Why People Insist on Calling the AR-15 an ‘Assault Weapon’

The term 'assault weapon' is widely bandied about, often perpetuating a narrative that lacks factual basis and instead feeds into fear and emotion. This article aims to clarify the origin of the term and why it is misleading.

The Descent into Misunderstanding

Despite the passionate and often irrational discourse coming from anti-gun advocates, the AR-15 is not an 'assault weapon'. This classification is a misnomer, a term that possesses no legal or meaningful definition in the firearms community.

The notion that an AR-15 can be considered an 'assault weapon' is a direct result of the deliberate misuse of language by politicians and media for political gain. The term 'assault weapon' has no standing in the legal or firearms community. Instead, it serves as a scare tactic designed to provoke fear and elicit emotional responses from the public.

The Reality of the AR-15

The AR-15, much like any semi-automatic firearm, is only capable of being an 'assault weapon' through a legal or illegal modification. It is this fact that irks those who insist on labeling it as such. This misclassification is not based on any technical or legal definition, but rather on emotional appeal and political pressure.

As with many firearms, semi-automatics can be modified to have a more 'military appearance', but this alone does not turn them into 'assault weapons'. The term 'assault weapon' should describe a specific type of firearm designed for rapid and continuous fire, often seen in modern military and police forces. The AR-15, however, is a civilian semi-automatic rifle with no such capabilities.

Emotion Over Reason

In today's society, it seems that emotion and fear often triumph over reason. Our politicians often propagate a narrative that seeks to insulate individuals from all forms of risks by advocating for comprehensive government safety measures, from birth to death. This narrative removes personal responsibility and fosters dependence on government intervention.

The term 'assault weapon' became popular as a sensationalized term, used to evoke fear and horror. However, just as any other tool or object can be used for various purposes, from defense to assault, the AR-15 serves the same duality. It can be used defensively, and as a baseball bat can also be used offensively. The act of firing bullets does not in itself make a weapon an 'assault weapon'. Attacks are the result of human actions, not the tools used, whether they are firearms, sports equipment, or household items.

Conclusion: The Broader Perspective

The classification of everyday items and weapons as 'assault weapons' paints an oversimplified picture of the complex realities of modern firearms and their use. If we were to label almost everything as 'assault weapons', our world would become a barren, featureless place devoid of practical tools and firearms that serve legitimate and essential functions.

Thus, the term 'assault weapon' is deeply problematic because it misrepresents the true nature of these firearms and distracts from the real issues of responsible gun control, which must be grounded in reason and a nuanced understanding of the realities of modern firearms usage.