Well, an AR-15 STYLE rifle is the most popular rifle sold. Surprising considering it fires a low powered light weight bullet (the gun itself has no power, just the bullet). The military doesn’t use it, just something similar. It is illegal for Americans to own a fully automatic weapon without all sorts of special permission from the govt. The fact the bullet is light weight means it loses energy quickly and it will “tumble” after striking an object. There is video out there of a .223 round tumbling and striking sideways after passing through just four sheets of drywall. This means it is less likely to over penetrate and strike an unintended target. All of this makes it a great home defense weapon. Much better than a 44 Special revolver which fires an extremely powerful bullet and can easily over penetrate. The bullet a Modern Day Sporting Rifle fires (Correct term) is so low powered many states ban it for deer hunting as it lacks thee power.
Amazing for a bullet that is only .223" wide (5.56 in metrics) compared to a 22 bullet your granddaddy went squirrel hunting with which is only .22" wide.
BTW, how did it become so popular? Bill Cli ton tried to ban it! People took notice and started checking it out and discovered what a great rifle it is. Clinton’s ban defined it based upon cosmetic features and the manufacturers removed those features (who needs a bayonet lug?) and proceeded to sell more than ever. And now it is the most popular rifle.
Frankly, if people want a “high powered rifle” then a 308, 30-30 and the like are far more powerful but they also cost more.
This is not entirely correct. A 44 special averages 500 ft/lb of muzzle energy VS around 1700 ft/lb for the 5.56. As far as power, the 5.56 still has more energy at 300 yards than a 44 special at the muzzle. It is true that the 5.56 tumbles but this just increases the damage. The bullet was designed to tumble after impact because international law prohibits use of hollow point bullets for military use and the tumbling causes more internal damage. I regularly use a 55 gal steel oil drum as a target backstop and the exit holes at the back are a perfect silhouette of the bullet due to tumbling but they still punch through the steel and plow through around 6 feet of clay ground behind the barrel. There’s no way I would consider discharging one of these inside my house exactly because the bullet can penetrate multiple walls and still cause grave injury or death if it hits someone.
stairsteppublishing over 1 year ago
Obviously not a fan of G. Santos.
Ida No over 1 year ago
We have those things now. They’re just not certified.
sergioandrade Premium Member over 1 year ago
According to Wikipedia 28 states have state reptiles. The American Alligator pictured is the state reptile of Florida, Louisana, and Missippissi.
The Reader Premium Member over 1 year ago
Somebody is going for ‘National Cartoonist’!
Sportymonk over 1 year ago
Well, an AR-15 STYLE rifle is the most popular rifle sold. Surprising considering it fires a low powered light weight bullet (the gun itself has no power, just the bullet). The military doesn’t use it, just something similar. It is illegal for Americans to own a fully automatic weapon without all sorts of special permission from the govt. The fact the bullet is light weight means it loses energy quickly and it will “tumble” after striking an object. There is video out there of a .223 round tumbling and striking sideways after passing through just four sheets of drywall. This means it is less likely to over penetrate and strike an unintended target. All of this makes it a great home defense weapon. Much better than a 44 Special revolver which fires an extremely powerful bullet and can easily over penetrate. The bullet a Modern Day Sporting Rifle fires (Correct term) is so low powered many states ban it for deer hunting as it lacks thee power.
Amazing for a bullet that is only .223" wide (5.56 in metrics) compared to a 22 bullet your granddaddy went squirrel hunting with which is only .22" wide.
BTW, how did it become so popular? Bill Cli ton tried to ban it! People took notice and started checking it out and discovered what a great rifle it is. Clinton’s ban defined it based upon cosmetic features and the manufacturers removed those features (who needs a bayonet lug?) and proceeded to sell more than ever. And now it is the most popular rifle.
Frankly, if people want a “high powered rifle” then a 308, 30-30 and the like are far more powerful but they also cost more.
The-Great-Gildersleeve over 1 year ago
You give him too much importance……
morningglory73 Premium Member over 1 year ago
Scary times AGAIN.
AM730 over 1 year ago
I’ve loved this woman’s work ever since she used “steatopygia” in a story.
RadioDial Premium Member over 1 year ago
Don’t forget the National Pastime: Staring at screens, be it phone, laptop or TV.
Radish... over 1 year ago
All republicans are lying traitors at this point in history.
smuttyrutabaga over 1 year ago
G. Santos isn’t a fan of G. Santos- He has at least two other names!
willie_mctell over 1 year ago
I’m for Ed Gein and the gila monster.
dbartley53 over 1 year ago
This is not entirely correct. A 44 special averages 500 ft/lb of muzzle energy VS around 1700 ft/lb for the 5.56. As far as power, the 5.56 still has more energy at 300 yards than a 44 special at the muzzle. It is true that the 5.56 tumbles but this just increases the damage. The bullet was designed to tumble after impact because international law prohibits use of hollow point bullets for military use and the tumbling causes more internal damage. I regularly use a 55 gal steel oil drum as a target backstop and the exit holes at the back are a perfect silhouette of the bullet due to tumbling but they still punch through the steel and plow through around 6 feet of clay ground behind the barrel. There’s no way I would consider discharging one of these inside my house exactly because the bullet can penetrate multiple walls and still cause grave injury or death if it hits someone.