Why would a civilian need a military grade automatic rifle?

Question

This dumb 'question' was an answer to one of my questions. How do you think one of the Rebels of 1776 would answer? Maybe since we're all "civilians" we should have to to make gun powder from horse manure, sulfer, and charcoal. Can a "snoopy" fishing pole catch a big fish?

Answer 1

So that civilians can say NO to a tyranny gov't.

Answer 2

What defines "military grade"? Projectile caliber, magazine capacity, muzzle velocity, sighting options, cool paint scheme? Most civilian "assault rifles" are simply semi-automatic rifles. As I understand it, automatic weapons are not legal for civilian ownership outside of those that are licensed dealers of these weapons for sale to federal/state/municipal government entities. I believe this restriction is acceptable, since the only purpose for an automatic weapon is for spraying hundreds of rounds over an area to kill massive numbers of things or to impede their movement. Anyone who knows how to shoot is more effective firing on semi-automatic because there is no accuracy in firing on automatic. Therefore I cannot see any civilian use for an automatic weapon. Figuring out what is "military grade" is a whole new can of worms.

Your bringing up 1776 is interesting, since in that time period there was no difference at all between civilian and military grade weapons, outside of artillery. As far as personal infantry weapons go, it is not that much different today. The M16 might have a fancy name, but at the end of the day it is nothing more than a semi-automatic (with burst or full-auto optional) rifle with a 20" barrel that fires the 5.56X45mm round. Aside from the capacity to fire in burst or full-auto mode, the weapon is no more deadly than any other rifle firing the same round. As stated above, I have no issues with restricting the firing mode on civilian weapons to semi-automatic since there is no envisioned civilian use for the other firing modes.

When debating weapons ownership and the second amendment to the U.S. Constitution, it is crucial to understand that the founding fathers knew that an armed public that would serve as a credible threat to the standing government was necessary to ensure that government was still controlled by the public. I believe this goal can be accomplished without the need for civilian ownership of automatic weapons.

Answer 3

Don't forget the Salt Peter. I suppose the answer would be the same as why would anyone need an H2 or H3, or why do people need to pay hundreds of thousands of dollars for a condo or any of the other things people don't really need, but consider a part of their inalienable rights.

Answer 4

To defend the Nation, Militia Style.
Kinda antiquated law. Guns are not advised to be used in an urban dwelling.
Go figure.
250,000+ guns in Iraq and they don't stop IEDs or bombs, Never did, never will.
But it is a right, one that didn't get affected 'much' by The Patriot Act, our de-facto Constitution now.

Answer 5

The question should be why shouldn't the civilian population be allowed to own modern technology?

The answer is pretty close to the government would fear the population.

Answer 6

Well the game warden asked me one day why I needed a 30 round clip on my AK47 for deer hunting. I explained it to him like this,,,shoot, miss,,,,,shoot miss,,,,uh oh the deer is running ....pow pow pow pow pow pow pow pow,,,Got him! The reason a civilian needs the same hardware is for the same reasons the military needs it. Stupid question.

Answer 7

To shoot today's super game like the electric eel, antelope herds, and flying squirrels.

Answer 8

What makes me so nice to others in politics

Answer 9

Or a Ferrari? :)