Have you purchase a semi-automatic firearm since Obama was elected?

[derby378]

Poll question: Have you purchase a semi-automatic firearm since Obama was elected?

I know there's been a big rush on gun stores since November 4. So let's ask the DU community. Did you buy a gun that may wind up banned by the Obama administration, and if so, did you make the purchase after Election Day? Why or why not?

[msongs]

1. exactly which guns do you claim "may" be banned by the obama administration? nt

[derby378]

5. There are several proposed lists of guns to be banned...

Common to all these lists are semi-automatic AR and AK rifles, but some lists also include the Mini-14 and/or the M1 Garand.

[hoplophile]

36. The ones covered in the drafted and circulating AWB legislation.

His own web site says that he wants a new AWB passed. I see no reason not to take P.E. Obama at his word and get them before they are banned as he says he wants to do.

[gristy]

2. How do you "know" there's been a big rush on gun stores since November 4?

Who benefits from that little lie, if it turns out it is a lie?

[derby378]

4. For starters...

I offer the following news links:

http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/news/localnews/stories/DN-gunsales_18met.ART.State.Edition2.4a4e642.html
http://www.standard.net/live/news/147987/
http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/34376549.html
http://www.latimes.com/news/printedition/asection/la-na-guns12-2008nov12,0,7188434.story

[merh]

8. It's not a lie.

Gun collectors know that if the "ban" does go into effect, ownership of the weapons will not be "banned", the guns won't be taken from the gun owners as they will be grandfathered in. The guns just cannot be produced, sold or imported for sell in the US. The "banned" guns can be sold/traded by collectors and as collector's items their value will increase once put on the list.

When the AWR law expired all those "banned" weapons which were collectors items decreased in value.

Oh, and think about the hysteria as being a positive for the economy, because of the fear of "gun grabbing" gun dealers are making a very good living right now.

[gorfle]

39. Absolutely correct

Gun owners remember the 1886 machine gun ban, and the Assault Weapon Ban.

In 1985, you could buy a fully automatic M16 for about $1000. Today they cost about $20,000. That would have been a fantastic investment. If you could have bought 5 of them back then for $5000 you'd have an $100,000 investment. That's an increase on your money by a factor of 20.

If I had money right now, I know I'd be buying all the assault weapons I could afford. They are bound to be fantastic investments.

[Howzit]

58. Shhh, GM is trying to get Hummers banned in an effort to improve sales

:)

[aikoaiko]

12. Have you tried to buy and AR or hi-cap mag for a pistol laterely?

A lot of places are not even taking backorders because they have no idea when they'll be back in stock.

[merh]

33. here's another link

http://cbs2chicago.com/politics/gun.sales.election.2.879513.html

Think of the "gun grab" scares as a way for some bastards to take advantage of the fear of others - like Y2K.

[hoplophile]

37. I see you haven't been to a gun store or gun show lately.

[spin]

55. Truth In Politics: Gun Sales Boom After Election....

CHICAGO (CBS) ― Gun sellers say the election of Barack Obama is helping them avoid the recession. Sales of new guns are booming - up an estimated 50 percent in the suburbs.
http://cbs2chicago.com/politics/gun.sales.election.2.879513.html

[SteveM]

82. This has been running through national/local T.V. news like a virus...

for a couple of weeks, now. I've seen multiple "stories" on T.V. in Austin, TX and Gainesville, FL markets, as well as re-broadcasts of a similar vein in other cities. These stories report "assault weapons flying off the walls," or some such.

The "benefits" from the "lie" are in the wallets of the next-to-last "last fool" since the sales seem to be as much based on speculation as genuine concerns. Note: both the Democratic Party platforms and Obama's website positions advocate support for the re-enactment of a "permanent" assault weapons ban. And in Congress, a new "ban" has been proposed that lists far more weapons than the first ban did in 1994. It is hard to argue that Obama's proclamation that he is not going to take our/your guns is not a "lie" with that kind of self-provided documentation.

[NightWatcher]

3. the "Obama Gun-Grab" is a gun store myth being used to exploit the simple-minded and sell more guns

but it has been a few months since I've added to my stockpile, so I could go for another one

[aikoaiko]

10. So, do you think he was just joking when he said he supported reauthorizing the AWB?

:shrug:

[amdezurik]

11. and some types keep trying to sell that myth here

over and over with the same whines and moans every time...

[aikoaiko]

14. Then I'll ask you too, So, do you think he was just joking when he said he supported reauthorizing

...the AWB?

[Name removed]

15. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[aikoaiko]

18. Freepers like me? great. I've taken a pledge to not name call people like you.

To me it doesn't matter whether you've shoot since 8 or never shot a gun. If you support banning guns or accessories that are popular among hunters, target and competitive shooters, and people who keep and bear arms for self-defense, you do not support the 2nd Amendment fully. That's your right to say those things, but enacting laws like that are unconstitutional, IMHO.

I have agreed to stop calling the AWB a "gun grab", per se, but it does prevent law abiding civilians from legally purchasing them new from an FFL after the law is enacted. This is not the freedom guaranteed under the second amendment.

I specifically object to banning the so called assault weapons because they are useful and popular arms that are not involved in a majority of crimes. I object to the AWB because they ban guns with useful ergonomic features for hunting, target shooting, and self-defense. I object to banning so called assault weapons because I would like to still have the freedom to buy these guns for myself or my family and others in the future.

I am appalled by people who say that they have their guns and are sure that they won't be confiscated so the hell with others.

Is that exact enough for you?

[amdezurik]

22. ah so either I support your cause

or i am a traitor to the Constitution, oh well I picked that up from your OP so no surprise. Sorry to tell you you are not as clever as you think. You post a particular radical orgainzation's agi-prop then feign out-rage at being called on it, and called what "people like me" call trolls here. LOL

[aikoaiko]

28. Its not my cause, it's your 2nd Amendment too.

Truth is not everyone supports every aspect of the constitution. I didn't say you were a traitor. Is your conscience bothering you?

I didn't post any organizations positions -- I posted mine. You can disregard it as agi-prop from someplace else, but you have to deal with me here. You called me on nothing. You made up shit.

Let me ask you some specific questions if you are bold enough to answer.

Do you support reauthorizing the AWB as it has been proposed in HR 1022?

If you (and people like you) support it, Obama supports it, and high ranking Congress members support it, do you not think its reasonable for people to buy those weapons now before all that support manifests itself in an actual ban? If not, what is unreasonable about doing so?

[Fire_Medic_Dave]

68. We've got it, you don't let the facts affect your opinions.

[SteveM]

83. Have you seen the Party Platform & Obama's latest positions?

If so, are these the myths you speak of? Are they dead letters? How do potential gun-owners know what he will do?

How do you know what he will do?

[hoplophile]

38. P.E. Obama's OWN web site says that he wants to re-inact the AWB

If you not aware the "B" in AWB stands for BAN.

[gorfle]

40. A myth?

Currently it is part of both the Democratic Party Platform and Obama's agenda on www.change.gov to re-instate the assault weapons ban. This is not a myth.

[GrpCaptMandrake]

6. I'd like to

Can't afford it right now.

Semi-auto is not a catch-all for "assault rifle."

I have a semi-auto .45 pistol for personal defense while traveling. It has only a one-round-higher ammo capacity than a wheel gun. I'd like to get something smaller and more easily handled for my lovely wife. Maybe a .380

For home defense/predators/varmints, we opt for a shotgun.

[marmar]

7. Mon dieu!

:eyes:

[aikoaiko]

9. Aye, a complete LMT lower half just in case a new AWB goes through

I made the purchase in October when it was clear Obama was going to win.

[FormerDittoHead]

13. Father in law works in gun shop. Says they can't keep their inventory up for inpending taxes.

Says people fear that there will be added taxes on firearms, esp bullets.

Says they can't keep bullets in stock, and semi-automatics are backordered but unavailable.

I don't own a gun that's not a collectible.

[yodoobo]

16. Gun nuts rushing to buy weapons will have an unpleasant suprise this year

The AWB of 1994 was a complete failure as it permitted the continued buying, selling and trading of semi-automatic weapons.

While it did ban manufacture of "assault weapons", the ban was easily evaded by manufacturers who made simple cosmetic or marketing (i.e. name) changes to their products.

Obama will not repeat the mistakes of the 1994 ban. He's too smart for that. The new ban will ban no doubt ban the buy/sell/trading of these weapons and be based on functionality (i.e. semi-auto) as opposed to cosmetic or marketing aspects.

With any luck, it'll also provide for the repurchase of these weapons.

I think that such legislation would be quite fair to everyone. It would remove these terrible weapons from the street and as a wedge issue, and at the same time fairly compensate owners so that they can replace them bolt action hunting rifles or shotguns.

[DonEBrook]

20. bolt action shotguns?

:wtf:

[yodoobo]

23. Bolt action rifles and shotguns

2 different weapons

[Howzit]

60. Yes; like this one

Been around a long time



http://home.epix.net/~damguy/mossberg_shotgun_models.htm

[SteveM]

84. Well, Mossberg used to make bolt-action shotguns (nt)

[east texas lib]

94. Indeed!

I have one. A Model 395T 12 ga. with a full choke. Very accurate at longer ranges (for a shotgun).

[derby378]

25. "Go back to bed, America, your government is in control..."

Heard this for eight years from the Bush administration. I'm rather sick of it.

And do you equate the phrase "from the street" with "from the hands of law-abiding Americans?" :shrug:

[yodoobo]

29. Gun nuts are law-abiding

until they stop being law-abiding.

Remember, every single person in jail right now for murder, was once a law abiding person.

That doesn't even take into account the tens of thousands of gun stolen every year from "law abiding" gun nuts that fall into criminal hands.

[derby378]

32. Why bother issuing driver's licenses, then?

By your logic, every single drunk driver was once a law-abiding, sober motorist. That doesn't even take into account the tens of thousands of cars that are jacked by criminals every year and either chop-shopped, used in the commission of a crime, or wrecked because said criminals drove while drunk or high.

And how many people do you think are killed by drunk drivers every year?

You can't just encase every American in bubble wrap and stick a "Do Not Touch" sign on their foreheads.

[hoplophile]

42. Bad logic

"That doesn't even take into account the tens of thousands of gun stolen every year from "law abiding" gun nuts that fall into criminal hands."

By that logic even police should be disarmed.

[JonQ]

62. Usually we refrain from depriving them of their rights

until they actually do break the law. Taking away a citizens 2nd amendment rights on the grounds that he may break the law in the future seems a little illegal to me.

[DrCory]

91. So, all law abiding gun owners exist in a state of pre-crime? N/T

[hoplophile]

41. And the 2nd and 4th amendment be damned???

The supreme court has ruled that semi-autos are protected firearms under the 2A. (in common use is the verbiage I believe) And to seize someones private property (even with compensation) violates the 4th. Eminent Domain of course being a written exception.

[slackmaster]

44. Do you have any idea how many millions of people own semiautos that were not covered by the AWB?

An attempt to ban them would be a huge mistake. The backlash would be devastating for our party.

Did you think about that before you posted your reply?

[gorfle]

46. Good luck with that.

The AWB of 1994 was a complete failure as it permitted the continued buying, selling and trading of semi-automatic weapons.

While it did ban manufacture of "assault weapons", the ban was easily evaded by manufacturers who made simple cosmetic or marketing (i.e. name) changes to their products.

It will be virtually impossible to avoid this again without completely banning semi-automatic weapons. Good luck with that.

Obama will not repeat the mistakes of the 1994 ban. He's too smart for that. The new ban will ban no doubt ban the buy/sell/trading of these weapons and be based on functionality (i.e. semi-auto) as opposed to cosmetic or marketing aspects.

Good luck with that.

With any luck, it'll also provide for the repurchase of these weapons.

Who is going to take them up on the repurchase? Not me.

I think that such legislation would be quite fair to everyone. It would remove these terrible weapons from the street and as a wedge issue, and at the same time fairly compensate owners so that they can replace them bolt action hunting rifles or shotguns.

You do realize that the purpose of the second amendment has nothing to do with hunting, right?

You do realize that all rifles combined, let alone assault rifles, are used in less than 3% of all homicides, right? They account for less homicides than hands and feet. There is no assault rifle crime problem.

[jmg257]

64. Some of the most popular guns at $1000+ a piece? That is some buy-back!

ARs, M1s, M1 carbines, M1As, tactical shotguns, Hks, Thompsons, AKs, SKS, etc. etc. Millions & millions out there, yet used very little in crimes (and only occasionaly for hunting).

Not worth the cost to the tax payer, or the intrusion into the basic rights of the people.

[Fire_Medic_Dave]

70. My own personal bail out.

[benEzra]

73. Why the HELL would I want to replace my small-caliber rifles with bolt-action rifles or shotguns?

Like the vast majority of gun owners, I don't hunt and I don't shoot skeet.

You do know that only 1 in 5 U.S. gun owners hunts, right? That "assault weapons" are the most popular centerfire target rifles and defensive carbines in the United States? That more Americans own "assault weapons" than hunt?

Yet only 3% of U.S. murders involve ANY type of rifle.

"Assault weapons" aren't "on the streets." They are in the closets and gun safes of lawful gun owners, and we'd like to keep them (and retain access to parts, magazines, ammunition, and new ones), thanks.

[unpossibles]

17. I don't see the point

For one thing, I'm not worried about any alleged "gun-grabbing" stories the gun sellers and NRA are promoting for their cau$e.

For another, money is tight, and I'd rather spend it on something useful.

Finally, I fail to see the point. If Obama is truly going to take these things away, does that mean he will take away the guns which were just purchased too, or will they be grandfathered in?

[aikoaiko]

19. presumably, as with the previous AWB, they would be grandfathered in.

[yodoobo]

24. He's not going to "take away" anything

Thats just NRA scare tactics

Either folks will be able to keep their semi-autos and just not be able to buy/sell them (ala California's ban), or they would would be repurchased.

Either way, nothing is being taken away.

[derby378]

26. Nothing, that is, except your Constitutional rights

The gun-control lobby is busy trying to reassure Americans that "the government will not take your gun away" while doing everything in their power to take your rights away. Fortunately, I see through the haze just fine.

[yodoobo]

27. Obama is very clear. He supports the 2nd amendment

But there is absolutely no reason we can't rid the country of semi-auto assault weaponry while still protecting the constitution.

[derby378]

31. You cannot have your cake and eat it, too

Either you support the Second Amendment, or you support banning semi-automatics. For a little historical perspective, these firearms have been in civilian hands for a hundred years, and only recently did anyone bother to complain about it.

It's like saying there's no reason we can't rid the country of DU and DailyKos while still protecting the First Amendment. It simply doesn't work that way.

[hoplophile]

47. Yet wants to ban semi-auto rifles. Weapons used in less than 3% of all homicides

My source is the FBI's crime statistics.

[gorfle]

53. What is the intent of the second amendment?

But there is absolutely no reason we can't rid the country of semi-auto assault weaponry while still protecting the constitution.

What do you feel the intent of the second amendment was?

[Howzit]

61. What problem exists that makes this an imperative?

All rifles, including semi-autos are used to kill fewer people than hands and feet:

Does anyone expect a sudden change in this, and why?

http://www.fbi.gov/ucr/cius2006/data/table_20.html
2006 data:

Total murders............................14,990.....100.00%
Handguns..................................7,795......52.00%
Other weapons (non firearm, non edged)....2,158......14.40%
Edged weapons.............................1,822......12.15%
Firearms (type unknown)...................1,465.......9.77%
Shotguns....................................481.......3.21%
Hands, fists, feet, etc.....................833.......5.56%
Rifles......................................436.......2.91%

[bossy22]

69. it is against the 2A

the second amendment was held by the SCOTUS to protect weapons in common use- and semi-autos are in common use...they are the majority of pistols out there and 1/3 of all long guns out there. You'd be hard pressed to make a case that semi-auto weapons are hardly used by law abiding citizens for legitimate purposes. any argument would borderline on just plain silly

btw....forced repurchasing IS TAKING AWAY.

[Fire_Medic_Dave]

71. He is also way to smart to do something that idiotic.

[SteveM]

87. And we come full circle: the "scare tactic" is in reality a genuine ban attempt (nt)

[slackmaster]

48. What you describe is a de facto confiscation

If you can't sell it, it has lost whatever monetary value it once had. Do you really think people would put up with that infringement of their 4th Amendment rights?

If you can't bequeath it to your heirs, you don't really own it.

[gorfle]

52. On "taking away"

Thats just NRA scare tactics

Either folks will be able to keep their semi-autos and just not be able to buy/sell them (ala California's ban), or they would would be repurchased.

Either way, nothing is being taken away.

If the assault weapon ban is like the last assault weapon ban, you will be able to keep what you own, and you can even sell it. The last assault weapons ban just prohibited the sale of any new assault weapons that didn't meet the criteria - old "pre-ban" rifles could be sold with no problems.

It is very doubtful that there will be any "repurchase" plan. First of all, it's doubtful that the government would be willing to pay market value. Second of all, many folks, like myself, will not sell their weapons to the government. Third of all, the cost would be astronomical. The average cost of a semi-automatic AK-47 right now about $700. The average cost of a civilian AR-15 I would say is about $1000.

According this source, there are approximately 3,721,810 assault rifles in the United States

http://www.guncite.com/assausup.txt

At an average of $800 a piece, this comes to about 3 billion dollars. At an average of $1500 a piece it is nearly 5.5 billion dollars.

Since such weapons are hardly ever used in crime - less than hands and feet - why bother?

[hoplophile]

85. I'd like to add also that I believe there is a 4th Amendment protection too.

Eminent Domain being the only written exception the government is forbidden from taking private property.

[benEzra]

92. That figure is decades out of date...it appears to be circa 1988.

According this source, there are approximately 3,721,810 assault rifles in the United States

That figure is decades out of date; note that the latest source cited is 1988, well prior to the huge increases in sales circa 1994 and following. As an example, the total AR-15 stock listed is less than a single year's production today. When that was written, Colt was the AR-15 manufacturer; now, in excess of 33 companies make them, and Colt is a relatively minor player compared to some of the big ones.

Thanks in part to the original 1994 Feinstein law and the resulting backlash, there are an estimated 7 million SKS's alone in private hands today, a couple million mini-14's, a couple million AR-15's at minimum (and increasing at probably a half million a year), plus all the M1A's, M1 Garands, M1 carbines, civilian AK's and derivatives, Kel-Tecs, Hi-Points, etc. etc. etc. Plus all your thumbhole-stocked Ruger 10/22's, your Brownings and Remingtons with threaded muzzles, and a lot of others that would be snared by H.R.1022, and add a few more for handguns and shotguns (e.g., Benelli's) that would be snared.


A more realistic estimate today is 15 to 30 million, depending on which of the various definitions of "assault weapon" you use. Considerably more if you start counting all the non-"assault weapons" that use to-be-banned magazines.

[jmg257]

65. What is being taken away at the least is the choice to buy them. SO get 'em while you can! nt

[SteveM]

86. So, Obama is promoting the "myth" of confiscation to spur the economy?

I have to admit, he is smart about these things, and anything to get buying & selling on the move again is a welcome thing. But personally, I would just rather he drop his pro-assault weapons "ban stand," and the Party would drop its goal to re-enact a "permanent" ban.

Then we wouldn't have to worry about "scare tactics," would we?

[hoplophile]

45. I do not think congress wants to cause a potential problem with the 4thA

And start taking personal property so I believe all those owned at the time legislation is passed would be grandfathered.

[slackmaster]

49. Grandfathering is bogus if you can't sell or bequeath the item

I collect firearms as a serious hobby and investment.

Who will compensate me for the loss in value of my M1 Garands if I suddenly can't sell them?

[hoplophile]

51. Good point. Any new law would have to allow transfers.

Like the 86 law that banned real assault weapons.

[slackmaster]

56. The only thing that changed in '86 was the closure of the NFA registry for machineguns

And of course the "safe travel" provisions of the so-called Firearm Owners Protection Act.

Machineguns that were on the registry in '86 can still be transferred.

[hoplophile]

57. Correct. That was my point.

everything that was in circulation at the time the 86 ban was signed was and still is transferable.

[Historic NY]

21. No I have enough guns.

[Arctic Dave]

30. I hoping in about a year all the people who bought guns out of fear

will be selling them for about half the price and I'll buy more then if there is one I want.

[Initech]

34. If I were to purchase such a weapon...

First I'd ask myself what about me keeps attracting fuckin' mobs? Angry Guns N' Roses fans maybe? Scientologists? Freepers?

See that is how I would work the problem.

[hoplophile]

50. Who know's?! But I know of some shop owners in LA that were glad to have theirs.

[hoplophile]

35. I purchased 2 AR type rifles as a result of Obama's win

One 20in heavy barrel guaranteed sub MOA accuracy, and one CAR configuration. Also picked up 20 AR magazines as well.

[slackmaster]

43. I have neither the budget nor secure storage space for more firearms at the moment

Hopefully by the time the "panic" dies down I will be back into a buying mode.

I do want to get an early to mid-1950s SKS of Soviet origin, maybe two. Now that they have achieved curio or relic status by being more than 50 years old, I can have them shipped directly to my home.

[spin]

54. I'm on the list at the hardware store to buy a Ruger LCP...

as a carry weapon. Unfortunately it's a long list. By the time my firearm comes up, the price will probably have doubled.

[X_Digger]

59. Bought an AR-15 Pistol

I had planned on buying it before the election, so I paid about $50 more than it would have cost before the election.

[jmg257]

63. I have a few possible "awb" semis already. Would have bought another if not for the economy.

I am not one of those who thinks gun control is a dead isssue.

I would not be surprised if a new harsher ban was passed before his 1st term is up.

[rangersmith82]

66. Why can't we leave the gun laws alone??

I bought a RPK and 5 AR lowers due to this.

I hope he leave's Americas rifle(AR-15)alone, but i got some lowers just in case.

nothing will be gained by a AWB, except a guaranteed loss of congress in 2011.

[benEzra]

75. Because the repubs at the Brady Campaign, and some people in the MSM and DLC, don't want us to.

Why can't we leave the gun laws alone??

Because the repubs at the Brady Campaign, and some people in the MSM and DLC, don't want us to.

Don't you realize that banning rifle handgrips that stick out is the MOST IMPORTANT ISSUE facing the nation right now?

:sarcasm:

[akgirl]

99. Not to mention barrel shrouds!

you know.. those "things that go up."

*rolls eyes*

[Fire_Medic_Dave]

67. I bought my assault rifle earlier in the summer, I am going to buy an 18" barrel before Jan.

[HillWilliam]

72. I already bought a

Bersa 380 for carry but I'd like to have a Smith & Wesson 642 for carry because it's a little lighter and smaller.



I've got a good-sized piece of property in the country and the deer are plentiful. Next season I'd like to put one or two in the freezer. I've been looking at the Remington Model 750 because it's easy to work and will get the job done neatly. My guns are utility tools to me; I have few and each has a purpose and is suited to the task I bought it for. Yes, I'd like to have more, but budget is tight. I resent the NRA scaring the sheeples and running the prices up.

[benEzra]

74. Prices on Remington 750's aren't up; you can probably pick up a used one cheap right now.

Prices are up (way up) on the types of guns that the repubs at the Brady Campaign want the new administration to ban, namely small-caliber rifles with modern styling, handguns holding over 10 rounds, and magazines/ammunition/parts for same.

I bought my civilian AK (Romanian SAR-1) during the Feinstein non-ban, in 2003, for $379; they are like $800 now. BUT, I am going to pick up a muzzle threading kit and thread the muzzle for a brake or flash suppressor in the next few months, just in case the pro-AWB DLC'ers get any traction.

I personally don't expect President Obama to make new gun bans a priority, but Biden has a history as a crusader on the issue, and the MSM is going to push very, very hard for a new and more draconian ban, rest assured. Hopefully the party will resist that drumbeat this time, and avoid another 1994.

[Aventurier]

76. I haven't bought any

I thought about it.

I fought hard to convince gun owners to vote for Obama. I told them he's not an idiot, he's a smart guy, he has all kinds of really good ideas, why would he waste time doing stupid bullshit like pissing on law-abiding gun owners? Biden has come to Jesus. He's not pushing his own agenda anymore. Obama has had his eyes opened. He got reamed in Pennsylvania for making an offhand comment about guns and learned his lesson when he almost lost it all right there.

I have a few guns (2 handguns, 2 shotguns, 8 rifles); the only 2 I have that COULD be called "assault weapons" would be my Yugoslavian SKS and my new-model BAR. Maybe the garand, possibly even the .22 semi-auto. I wouldn't mind having an AR-15; lots of my friends do. I consider them kinda wimpy compared to the big battle rifles like the Garand, the 8mm Mauser, the Enfield, and the Springfield. But they are fun to shoot and much safer than some of the big-bore centerfires which have weird, variable safety systems and tremendously powerful cartridges that can shoot through steel plate. I just LOVE big-bore rifles and so the "assault weapons" are well, kinda frivolous to me. Not that I don't think they are good rifles, just not big and powerful enough to be very fun.

I have no fear that the new administration will push an AWB. He has never actually mentioned it in a speech. They might, in which case I will have to reevaluate my thoughts on their competence. Anybody willing to give up control of the country over a window-dressing wedge issue is an idiot. There's much more important things at stake. Even Herr Bush wasn't that stupid, and his was the dumbest administration ever.

But there is a big DPMS zombie-shaped-target-shoot in St. Cloud, Minnesota that I plan on attending this spring, and I'm really bad at using stripper clips with the SKS. If you have to load 300 rounds 10 at a time using stripper clips - quickly - you'd wish you had something more ergonomic - not to mention safer - like an AR or an AK. Besides, nobody wants to be screwing around with stripper clips while a bunch of plywood zombies are slowly tracking towards you on motorized rails ... by the hundred ... especially when there's a time limit, and you are being scored on how many zombie targets you hit ... and your three team members are screaming at you to SHOOT FASTER, FOR THE LOVE OF GOD, SHOOT FASTER - THEY'RE COMING IN THE WINDOWS!!!!!! And one of them is using an M1 Garand, for Pete's Sake, because he's a fucking goddamn purist, and another is using a brutal .44 lever-action for PURELY AESTHETIC REASONS. (That's right, you heard me, you know who you are.)

So, in short, I have not yet purchased an ergonomic-weapon (I think it sounds better than "assault-weapon") but I might, because of this really fun shooting event I just heard about. Now, I'm not a shooter. I'm just a hunter, and a fur-trapper, so guns - to me - have always been simply tools and family heirlooms. That's why I own guns. But I heard about this shooting event, and I'm going to give it a go.

I might just use my SKS, but then again I might use the shooting event as an excuse to buy myself a non-shiny new black rifle.

Just like thousands of other people are using the election as an excuse to buy themselves an ergonomic weapon.

But I urge all of you to avoid using the election as an excuse to buy a new gun.

The zombies are a better excuse.

BRAINS!!!!!

Peace ...

[jeepnstein]

79. DPMS? I knew they were twisted but, wow...

Are they really sponsoring a Zombie Shoot? That's the funniest thing I've ever heard. If they turn it into a legitimate shooting sport I can just hear the play-by-play. "Yeah, he's dead, he's all messed up." Now that's a sporting use for a Saiga 12 gauge.

Plywood popup zombie targets. Why can't I think of stuff like that?

[SteveM]

88. "Back-to-back, belly-to-belly, I don't give a dom 'cause I done that already...

"back-to-back, belly-to-belly at the zombie jamboree."

Zombie Jamboree, Kingston Trio (late 50s?)

[derby378]

89. I cannot resist...

This would be perfect hanging in the study!

[benEzra]

93. LOL (n/t)

[HillWilliam]

78. Right now I hope they resist

for that same reason. 1994 brought a stupid bill and you can still see the effects. I see a lot of folks posting still that have no idea what "semi-automatic" means. For pete's sake, my pistols are semi-automatic, but you still have to squeeze the trigger once per cycle. They don't get that. They think it's some kind of machine gun. With as much violence as still gets perpetrated against gay people, I'd just as soon keep carrying, thanks just the same. I doubt that there's even one of the grabbers who's willing to ride around with me with what? a sternly-worded letter? :eyes:

I've heard nothing but good about the Remington 750. I have a co-worker who bought its granddaddy years and years back at a Western Auto for $69 and it's still just as true and reliable today as it was then. It has fed his family many a winter. My neighbor has one and last weekend a shoulder showed up at my back door that made a mighty good roast. With food prices due to go up 9%+ this coming year, the only way I'm going to make it financially is to put a couple of deer away. They're more than plentiful here -- probably overpopulated -- and I have a good stretch of land to hunt safely. Between that and the bigass garden I've got, we may not eat fancy, but we'll eat. I dunno what the cityfolk will be doing.

I checked on prices on a new one at Gander Mountain. They are quite reasonable. Right now it's a matter of budget. I've got to get a good freezer in first. The one I've got is small and full of last season's harvest. I can't in good conscience take anything from the land (even if I were planting it instead of shooting it) if I didn't have a place to store it. I was raised by Depression era grandparents who drilled "it's a sin to waste" into me. Y'know how it is.

[jeepnstein]

80. Last one was in March of this year.

I attended a meeting of Party officials and we were discussing the upcoming primary. I had copies of the candidates financial reports and after a few minutes I called the race for Obama. My colleagues were shocked but my logic was sound. He was riding a fund raising wave of epic proportions and hadn't even maxed out more than a handful of donors. It wasn't even close. His money was coming from places that we'd never seen before and it was seemingly an endless fountain of cash. Nobody wanted to hear that and it was "kill the messenger" time.

After the meeting, in which I was basically told I'd never work in this town again because I called it for Obama, I stopped at my favorite fun shop and bought an AR. The owner thought it was odd that I did it, especially when I told her why. They're not laughing anymore, don't have the time, they're too busy selling everything in sight. Oh, and the smart boys from Columbus and points north are suddenly very friendly. Seems my input was just enough to keep them on the fence and prevented a few from burning bridges.

I have everything an armed citizen could reasonably be expected to own. As a matter of fact, I'm selling some of my stuff to buy a new Fender Twin Reverb.

The ban won't happen because the Blue Dogs would be promptly out of office and with it our precious majority. Politics is all about numbers when you think about it. Why should we throw all our opportunities in the trash just so we could strip citizens of a Constitutional Right? Count up the number of "Blue Dogs" in Congress and you'll see that we are very vulnerable on this issue.

[HillWilliam]

90. Your math matches my math

A lot of new Dem (Blue Dog) wins come from really red places. They're not going to risk their asses. They just got to the trough, so to speak. Let's not forget that the new "blue" states like NC, VA, the Dakotas, and IN were formerly solidly red and now are just barely, just a hair, just nominally blue.

Now is not the time to shoot our own feet, no puns. Not as if Democrats haven't done that before right out the gate, but I really, really doubt they will this time. It's been a long damn dry spell.

AFAICT, there are two things driving ammo prices up right now: insane demand from people who will never listen to logic; and the price of brass being driven by the price of copper, which was already in short supply. That second was a no-brainer; Obama had nothing and will had nothing to do with that. The prices on weapons, I'll blame on the former. A couple of pieces I might could have afforded by next summer are now simply out the question.

Fender twin reverb, eh? I have a sweet new Yamaha electric fiddle I generally use for practice. Reverb's on board. Put some Thomastik Vision Titanium Solo Orchestra strings on it. Bluegrass, like buttah. Classical, like buttah. Sweet sound, incredibly light touch. You'll pay out the ass for Thomastik, but they're so worth it. Now you know where the rest of my gun-money goes.

[michreject]

77. I already have them nt

[gorfle]

81. Can't afford any guns right now

I've always wanted an AR variant, but never could afford the $800 minimum to get in.

[X_Digger]

95. You can always build..

Building your own is always an option- lets you set it up the way you want, and at the same time, only spend a "little" at a time.

[slackmaster]

97. The one I use most often consists of a homebuilt lower receiver and a Chilean M16 parts kit

Total cost about $250, plus many hours of my labor and use of my milling machine.

[akgirl]

98. bought one, have built 8 others....

I just bought my first and only AR to add to my collection just prior to the election. It was long planned and just happened to coincide.

I had bought a load of AK parts kits back when they were ~100-150 dollars and have been building slowly and steadily the past 2 years, fully expecting an AWB. The rush we're seeing is from poor planners.

I have one more AK-pistol build on the bench, a Romanian folder and a Hungarian AMD folding stock to finish and then I'm calling it a day on AK building until the parts kit price comes down (*if* they come down). Other than some reloading gear, some more magazines and a Tokarev, I'm pretty content with my collection, at least the skery evil black rifle portion of it.

Maybe PPsh builds are next....

[S_B_Jackson]

96. Yes, but for reasons having nothing to do with Obama....

Found a great price on a Sig P6 that I just couldn't let pass. A week later, my FFL called to tell me they'd received it in.

I went by that evening, filled out my Form 4473, gave them a copy of my CHL, and -no muss, no fuss - took it home to join the rest of my small but growing collection. :D

[Mad_Cow_Disease]

100. No - but nothing to do with Obama.

Most of my Evil guns are all already owned, and the several semi autos I plan to buy will probably not become regulated. I'd like another mid caliber pistol (glock 19/23) and maybe a bolt action rifle if I can afford it.

The only 2 guns I'd like to pick up befroe the inevitable ban are a big bore AR type rifle (.308 AR-10) and a Tromix Saiga 12ga shotgun (talk about firepower... oh boy).

Rather than spend my play budget on another AR type rifle or shotgun, I'm have all the barrels of my weapons threaded, getting flash hiders and silencers, and picking up hicap mags.
I've even started buying hicap mags for guns I plan to own someday.