To the editor:
I am an old crusty retired Army Master Sergeant, and it is time I spoke up about assault weapons, particularly handguns and AR/AK rifles.
Any tool used to commit an assault on another person is an assault weapon, whether it be a handgun or rifle, or a hammer, screwdriver, pliers or a metal pipe. To attach the name assault guns to any particular group of guns is incorrect.
The AR-15 does not stand for assault rifle nor automatic rifle. The Armalite Company designed the AR-15 and the AR is for Armalite. The AR-15 was first made in 1959 as a lightweight semi-automatic rifle for civilian use for hunting deer or smaller animals. In 1964, the military signed a contract for the AR-15 to replace the M-14 rifle. The difference from the original design for the AR-15 is that the rifle needed the selector switch and a change for the intervals where the weapon could also be used in full automatic mode.
I repeat, the AR-15 was first designed and produced for civilian use and later adapted for military and police use.
I am a strong supporter of our Second Amendment. Any handgun or rifle is simply a tool. Its use is determined by the person with their finger on the trigger. The same is true for any tool.
No one wants a “nutcase” to have access to any tool. However, until the American Medical Association and the medical community come on board, the issue will continue. Don’t expect the AMA to come on board.
I hope this clears things up a bit.
Ernest Holmes
Demorest