THE BLAST EFFECT This is how bullets from an AR-15 blow the body apart

[Crepuscular]

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The contrast noted in this article, comparing the devastation caused by .223 rifle cartridges vs. pistol caliber cartridges, is largely a distinction with no meaningful difference, in the context of school or mass shootings.

The Nashville Shooter used a pistol caliber carbine, chambered in either 9mm or .40 S&W. All of the victims that were shot are dead, despite the fact that they were not shot with a centerfire rifle round.

Focusing on banning assault weapons is a huge red herring. Criteria such as flash protectors, bayonet lugs, pistol grips, etc. are merely cosmetic and have no tangible impact on the functionality or lethality of the weapon.

Detachable, high capacity magazines are the one feature, whether in rifles or handguns, that significantly multiply the killing capacity of a weapon. Unfortunately, there are billions of high cap mags in circulation, so all banning the sale or production of them accomplishes is driving up the price.

If you could wave a magic wand and get rid of high capacity magazines, you may, might, maybe see an infinitesimal reduction in body counts but I wouldn't bet the farm on it.

Where there is a will, there is a way. If people are sick enough to want to kill a whole bunch of other people, they will probably manage to find a way to do it.

Banning all guns might help but that is a totally unrealistic expectation, given our society, courts and laws.

Red flag laws, eliminating transfer loopholes, enforcing strawman purchase laws and other measures could help keep guns out of the hands of dangerous people and we should continue to pursue such measures but repeating the mantra of "ban assault weapons" and believing that doing so would provide any actual reduction in the carnage that we see is ultimately as hollow and meaningless as offering "thoughts and prayers" to victims.

I realize this won't be a popular viewpoint, just my two cents as someone who is very familiar with firearms, their capabilities and who has a decidedly skeptical view of human nature.