The F'ing AR-15

[Locrian]

18. image

I think there's also a psychological "image" of the AR type weapons. Yes, I know that semi-auto is semi-auto, etc.
But it seems that ARs are marketed at the "go to war" gun that is "best" if you need to "go to battle". '
While there may be a few "sport enthusiasts" - its just not the target audience.

The target audience is people who (mainly) live in a fear based world, where the "need' something to keep them safe. Or go on a killing spree. Or both. Look at all the cosplay stuff (vests, belts, gear, etc) that the proud boys type, etc all seem to buy with their ARs. That isn't for "deer hunting" or "target shooting". Its buying into a fear based tough guy (sometimes girls but mainly guys).

So it's no wonder that AR "image" is what sells when your local crackpot, white supremacist, right wing religious (?) wacko goes off the deep end. And I think that IS a big deal.

It doesn't mean the AR isnt similar in capability to no AR semi-autos, but the mentality/image/psychology is different.