General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: I have been thinking on why Gun Owners are becoming increasingly defensive [View all]nadinbrzezinski
(154,021 posts)for example
FULL AUTOMATIC fire arms, such as an M-16 or an AK-47, with a three way selector. For the record, what you can LEGALLY acquire in the store has this selector on the side.

This is the one on an M-16, which you cannot legally buy.

Study them carefully and learn the difference.
The short of it, the AR-15 can fire only one round every time to you pull the trigger. The M-16 can fire a 3 round burst, or fully automatic with the trigger pull. If you are going to even have an attempt at discussing how you are going to change laws, LEARN THE MOST BASIC OF THINGS of the issue at hand, and by the way... I am on your side. I am all for regulations. We don't have enough. But I have made a point to educate myself, and not make ludicrous statements.
Other weapons that you cannot LEGALLY own. A sawed off shut gun, blame the 1930s, you really cannot have a mortar... you really cannot own a mini gun in some states, some folks are carefully licensed and vetted and if you can show me the use of a browning machine gun, an M-16 in recent years in the commission of a crime, I will eat my hat.
The last incident that involved a FULLY AUTOMATIC weapon, regulated by the BATF, that I could find was in 1988, and that was by a law enforcement officer, who used a Mac 11. FYI officers, as in PD, under certain circumstances, are allowed to buy fully automatic weapons. Under the transfer of weapons to PD under the DoD 1030 program, many SWAT units have in their stock M-16 and M-4 Carbines, that should not be confused with the similarly looking AR 15s. Some are in such sorry states they don't really work.
There are more... but I fear there will not be any fruitful exchange or education happening here. I do highly recommend you just put the thread on the trash. I really do, or educate yourself Not becuase of the fans of guns. You are not going to convince them. But because you want solid policy you need to park the emotion at home, and LEARN this shit. Good policy comes from knowledge, not the gut.