-do-their-job-n2675224
Insert your hanging tree JPG here.
JC
I bought a Ruger American II Scout rifle last year. It was the Gun Talk 30th anniversary edition so I think it has a special camouflage pattern applied to the stock. The .223/5. cartridge is pleasant to shoot. Later today I will get it sighted in properly. It takes AR mags which is nice.
CT is likely to join CA and MD in banning anything with a cruciform trigger which makes the Ruger RXM, Glocks etc become banned to buy and sell in this state after October 1st.
Hopefully SCOTUS takes up the half dozen or so 2A related cases and starts issuing the smack down to states who are not complying with McDonald, Heller and Bruen decisions.
October 1st. Good to know. I’ve shot the Steyr GB and the Glock 17, so I think I’d better scrape up the money for a Glock 17 before the clocks strike Midnight.
Just out of morbid curiosity, what is it about the cruciform trigger that makes those pistols weapons of Mass Destruction (errm Delusion) and so much deadlier than the M1911?
Copmmifornia currently has the drop test; I don’t understand how banning sale and transfer of a particular trigger element helps that or adds to safety. Certainly they won’t repeal the drop test.
I predict that someone will redesign the trigger group so instead of a cross-shaped trigger, the part will be shaped like a crescent moon, and any further restriction will result in a First Amendment religious exemption and I hope the law-givers will be hounded out of office for offending the favored Religion of Peace and Pieces.
Windy,
The cruciform trigger makes it possible to add a switch to the pistol which changes the pistol from a semi automatic to a completely automatic machine gun.
No honest citizen is going to make that modification because doing so is already a felony at the federal and state level. This legislation is nothing more than incremental gun prohibition.
my email is [email protected]
I guess I followed a similar track. I was more of a revolver shooter, and had some milsurp bolt guns I enjoyed shooting for the historical elements. Hell I think the only semi I had at the time was my 10/22.
I outgrew my Turner/Red Dawn fantasies as a yoot, and candidly never felt drawn to the AR/AK/9mm world.
Then they started talking about banning them & this was the Barry Sotero years when he had control of congress, ergo they might get it done.
So I went out and plunked down some hard earned, and joined the plastic gun crowd.
Why? Because Fuck You that’s why. If it caused Feinstein to die one minute earlier then it was worth it.
There are many, many violations of Heller and Bruen around the country, including here in Virginia. Our Commie Skank (that’d be our governor) and her Marxist colleagues banned the AR-15 and “large capacity” magazines right in the plain face of “in common use” as of July 1 this year. I’m sure they know they’ll lose some day, but in the meantime there are tens of thousands of about to be felons here if they transport even the grandfathered ones in a “public place.”
I suspect they’re counting on the gelatinous Chief Justice “Pussy” Roberts to postpone what in light of Bruen, would be an obvious smack down of gun fearing wussies nationwide for fear of the howls of anguish and maybe violent reaction of Leftists, Socialists, Marxists and do-gooders nationwide. He’s a fucking coward.
I have several of the 223/5.56. Some are bolt. I had some of the 7.62×39. Never was impressed with it s ability to hit anything. Not even the barn when I was inside it.
YMMV
Kim, I’ve built several from individually-purchased and carefully-sourced components (ALL lowers — the only part requiring a 4473, legally acquired). Not so much because I’m in love with the platform (I’m not) but because I can. Last count 7.
I can easily build them to purpose. I built two as long-range target/varmint rifles, “long-range” being a relative term as the .223 Rem round doesn’t have great legs, but it works well in the rural setting where I live for critter control at arms’ length (think “skunks”). Most of the others I built to teach my two sons how firearms work and to introduce them to shooting in a comprehensive manner, which, by the way, worked very well in both respects.
I MUCH prefer the controlled-feed bolt action system, preferably on pre-’64 Winchester actions — which by the way, Winchester paid hefty royalties to Mauser for having pretty much ripped off the design.
I know you’re a big believer in the 6.5 X 55 Swede and I won’t try to gainsay that; however, my preferred rounds are the 6.5 Creedmor and the 6.5 PRC, both Hornady-developed rounds, primarily given to that company’s commitment to case refinement and bullet development.
I’d say the science is settled, but that’s a tired phrase these days. Hornady is doing amazing things with ammunition development these days and it’s worth paying attention to what they’re doing in those arenas.
Kim, you should have waited a little while longer until this became available. Talk about a manly offering
https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/tommy-gun-goes-lightweight-with-the-auto-ordnance-tm1cp-44828173.
While the AK-47s are noted for their ability to function under the worst possible conditions they have to be considered as butt ugly.
What you should have done is get an AR platform in the 762×39 caliber. Then you have the best of both worlds. Accessibility to all sorts of aftermarket parts and an inherently more accurate system.
I have an AR platform that is a piston system in 7.62×39 and I routinely compete in AR matches out to 400 yards . I am known as being the resident communist as I am the only person who uses that caliber . It defiInitely hits harder at all ranges than the Iitty bitty 223 making the steel targets swing violently.
I bought one back during the Obama years, mostly in the same “get one before they’re banned” mentality. It was a basic S&W AR carbine and it actually shoots great but very ammo dependent if you’re looking for accuracy.
I bought a second because … well, let’s say that 40 years back you could pick up a discount Garand for around $300 and any WWI bolt gun for less and of course I didn’t do it. Well, I did get an 03 Springfield, just not an 03-A3 version. Wall-hanger only, not a shooter. So when I saw an actual Colt AR rifle (yes, rifle, with a proper 21 inch barrel), I snapped it up. It’s not an exact version of what was carried in Vietnam, but it’s close and I only need to change the handguard to get the correct look. I bought it based on the fact that it was available, I could afford it, and I still don’t have a Garand. If I win the lotto and can afford to purchase every version of the US Army battle rifle thru history, then I’m already one up on that dream. Now to scan the gun auctions for a cheap Krag-Jorgensen.