Should "Big Fifties" be illegal?

[cwcwmack]

I personally say NO. I played around with a Barrett M82 last summer and had to say it was the funnest thing I've ever shot...

A complete adrenalin rush, akin to lighting off your own fireworks on 4oJ...

How many crimes have been committed with "Big Fifties"? And anyone who has ever fired one knows they aren't exactly drive-by barrel out the window weapons, lol...

[tridim]

1. Thanks for confirming exactly what gun nuttiness is all about.

This is a major breakthrough!

Edit to quote the OP just in case he edits it.. I want this post to live forever in infamy.

I personally say NO. I played around with a Barrett M82 last summer and had to say it was the funnest thing I've ever shot...

A complete adrenalin rush, akin to lighting off your own fireworks on 4oJ...

How many crimes have been committed with "Big Fifties"? And anyone who has ever fired one knows they aren't exactly drive-by barrel out the window weapons, lol...

[Deep13]

3. so what? nt

[bossy22]

5. so im guessing you think .50 cal rifles should be banned?

why do you think there is such a need

[tridim]

7. Yes. Why? Because they're pointless...

Except to induce an adrenaline rush in gun nuts like the OP.

That's exactly what we don't need.

[X_Digger]

8. So are ferraris.. your point? n/t

[tridim]

10. Ferarris are cars, not guns.

[yay]

14. Yes but they are designed to break laws

You know for damn sure if someone pay's 100K+ for a Ferrari their going to break the speed limit endangering everyone else on the road.

Plus they're RED!!!!!

[tridim]

17. They are NOT designed to break laws

Every car on the market goes faster than the speed limit. Every single one.

[bossy22]

23. they are designed to go fast

faster than the speed limit

they arent good for commuting, going on family trips, doing errands

in reality they have very little redeeming value to society- dont forget about the environment...a ferrari can get as low at 2 mpg...now that will def. help global warming

[yay]

33. True but they have redeming features.

They may go faster but they weren't designed with the sole purpose of going faster. Unlike the the Ferrari.

They sure as hell aren't designed too go 0-60 in 3 seconds with a top speed of 215+MPH.

[TheWraith]

43. And every gun can kill someone, including single-shot .22s.

So banning a type of gun which has never been used in an actual crime--to wit, .50 BMGs--is solely and completely about being able to ban a gun. Nothing to do with crime.

[Deep13]

98. Yes and a Ferrari doesn't do it any faster than a Ford Taurus.

:eyes:

[happyslug]

133. Not the SMART Car, it is generaly limited to less then 50mph

The Web Site says the 3 cylinder 1 liter (61 Cubic inches) engine can go as fast as 90mph, but design for about 40mph. The SMART going 90 mph is like the observation that a bicyclist went 65 mph on an interstate, yes it can be done but 99% of the time it can NOT be.

A British site says its top speed is only 60mph:
http://www.topspeed.com/cars/smart/smart-police-car-ar59608.html

Another site saying people did get it up to 94 mph, but most of the time it is less then 60 mph:
http://www.smartcarofamerica.com/forums/f2/top-speed-11111/
http://www.smartcarmidwest.com/smartcarfaq.html

The other micro-cars have even smaller performance limits, through most were never sold in the USA:
http://microcarmuseum.com/

But you can buy some to this day:
http://microcarmuseum.com/microcars/index.html

The smallest cars sold new in the US by dealers tend to have 1.5 liter or larger engines, not the less then one liter for Japanese Kei Cars.

US 1.5 liter or larger micro cars:
http://editorial.autos.msn.com/listarticle.aspx?cp-documentid=861622&topart=passenger

Japanese Kei Cars:


While the post WWII European "Bubble Cars" are rare to see today, even in Europe, they are still part of the "Automotive Market". The automotive market includes NOT only new cars, but used cars, and even cars made 50 years ago. Given the Bubble cars and their modern variations, you can NOT say "Every Car on the market goes faster then the speed limit" some do not. If we add Mopeds to the picture, most 50 to 100cc Mopeds (Sold NEW in the US today) can barely hit 40 mph let alone the speed limit of 55 (Remember 65 is ONLY on Interstates in most states). Just pointing out to be careful of absolutes, make sure there are absolute before siting them.

Now Ford is planning to bring in its "ka" to the USA in 2010, it has a 1.3 liter engines, which would make it the NEW CAR with the Second smallest engine in the US (The SMART would still be #1 at 1.0 liters):
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_Ka

VW had the Lupo which it claim could do 94 mph with a 1.0 engine. Again it is possible, but not normal top speed:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Volkswagen_Lupo

[X_Digger]

16. So what?

Pointlessness has never been a legal justification for banning a car, why apply it to guns?

[DonP]

18. More crimes committed with Ferraris than .50s

Since there are no instances I can find of a .50 Barrett ever being used in any kind of crime, I'm going to go out on the limb here and say that there are far more crimes committed in Ferraris (speeding, illegal parking etc.) than by a .50 caliber gun.

Knowing a Ferrari owner or two, I can say they are way more scary behind the wheel than a .50 owner at the range.

But it makes you nervous, so lets ban it based on your insecurity?

[tridim]

20. Not insecure, but I do know the difference between a gun and a car.

[DonP]

39. So do we, one's a threat, the others not. Guess which. ntxt

[tridim]

49. We?

[bossy22]

31. both can be used

as deadly weapons

you come and see what a body looks like after a car going 40 mph hits it straight on...if you can find all the peices

remember this event http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/02/16/national/main3840105.shtml?source=RSSattr=HOME_3840105

[Deep13]

99. And are, therefore, far more dangerous. nt

[dairydog91]

9. Come to think of it, so's non-procreative sex...

It takes up lots of time and costs lots of money that could be better invested in the community. Join the Junior Anti-Sex League today!

[tridim]

11. Sex isn't a gun.

[NewMoonTherian]

113. I see where you're coming from.

You have a predisposition to fear guns. That's not an unreasonable attitude. Guns are designed for destruction.

When we're talking about expanding the power of government, though, it's important to look at empirical evidence and draw practical conclusions.

The conversation should go: "There is a problem we need to address. Here is a solution."

More often it goes: "Hey, here's something cool we could do."

"Sounds great. Why?"

"I don't know. Maybe it would help prevent this over here?"

[bossy22]

26. and what is so bad about that

skydiving is pointless, climbing a mountain is essentially pointless...but people do it for the adrenaline rush

[slackmaster]

72. If I'm not causing harm to you or your property with my .50 BMG rifle, it's none of your business

Except to induce an adrenaline rush in gun nuts like the OP.

That's exactly what we don't need.

That's a piss-poor excuse for a reason to ban something.

[tridim]

84. There are other reasons. The OP just struck me as completely insane.

So I decided to point that out.

Do you think it's a good idea to carry a loaded weapon (that you equate with setting off fireworks) while adrenaline is pulsing through your body? I sure don't.

[yay]

86. lol wut?

Shooting at a range =/= carrying. Who cares if he get's an adrenaline rush shooting a .50 rifle at the range? It makes no fucking difference.

[slackmaster]

87. Your assessment of another forum member's sanity is irrelevant

I doubt that you have the credentials to make such a determination even in real life.

Do you think it's a good idea to carry a loaded weapon (that you equate with setting off fireworks) while adrenaline is pulsing through your body?

I would be more concerned about someone who did not experience a hightened adrenaline level when dealing with a loaded weapon. It's a safety system to ensure that you are alert and attentive when you need to be.

[tridim]

94. One person's alertness is another's twitchy trigger finger.

I get twitchy thumbs all the time when I fly my RC planes. Culprit, adrenaline.

[yay]

95. So admit....

You're akin to a heroin addict?

[tridim]

96. When it comes to flying, yes.

When will the OP admit he's an addict?

[yay]

132. Maybe you should consider less....inflamitory words.

The way you've worded your argument is horrible.

I'll admit I'm an adrenaline addict. That's why I paintball and shoot. But equating adrenaline to heroin is just a bad move.

[rl6214]

134. He won't choose anything less inflammitory

Because he means to inflame.

[slackmaster]

97. If you learn to control it you'll be a better flyer

Mastering the adrenaline is one of the keys to becoming an accurate shot with any kind of firearm.

[Hangingon]

101. RC planes can be weponized.

Ergo, they must be banned.

[oneshooter]

111. If 50 cal rifles

should be banned because they are fun, what about my 54, 58, 62, 69, and 75 caliber weapons? They are a blast to shoot and are a lot bigger bore than a mere 50cal!

Oneshooter
Livin in Texas

[cwcwmack]

112. mmmm... black powder.

another flavor of fun!

[Iktomiwicasa]

114. Anything under

.58 is small bore :D I have a .58 Hawken,two Jaegers, one in .62 and the other in .69, as well as a .75 Brown Bess. I know a really talented smith who recently built a 2 gauge (that is not a typo) rifle. It sends a full 1/2 pound of lead downrange with each shot, hehehe.

[dashrif]

122. I

Feel you how about big spoilers on front wheel drive cars or tits on a hog or shoes that cost over 100 bucks how about people with tvs over 27in we all know if you have a big screen tv or more than one tv you have a small penis..........

[Raskolnik]

24. Um, yeah...a lot of people shoot guns because doing so is ridiculously fun.

That isn't really a secret, and I'm not really sure why you think that sentiment would "live forever in infamy."

Could you explain why you think this is such a revelation?

[tridim]

35. If you don't get it, you probably never will

Guns are supposed to be tools, not an adrenaline rush.

Do you think maybe that's why so many innocent people get shot in America? Criminals have adrenal glands too.

[Raskolnik]

37. Are you the fun police?

If a person owns guns, obeys the law, and doesn't harm (or even bother) anyone else, what possible concern is it of yours that person derives enjoyment out of the hobby?

[tridim]

48. No, I just understand that guns are supposed to be serious tools, not toys.

As a responsible gun owner I assume you know that. The OP obviously doesn't.

[jmg257]

52. Well you understand wrong, then. Shooting is a blast, a great recreation event.

Why is that so hard to grasp?

[cwcwmack]

54. and I'd LOVE...

to take ANY anti-gun type out shooting so they can see what harmless fun it really is!

[tridim]

58. I fired guns up until age 14.

[jmg257]

62. And you never enjoyed it?

[tridim]

65. I did.

But we were only shooting 22's 30-30's and shotguns. Reasonable weapons.

[jmg257]

70. So why could/would enjoying a .50 be any less reasonable? I know

I wouldn't look forward to shooting a .500S&W, but others do.

Plenty of people seem to enjoy the .50 for the long distance challenge (it's major use?); I might not get it if the recoil is harsh, but I never tried it either.

[MercutioATC]

74. How do you stand on an "assault weapon" ban?

If you want to ban .50s, what other firearms do you want to ban?

[tridim]

76. I want the line to be drawn at blinged-up assault weapons.

I've stated that several times in the gungeon.

[MercutioATC]

78. So your father's 30-30 is fine, but a less-powerful AR-15 should be banned?

What is it about the "bling" that upsets you?

[jmg257]

80. ONLY if it is 'blinged up'. Apparently, 'bling' makes it unworthy of fun.(?)

[tridim]

85. Bling makes it worthy of people who look at guns as toys instead of tools.

[yay]

88. So we should ban "bling" on cars

Because it makes it worth of people who look at cars as toys instead of tools.

[tridim]

90. Cars are not guns.

[yay]

91. But car's still kill people who misuse them.

Cars still kill people who abuse and misuse them. They are a tool meant to take yourself, family or goods from point A too point B and should never be used as an "adrenaline rush".

[X_Digger]

93. really should ask why one chooses 'blinged' up weapons..

Semi-automatic rifles with military styling often include features that not only make them more accurate, but more comfortable to shoot and more reliable. A 'pistol grip' makes them easier to hold at shoulder level (try holding a can of soda at your waist, which is more comfortable, vertical or horizontal- now try the same at shoulder level). A multi-position collapsible stock allows those with varying heights to seat the firearm comfortably against their shoulder with the appropriate geometry between wrist, shoulder, and elbow. Many of these rifles have reduced recoil due to internal springs that offset the force generated by the bullet's exit from the barrel. Mounting rails allow for a varying amount of accessories or optics- some that help the shooter identify the target better, some that make more body positions available. What else.. oh, bayonet mounts- not particularly useful, but not terribly dangerous either. Many are lighter weight when compared to their wood stocked, blued counterparts, making the total load on a hunter or sport shooter less. Finishes other than nickel plating or bluing are less likely to be dinged up either in the woods or the closet, and require less maintenance.

[jmg257]

105. We already determined most guns are enjoyable to shoot. What does 'bling' have to do with it?

I ask, without knowing what 'bling' you refer to.

So you may want to define that too.

[rl6214]

119. What is bling on a gun?

You keep saying blinged up guns.

What is bling?

[tridim]

89. My father's 30-30 scared the hell out of me

Even though it required cocking after each shot. It's the most powerful gun he ever owned.

I preferred the pump action .22. I could hit the pop can just as well as with the 30-30.

[yay]

92. So fear is a rational to ban things?

[MercutioATC]

102. Understandable, for a 14-year-old.

But would you ban it? If so, by what criteria? If not, why not?

[S_B_Jackson]

145. And so because you grew scared at this point....

we're supposed to let your phobias dictate our choice of appropriate firearms???????????????????????

Back to the OP.....I say NO, there is no need to ban .50 caliber weapons. My Grandpa used to hunt elk and mule deer with an old Sharps...while I was creeping to within 100-200 yards with my Savage Model 99, he was taking game from 500 yards+ - very impressive.

It was not gentle to shoot, but once I got accustomed to the recoil, it was very entertaining to shoot. I'm sorry, tridim, if you don't approve of taking enjoyment from shooting, but tens of millions of gun owners do.

[Fire_Medic_Dave]

135. So you define yourself as insane, got it. After all you derived pleasure from...

something only meant to kill. Shotguns are extremely deadly at close range and 30-30's will penetrate a bullet proof vest, you are completely insane according to your own standards.

David

[rl6214]

118. Edit

and decided you didn't like the icky guns any more?

[Raskolnik]

53. Oh, hogwash. There isn't any rule of responsible gun ownership that says

you can't have a bunch of fun shooting your gun in a safe and responsible manner.

If you don't like it when someone has fun doing something that's legal, and isn't hurting anyone, that's your problem.

[paulsby]

115. a puritan anti-gunner

"puritanism - the belief that somewhere, somebody is having fun. and dammit we can't have THAT!"

[SsevenN]

55. So you can't enjoy something and be responsible with it?

That doesn't make any sense.

I think you have pretty much talked your self in to a corner. You seem to find the recreational use of guns to be somehow offensive.

Hey, it;s your life, live it how you want. But there is no reason so insinuate somebody is irresponsible simply because they enjoy something, tool or not.

[tridim]

61. Nope, never said that. We're talking about the OP's big ass, get-your-rocks-off guns.

I have no problem with anyone shooting reasonable guns at the range.

[cwcwmack]

66. lol...

so a 30-06 is ok but not a 50BMG? Why? Because it's "too much"? Because it's too loud? Too powerful? Too expensive? Too exclusive?

What specifically do you have against a 50BMG? Do you dislike AR-15's and 7.62 Assault Weapons like G-3's and FAL-clones?

[cwcwmack]

110. what's wrong with fun?

[Raskolnik]

67. So its ok to enjoy shooting a .22 rifle, but unseemly to enjoy shooting a .50 cal?

Huh?

[SsevenN]

68. I think you implied it....

Tridim said; "Guns are supposed to be tools, not an adrenaline rush."


Okay, enough with the semantics.

You don't have a problem with people enjoying guns at the range.

But you do have a problem with people getting an adrenaline rush from shooting guns at the range?

I have to tell you, it's pretty NORMAL for a shooter to get an adrenaline dump while shooting, particularly when they are new to the sport, or perhaps even new to a bigger calibre.

So is that okay, or not okay by your standards? Because you have said both.

[dairydog91]

106. Do you even have a definition for "reasonable"?

Is there an upper limit on what firearms are acceptable to shoot? .30-06? .338 Winchester Magnum? .338 Winchester Super Magnum? .338 Lapua? Is a .700 Nitro (Chambered in classically-style rifles) more acceptable than a .50BMG (Chambered in a gun with lots of black metal and polymer)?

[Iktomiwicasa]

107. But you haven't made any attempt to define "reasonable"

[Fire_Medic_Dave]

136. and you get to define reasonable.

[kudzu22]

138. I'm guessing 'reasonable' is anything she's not afraid to shoot. n/t

[yay]

83. Why can't it be both?

Car's are serious tools, but people use them for fun all the time.

[gorfle]

71. on "adrenaline rush"es

Guns are supposed to be tools, not an adrenaline rush.

I've got news for you, tridim, guns are fun to shoot. Guns are just tools, but shooting them is an enjoyable activity. When you can successfully fire a high-power, large caliber weapon and hit a target, is most certainly is a rush. It's hard to do, and it's satisfying when you successfully do it.

If you had ever fired one and successfully put a bullet in a bullseye in spite of your brain knowing about the big bang coming when you pull the trigger, you would understand this.

Mastering control over monstrous forces is hard, and fun, and definitely a rush. I imagine a race car driver feels the same way.

[Deep13]

100. "Guns are supposed to be tools, not an adrenaline rush."

Says who? BTW, cops and soldiers have adrenaline too. And cops actually have a higher rate of violent crime than the general population.

[AtheistCrusader]

129. And yet you can count the murders committed in the US with .50's on less than one hand.

Ooh scary.

[gorfle]

64. Shooting powerful guns is fun. Story at 11.

Wow, shooting powerful firearms is fun, whodathunk?

I personally enjoy shooting large caliber pistols for the same reason - it is very challenging and satisfying to control the recoil of such weapons and accurately place rounds on target.

[rl6214]

127. All that needs to be said

SCOTUS said in D.C. v. Heller, “the Second Amendment, like the First and Fourth Amendments, codified a pre-existing right. . . . ‘{t}his is not a right granted by the Constitution. Neither is it in any manner dependent upon that instrument for its existence.’”

SCOTUS recognizes the “DECLARATION OF THE RIGHTS OF THE INHABITANTS” made by PA (1776) and VT (1777) in their constitutions, “That all men are born equally free and independent, and have certain natural, inherent and inalienable rights (VT substituted unalienable), amongst which are, the enjoying and defending life and liberty, acquiring, possessing and protecting property, and pursuing and obtaining happiness and safety. . . . That the people have a right to bear arms for the defence of themselves and the state”.

[bossy22]

2. i agree

.50 cal rifles arent a big concern when it comes to crime guns....they are in a way self regulating...with semi-auto versions costing close to 10 grand it prevents common criminals from really possessing them

[X_Digger]

4. No, should not be illegal..

it's a slippery slope.. when the .50 is illegal, then the response is the new .499 cal.. which is then banned.. then .498..

It's not the power of the gun, it's the mind of the shooter.

[ZombieHorde]

6. No, but their ammo should be illegal.

Just kidding.

[Tejas]

120. the current PRICE of it should be illegal.

:)

[ZombieHorde]

125. That is pretty funny. nt

[Schema Thing]

12. What the holy fuck does fun have to do with it?

[tridim]

13. Apparently everything.

Fun and adrenaline.

[Iktomiwicasa]

146. I have alot of fun

when I light off my Sharps in 50-90. No buffalo around to shoot any more, and it's too heavy to be a real handy weapon in the woods, but it'll stop just about anything short of an elephant. I suppose you want to make that illegal too.

[bossy22]

21. its a reason for someone to own one

kinda like fun has to do with owning a 500 hp sports car

[tridim]

28. Kind of like shooting up methamphetamine too huh?

I hear it's quite a rush!

So obviously we need to legalize meth and sell it to adrenaline junkies at gun shows.

[bossy22]

32. maybe

in fact i see no problem with recreational drug use

but you are comparing apples and oranges...just because something is illegal doesnt mean it should be illegal or that there are merits to the argument that it should be illegal

[TheWraith]

47. Alright, let's ban everything that causes fun without a redeeming utilitarian function.

Target shooting. Nice cars. Non-procreative sex. All drugs, even the harmless ones like pot. Oh wait, we already did that. Worked out great, hasn't it?

[Schema Thing]

29. What does it have to do with the legality of illegality of it?

You answered a question you fucking well knew I didn't ask.

[bossy22]

34. okay brainiac

when people are discussing legalities of certain goods, almost inevitably the discussion will involve THE REASONS people own such a good

if you can't realize that then i can't help you

[Schema Thing]

40. Of course I realize that.

It goes without saying.

So why the fuck did you feel like it needed to be said when the glaring, obvious, UNANSWERED question is "wtf does "fun" have to do with "legality"?"

That "fun" is related to "want", is pretty goddamn obvious, isn't it?

[cwcwmack]

27. oh it was excellent...

Reminded me of when I was a kid and would wake up at dawn to drive out into the countryside with our model rockets for a day of rocketry...

[cwcwmack]

36. a few details...

We were out in the desert a couple hours north of Phoenix on private land...

We set up at dawn when it was still cool under a portable awning. We oriented the "range" toward a nearby hillside and set up targets at approx 100 yards and again at about 400 yards. We brought watermelons of course... and had a few pairs of binocs for spotting.

I found the 100 yard target to be easily do-able but the 400 yard target was relatively difficult to hit as I wasn't familiar with the scope and didn't have 20 rounds to sight it in... the owner was able to nail 400 yards easily though...

And the shooting...

Well. You don't really pull the trigger, you light the fuse.

When it goes off... it's not so much a horse kick to the shoulder, it's more akin to a 12g shotgun or maybe even lighter as the M82 has an effective muzzle brake. But the shockwave of the blast permeates every cell of your being. Your brain rattles. The sand on the ground kicks up on every shot.

It IS a rush... and people who threaten "Bid Fittties" are really misguided...

[Raskolnik]

30. People having fun with their hobbies isn't exactly breaking news, is it?

Were you under the impression that people spent thousands of dollars hundreds of hours on firearms, ammunition, and equipment, but didn't get any fun out of it?

[jmg257]

56. Might explain why he enjoyed it? Most recreation shooting is fun,

otherwise it wouldn't be recreational.

[Schema Thing]

79. duh. wtf is with people stating the obvious while at the same time avoiding the more obvious

it's like I'm stuck on FreeRepublic or something.



What the Holy Fuck does "fun" have to do with the legality or illegality of any particular gun?

[Locrian]

15. nukes and hand grenades

Boy - they sure are fun! I LoVE those things - what a rush! Pretty mushroom cloud.

[tridim]

19. They're just like the fourth of July!

[SsevenN]

25. So what's your point?

They should be illegal because you don't like them?

.50BMGs are not used in (American)crime, they are way too heavy, the ammo is very expensive, and they are loud as hell.

You have attacked near every poster who has said they shouldn't be banned, so I can only assume you think they should be. Why?

[tridim]

38. My point is that gun nuts apparently fire guns for the same reason that junkies shoot heroin.

That isn't good no matter how you try to justify it.

[bossy22]

41. well your point is sorta dull

if you mean that junkies shoot heroin because they enjoy it...well then you are right

but if you are saying that we shoot guns because we are addicted to shooting them...well then you are wrong

THERE IS NO PROBLEM WITH TAKING SOME ENJOYMENT IN DOING AN ACTIVITY

you must have serious issues if it bothers you that us "gun nuts" enjoy shooting sports....

[SsevenN]

45. I'd say that

People shoot guns for the same reason anyone does anything they enjoy. If you want to use heroin as an example, I think it's an unnecessarily negative correlation.

99.9999% of target shooters have not, and will not ever harm anyone, so why all the hatred toward them and the sport they enjoy?

Are you simply projecting your own dislike of guns in to your stereotypes and justifying your dislike by asserting negative parallels?

[X_Digger]

46. Therefore.. guns=heroin?

puhh-leaaze!

If that's be best you got, you fail. hard.

[tridim]

57. Posters in this thread have already compared guns to cars and sex.

That said, I didn't compare guns to heroin. I compared gun nut adrenaline seekers to heroin addicts. Something I always just assumed was the case until the OP confirmed it.

But twist away pal, if it makes you feel better.

[yay]

51. What the fuck....

That is the STUPIDEST FUCKING thing I've ever had the misfortune of reading....

So everyone who's into base jumping, fast cars, paintball, airsoft, laser tag, wrestling, fighting, skate boarding, roller skating, surfing, wake boarding, boating, Olympic sports, eating contests, competition shooting, video games, and bicycling are akin to heroin addicts?

You're a fucking troll plain and simple.

[rrneck]

59. Don't hurt yourself

in your rush to umbrage. You might trip over your bigotry and bust your ass.

[jmg257]

60. Wouldn't know, never did heroin. I can tell you shooting is fun, usually challenging,

and a great time, even better if you are sharing the time with someone, like your Pop or son or whatever.

[tridim]

63. Go for it, I have no problem with reasonable gun use.

I fired guns with my dad until I was 14.

[winter999]

69. I've noticed that

people who have a chip on their shoulder usually want to restrict other peoples' freedoms. Just like when freepers try to deny gay-marriage. So far I haven't seen one single fact to back up an argument to restrict these fire-arms. Matter of fact (and just as the gay-marriage debate) most evidence points to the exact opposite.

[rrneck]

77. What do you consider reasonable gun use? nt

[jeepnstein]

103. So...

Why did you quit shooting after age 14?

[dairydog91]

104. Well, at least I'm consistent.

As long as the junkie minds his own business, and doesn't hurt anyone besides himself, I think he should be able to shoot what he wants.

[rl6214]

123. Obviously for some reason

You think your opinion counts. Say what you want, it dosen't.

[AtheistCrusader]

130. Different strokes for different folks.

Some go for the adrenaline, some go for the precise nature of putting a hole in something from a mile away, despite ballistics, atmospheric effects, and your own biology.

And that biology is a hinderance. A racing pulse isn't going to help you hit a damn thing. But if that's what he's after, so be it.

Seriously. What do you care? WHY should you care? Why should any of us give a damn if you DO care?

[Fire_Medic_Dave]

137. So your father should be in jail for child abuse for trying to get you hooked.

[Iktomiwicasa]

147. A .45

caliber weapon produces 10% less adrenaline rush than a .50, therefore its fun factor is within Puritan limits :)

[bossy22]

22. yes cause

.50 cal rifle= high yield explosives

kinda of like accused=guilty

[yay]

42. No they should not be illegal.

Too get even a cheap .50 setup will run you over $2000. That's for a single shot bolt action AR15 upper.

Despite what the brady bunch claims, they do NOT have a 4 mile range. The longest confirmed kill ever archived was 1.51 miles, that was done by a highly trained Canadian sniper who had the spot prezero'd in ahead of time.

It takes a lot of training just to put a good group down at 100 yards. Get out to about 600 yards and you have to account for even more, and your body has to be extremely disciplined. Get out too 2000 yards, and you have to be one HELL of a marksmen who's spent years and thousands of rounds training.

Some random jackass can't just pickup a barrett and start nailing baby's a mile away.... this isn't COD4

[Tim01]

44. Yes. And gay marriage. Because it might cause straight guys to catch the gay.

[Xela]

81. LOL.

That was good laugh :)

thanks tim.

X

[corruptmewithpower]

50. We need a concealable .50BMG handgun for next gen. Dirty Harry film.

[NewMoonTherian]

116. There was one for a while.

Though it was by no means very concealable. The fella that made them was also into some other "nefarious" deeds, for which he was busted by the feds, so it's no longer available. It was called the Maadi-Griffin if you wanna look it up. Wish I'd have been around before all the good stuff got the kibash.

[corruptmewithpower]

126. Do you feel lucky, punk!

Would love to see one, and watch someone ELSE try to shoot with it.

[Pullo]

143. Maadi-Griffin .50bmg handgun

[Pullo]

142. Here's one!

[TheWraith]

144. Really though, that's a waste of power.

Shooting a .50 BMG round out of that short barrel, you're probably not going to get much more power out of it than a real .50 pistol round, like a .50 Action Express. The reason those big .50s have a 4 foot long barrel is because of the amount of powder they need to burn. You will get one hell of a fireball out of a short one like that though.

[Pullo]

148. definately a waste of powder

Here's the Maadi pistol firing in as part s prop in a spoof vid.

http://www.biggerhammer.net/videos/birdman_nuke50.mov

[madrchsod]

73. who ever purchases a 50 should go through a fbi background check,

the gun should be tracked from the manufacturer,gun shop,and owner. sale of ammunition should be monitored in the same way the gun is. these guns should never fall into the hands of the bad guys.

other than that...if i could afford it, i`d really get a kick out of firing some rounds.

did you know that the bullet disintegrates as soon as it hits a body of water? myth busters!

[slackmaster]

75. I think the line was drawn correctly in 1934

I see no compelling reason to move it.

[rl6214]

124. Have you been paying attention to anything

that has been said in this thread?

[AtheistCrusader]

131. Someone needs to send Mythbusters some steel core rounds.

Because no. Not really.

Edit: Better yet, some Tungsten.

Don't believe everything you see on TV

[Xela]

82. No.

I'm personally not fond of them at this moment (never shot one).

But I've never played cricket before either.

Xela

[spin]

108. Shooting a large caliber weapon is fun to some individuals..

so are many other activities that make little sense to many people. My son in law and daughter are sky divers. I am among those who wonder why anyone would jump out of a perfectly good airplane.

Some people enjoy climbing mountains, some love drag racing, some enjoy wrestling with alligators.



Shooting is fun. That's why it's a popular hobby. It's not wise to start the hobby with a .44 mag handgun or a 50 cal Barrett. You work up to the big calibers.

I remember taking a nurse to the range who was interested in shooting handguns. She tried some of my firearms and bought a .22 cal target pistol and a .38 caliber revolver of her own. One time while we were at the range, the shooter beside her was running some really hot .357 magnum reloads through his revolver. She asked him if she could try a cylinder full. When she finished, she walked back to her booth with the biggest smile I ever saw on her face. She said, "Now that was fun!"

Different strokes for different folks.

Here's a video of a woman shooting a 50 cal rifle. The smile on her face reminds me of the nurse.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7tm1REhuAEo&feature=related

Shooting an assault rifle (which are heavily regulated and are not "assault weapons") is also fun. Again note the smile on the shooter's face.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hMNg5wfIPXo

[jmg257]

109. I think it would be fun to wrestle her. Bling or not. n/t

[rrneck]

117. That gator's grinnin' too. nt

[Tejas]

121. what gator?

;)

[krispos42]

128. It would be like an Alaskan putting up an elephant repeller in his front yard

Then bragging about how much safer he was.





They are not used to commit crimes. The ability to hit a human target is not based on the ultimate range of the rifle.


If Joe The Plumber, say, can shoot a 2" group at 100 yards with a decent rifle and decent ammo, then his personal lethal range is 400 yards on a human. This lethal range has nothing to do with caliber.

Joe The Plumber will shoot 2" groups with a .223, a .25-06, a .270, a .308, a .338, a .375, a .416, a .458, or a .50, assuming all are rifles and ammunition of reasonable quality.

The fact that a .50 will remain supersonic over twice as far as a .308 is not relevent; Joe's chance of hitting somebody at 1500 yards with a .50 is only slightly higher than if he was using a .308 instead.

[dashrif]

140. Wow

Joe sucks and needs to dime washer for a day and then meybe he can get a sub moa

[aikoaiko]

139. .50 calibre (except shotguns) is the dividing line between NFA and non-NFA controlled firearms

No Federal gun bans -- ever. There is nothing reasonable about gun bans.

[scrinmaster]

141. No, of course not.