# The Most Wanted Gun In America **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [February 3, 2013, 9:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-most-wanted-gun-in-america/649254 "2013-02-03T21:15:13Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Johnny\_L.A](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_l.a/32/1084_2.png) [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2013, 9:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-most-wanted-gun-in-america/649254/1 "2013-02-03T21:15:13Z")
[The Most Wanted Gun In America](http://www.nytimes.com/2013/02/03/business/the-ar-15-the-most-wanted-gun-in-america.html?_r=0) Ironically, the interests calling for the ban of such firearms are the ones that have been driving sales. > [@](#): > > The ban made the rifles only more desirable for some consumers… > > The industry produced an estimated one million modified AR-15-style rifles during the ban — more than it had produced of the original version in the previous decade. ---
**Author:** ![Der\_Trihs](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/der_trihs/32/233_2.png) [@Der\_Trihs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Der_Trihs)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2013, 9:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-most-wanted-gun-in-america/649254/2 "2013-02-03T21:36:20Z")
It helps show how twisted gun owners are. “Someone committed a massacre? I want a gun like his!” It’s like someone watching a documentary on World War II and then going out and getting a Hitler mustache. ---
**Author:** ![running\_coach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/running_coach/32/15836_2.png) [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2013, 9:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-most-wanted-gun-in-america/649254/3 "2013-02-03T21:45:26Z")
> [@Der\_Trihs](#): > > It helps show how twisted gun owners are. “Someone committed a massacre? I want a gun like his!” It’s like someone watching a documentary on World War II and then going out and getting a Hitler mustache. If gun owners were truly that blood-thirsty, there would be hundreds of massacres every day. ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_L.A](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_l.a/32/1084_2.png) [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2013, 9:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-most-wanted-gun-in-america/649254/4 "2013-02-03T21:49:09Z")
> [@Der\_Trihs](#): > > It helps show how twisted gun owners are. “Someone committed a massacre? I want a gun like his!” It’s like someone watching a documentary on World War II and then going out and getting a Hitler mustache. Your perception is completely off-base. ---
**Author:** ![Dallas\_Jones](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dallas_jones/32/3277_2.png) [@Dallas\_Jones](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dallas_Jones)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2013, 9:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-most-wanted-gun-in-america/649254/5 "2013-02-03T21:49:55Z")
Every one available is being sold at premium prices, and just try finding ammo. My deer hunting rifle was a gift from my wife. It’s a Ruger model 77 bolt action four shot rifle. I don’t know why but she got one in 7.62 by 39mm, you know, what an AK47 shoots. Since the media noise about a potential assault weapons ban do you think there is any ammo to be found? My Cabelas order has been on back order for 2 months now, they keep moving the date. I did find some at a local gun dealer yesterday. I am beginning to think that the current administration is starting to moderate it’s rhetoric in response to the insatiable demand for guns and ammo. Hence the recent picture of President Obama skeet shooting and the comment from Vice President Biden that > [@](#): > > Nothing we are going to do is fundamentally going to alter or eliminate the possibility of another mass shooting or guarantee that we will bring gun deaths down." Obama had made similar comments earlier in the month. It is beginning to dawn on them that their political theater is only increasing sales. ---
**Author:** ![RickJay](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/bb73d2/32.png) [@RickJay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RickJay)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2013, 9:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-most-wanted-gun-in-america/649254/6 "2013-02-03T21:59:05Z")
> [@Johnny\_L.A](#): > > Your perception is completely off-base. You have to admit it’s curious that a proposed general ban on many weapons results, specifically, in a huge rush on the AR-15 Gradeschooler. ---
**Author:** ![running\_coach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/running_coach/32/15836_2.png) [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2013, 10:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-most-wanted-gun-in-america/649254/7 "2013-02-03T22:05:25Z")
> [@RickJay](#): > > You have to admit it’s curious that a proposed general ban on many weapons results, specifically, in a huge rush on the AR-15 Gradeschooler. But isn’t that a normal human tendency? Announce something will be banned or in short supply and there’s a rush to buy what’s left. ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_L.A](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_l.a/32/1084_2.png) [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2013, 10:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-most-wanted-gun-in-america/649254/8 "2013-02-03T22:08:30Z")
> [@RickJay](#): > > You have to admit it’s curious that a proposed general ban on many weapons results, specifically, in a huge rush… There’s nothing at all curious about it. If something will be unavailable, sales will increase. Heck, we saw it with Twinkies. > [@RickJay](#): > > on the AR-15 Gradeschooler. :rolleyes: ---
**Author:** ![Ferret\_Herder](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/e47774/32.png) [@Ferret\_Herder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ferret_Herder)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2013, 10:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-most-wanted-gun-in-america/649254/9 "2013-02-03T22:09:56Z")
> [@RickJay](#): > > You have to admit it’s curious that a proposed general ban on many weapons results, specifically, in a huge rush on the AR-15 Gradeschooler. Or how about, “Fuck, I guess I shouldn’t have put off buying one of those - better get one now before I can’t buy any at all.” ---
**Author:** ![Muffin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/muffin/32/4341_2.png) [@Muffin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Muffin)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2013, 10:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-most-wanted-gun-in-america/649254/10 "2013-02-03T22:10:24Z")
> [@RickJay](#): > > AR-15 Gradeschooler. Catchy name. The marketing approach seems to be working. ---
**Author:** ![Absolute](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/b2d939/32.png) [@Absolute](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Absolute)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2013, 10:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-most-wanted-gun-in-america/649254/11 "2013-02-03T22:18:45Z")
> [@RickJay](#): > > You have to admit it’s curious that a proposed general ban on many weapons results, specifically, in a huge rush on the AR-15 Gradeschooler. It has resulted in a huge rush on all kinds of weapons, not the AR-15 specifically. But, the proposed general ban is on “assault weapons”, and the AR-15 is the most popular gun in that category, such as it is. So, it is hardly surprising that sales are brisk of the most popular gun in a category of guns that may be banned. The idea that people are going out and buying an AR-15 because they are somehow _impressed_ or attracted to it because of its role in the Sandy Hook shooting is ridiculous and offensive, and suggesting this simply demonstrates that you are approaching this from a perspective of complete ignorance and willful misunderstanding. I own a single handgun and I hardly ever shoot it. But I considered buying an AR-15 back in December. Why? For exactly the reason **Ferret Herder** suggested - “Fuck, better get one while I still can.” Ultimately, I decided I really didn’t care that much, and that a ban was unlikely to pass anyway. ---
**Author:** ![Fear\_Itself](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fear_itself/32/19637_2.png) [@Fear\_Itself](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fear_Itself)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2013, 10:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-most-wanted-gun-in-america/649254/12 "2013-02-03T22:30:17Z")
> [@Ferret\_Herder](#): > > Or how about, “Fuck, I guess I shouldn’t have put off buying one of those - better get one now before I can’t buy any at all.” Even that doesn’t make sense though. They put off buying an assault weapon, yet they weren’t slaughtered by roving bands of criminals. ---
**Author:** ![Absolute](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/b2d939/32.png) [@Absolute](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Absolute)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2013, 10:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-most-wanted-gun-in-america/649254/13 "2013-02-03T22:31:57Z")
> [@Fear\_Itself](#): > > Even that doesn’t make sense though. They put off buying an assault weapon, yet they weren’t slaughtered by roving bands of criminals. Hey, I’ve noticed you aren’t dead. Guess you must be immortal, then? ---
**Author:** ![Fear\_Itself](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fear_itself/32/19637_2.png) [@Fear\_Itself](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fear_Itself)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2013, 10:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-most-wanted-gun-in-america/649254/14 "2013-02-03T22:33:22Z")
> [@Absolute](#): > > Hey, I’ve noticed you aren’t dead. Guess you must be immortal, then? So far. ---
**Author:** ![Flyer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/flyer/32/7298_2.png) [@Flyer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Flyer)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2013, 10:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-most-wanted-gun-in-america/649254/15 "2013-02-03T22:38:34Z")
> [@Der\_Trihs](#): > > It helps show how twisted gun owners are. “Someone committed a massacre? I want a gun like his!” It’s like someone watching a documentary on World War II and then going out and getting a Hitler mustache. **Der Trihs** , just for you– > [@](#): > > As the Obama Administration signaled its determination to pass through extensive gun control reforms, a local AR-15 assault rifle told reporters Wednesday that it is beginning to fear it might never actually get the chance to kill an innocent human being in the course of its lifetime. [http://www.theonion.com/articles/ar15-assault-rifle-beginning-to-worry-it-may-never,31080/](http://www.theonion.com/articles/ar15-assault-rifle-beginning-to-worry-it-may-never,31080/) ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_L.A](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_l.a/32/1084_2.png) [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2013, 10:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-most-wanted-gun-in-america/649254/16 "2013-02-03T22:45:44Z")
> [@Absolute](#): > > The idea that people are going out and buying an AR-15 because they are somehow _impressed_ or attracted to it because of its role in the Sandy Hook shooting is ridiculous and offensive, and suggesting this simply demonstrates that you are approaching this from a perspective of complete ignorance and willful misunderstanding. Indeed, I find it very offensive. > [@Absolute](#): > > I own a single handgun and I hardly ever shoot it. But I considered buying an AR-15 back in December. Why? For exactly the reason **Ferret Herder** suggested - “Fuck, better get one while I still can.” Ultimately, I decided I really didn’t care that much, and that a ban was unlikely to pass anyway. I’ve owned AR-15s and clones for 30 years. I assure you my interest is historical and mechanical, and has nothing to do with illegal uses. I still need three to make up examples of the production models through the A2 (SP1-type fixed-stock carbine, A1-style rifle (teardrop forward-assist), and early-pattern ‘M16’), plus an example of the prototype that was never put into production. Getting parts is virtually impossible now, due to the median-and government-induced hysteria. I have an SP1-style lower receiver on order for the early-pattern rifle, but it will take months before the manufacturer’s production catches up with demand – and perhaps a year before I can get the matching upper receiver. Even spring kits are sold out. I’m not buying these because I fear a ban or because I want a mass murderer’s weapon of choice; I’m just trying to collect examples of significant developments in the type. Like you, I rarely shoot. ---
**Author:** ![Mdcastle](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/958977/32.png) [@Mdcastle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mdcastle)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2013, 10:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-most-wanted-gun-in-america/649254/17 "2013-02-03T22:47:03Z")
> [@Absolute](#): > > It has resulted in a huge rush on all kinds of weapons, not the AR-15 specifically. > > But, the proposed general ban is on “assault weapons”, and the AR-15 is the most popular gun in that category, such as it is. So, it is hardly surprising that sales are brisk of the most popular gun in a category of guns that may be banned. > > The idea that people are going out and buying an AR-15 because they are somehow _impressed_ or attracted to it because of its role in the Sandy Hook shooting is ridiculous and offensive, and suggesting this simply demonstrates that you are approaching this from a perspective of complete ignorance and willful misunderstanding. > > I own a single handgun and I hardly ever shoot it. But I considered buying an AR-15 back in December. Why? For exactly the reason **Ferret Herder** suggested - “Fuck, better get one while I still can.” Ultimately, I decided I really didn’t care that much, and that a ban was unlikely to pass anyway. That’s pretty much where I’m coming from. I thought about joining the frenzy, but decided not to. If there’s not a ban, I’ll pick one up in a year when the people that bought a bunch of them start to resell them at a loss and drive prices into the cellar. If there is a ban, I still have my M1 Garand, M1 Carbine, SKS-45, and my straight pull and bolt actions to play with and I’ll just continue my life without an AR-15 just like before. ---
**Author:** ![jz78817](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jz78817/32/1028_2.png) [@jz78817](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jz78817)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2013, 10:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-most-wanted-gun-in-america/649254/18 "2013-02-03T22:51:07Z")
> [@Johnny\_L.A](#): > > [The Most Wanted Gun In America](http://www.nytimes.com/2013/02/03/business/the-ar-15-the-most-wanted-gun-in-america.html?_r=0) > > Ironically, the interests calling for the ban of such firearms are the ones that have been driving sales. no offense, but why do you bother posting about this stuff here anymore? You know exactly who is going to respond and what they are going to say. ---
**Author:** ![marshmallow](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/df705f/32.png) [@marshmallow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/marshmallow)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2013, 10:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-most-wanted-gun-in-america/649254/19 "2013-02-03T22:54:59Z")
> [@Absolute](#): > > The idea that people are going out and buying an AR-15 because they are somehow _impressed_ or attracted to it because of its role in the Sandy Hook shooting is ridiculous and offensive, and suggesting this simply demonstrates that you are approaching this from a perspective of complete ignorance and willful misunderstanding. Speak for yourself. I still can’t park my car in the garage because of the pallet of boxcutters I bought after 9/11. ---
**Author:** ![Airman\_Doors\_USAF](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/e36b37/32.png) [@Airman\_Doors\_USAF](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Airman_Doors_USAF)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2013, 10:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-most-wanted-gun-in-america/649254/20 "2013-02-03T22:58:40Z")
> [@RickJay](#): > > You have to admit it’s curious that a proposed general ban on many weapons results, specifically, in a huge rush on the AR-15 Gradeschooler. Well, you sure told us. :rolleyes: [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-most-wanted-gun-in-america/649254.md?page=2)