The Truth About Guns

The debate about guns seems to be dying down a little these days, and from all indications gun rights advocates have carried the day. We’ve successfully kept our rights from being trampled by knee-jerk legislation, and that has the other side PISSED. Nevertheless, the standard background noise of agitation for more draconian control over firearms ownership is ever-present as a recent Quinnipiac poll points out. However, despite the average American wanting more gun control, it seems like they also realize that it won’t do a lick of good in stopping mass shootings. . .

First, some discussion of that leading table. Republicans don’t support increased gun control, Democ

There are very few truly iconic firearms, ones that the lay public as well as gun nuts can identify at first sight. Not only are those instantly recognizable guns a perfect representation of the era in which they were designed and first used, but they have a look and feel all their own that sets them apart from the rest of the firearms world. They’re ambassadors for their era, giving us a unique insight into the mindset and the technology of their time. And in my opinion, only four firearms make the cut: the M16, the Glock, the AK-47, and the Thompson SMG. Until recently, I had never fired the last one on that list. But thanks to Kevin Brittingham, that oversight has recently been corrected . . .

To understand the Thompson SMG, you need to start at the beginning of the story.

The realities of trench warfare during World War I were simply too much for the technology of the time. Guns had developed based on the idea of the traditional European battlefield, with tightly choreographed regiments of soldiers marching in formation, all firing in unison. Firing

What are the odds that gun control advocates will drop their endlessly-professed faith in “common sense” and examine the issues surrounding civilian disarmament from a rational, scientific point-of-view? By the same token, how many gun rights advocates are seeing what they want to see in polling and crime data numbers without “proper” analysis? Let me put it this way: if TTAG writer, computer programmer and former DHS analyst Nick Leghorn says something’s scientifically accurate, chances are it is. If that squares with John “More Guns, Less Crime” Lott’s point-of-view, that’s another clue you’re cozying up to the truth about guns. If someone agrees with either braniac because of their own political predilections—rather than mad math skillz—they’re still right! How great is that? [h/t SS]

This is pathetic. Poor Africans killing elephants because they need the money and the meat. Poachers turned gamekeepers hunting (and killing) poachers because the gamekeepers need the money. Wildlife officials turning a blind eye—and an open wallet—to the trade. International prohibitions that achieve sweet FA. And an elephant population that continues to plummet. Wikipedia reports that 23 sub-Saharan African countries have legalized trophy hunting. It’s time for Kenya to abandon their ban on trophy hunting and get with the program. Legalized hunting would distribute money and meat more effectively to those who need it, continue to feather the nests of corrupt officials (it is what it is) and protect the elephants from over-predation.

“We live in a world where people are not bound by the law, and it takes more than law to stop them.” – TTAG commentator Accur81 underneath “High Capacity Magazines”: Our Enemies Have ‘Em But You Can’t!

Every single news outlet reporting on the RI GOP’s rifle raffle mentioned the fact that the AR-15 contest—which raised $20k for the party—was “similar to the one used at Sandy Hook.” That’s without attributing the point to one of the raffle’s detractors. Small point. Big controversy, that has the GOP [now] expressing regret at their choice of firearm. Weasel words from a party that has nothing—nothing—to lose. Glad I’m in Texas. Oh, and you don’t have to wait seven days to take delivery of a firearm in Rhode Island if you have a concealed carry permit.

The weekend ran a day long for me (or at least the recovery did), so today’s digest is a short one while I play catch up. First up, Richard Ryan does some ballistic testing of the new iPhone 5C using a Barrett M82A1, after a couple more mundane drop tests. Keep an eye out for how much the phone bends in slow-mo when it hits the concrete. At 60,000 frames/sec, it looks like a slice of cheese hitting the ground.

A recent gun buy-up in Northampton and Greenfield, Massachusetts is being called a success by local authorities, having netted over 300 guns. As is the case in most buy-ups, the majority of the firearms turned in were rifles and shotguns. Since long guns are so infrequently used in crimes, it sorta puts the whole “crime reduction” aspect of these boondoggles in some doubt. In a

The Leiscestershire Police—who’d like it to be known that they could organize a piss-up in a brewery if they so desired—have been running a gun amnesty. Because even a gun-free paradise like The Land of Hope and Glory has guns. “Leicestershire Police launched the amnesty two weeks ago in an attempt to collect residents’ unwanted and unlicensed weapons,” stamfordmercury.co.uk reports. “Oakham police station is among those collecting guns and ammunition. So far three shotguns and 20 rounds of ammunition have been handed in, along with a pistol . . .” An old p

According to an internal Cleveland police memo unearthed by cleveland.com the NFL’s banning off-duty cops carrying in or around FirstEnergy Stadium. What’s more, “The rule, which police said took effect Sept. 11, applies to all NFL facilities and all off-duty federal, state and local law enforcement officers . . . An armed officer will only be allowed inside a league facility if they are working an NFL game or event in an official capacity.” Does that include responding to a crime or terrorist attack within or without the stadium? “Jeff Follmer, president of the Cleveland Police Patrolmen’s Association, s

Previously, on Who Wants to Ignore the Fact That Trayvon Martin Was Carrying Skittles on the Night He Died, Kirsten Joy Weiss shot a colored sweet off a pencil. As that left almost an entire bag of Skittles and it’s hard to shoot with laser-like precision during a massive, politically incorrect sugar rush, TTAG’s resident sharpshooter decided to pierce pieces of pedestal-less candy with her Anschutz .22 at 50 feet or so. Aside from Ms. Weiss’ accuracy (and her willingness to show missed shots), this video demonstrates the importance of positioning your support hand properly when refueling your rifle to keep the muzzle on target. And breathing. And stance. And trigger control. And cheek weld. And the need to donate a tacticool ammo belt to Ms. Weiss’ kit. Or not. [Click here to visit Kirsten's website for more trick shots 'n stuff.]