# Why I Keep AR-15 Platform Rifles **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [March 8, 2018, 11:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-i-keep-ar-15-platform-rifles/810269 "2018-03-08T23:54:23Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 11
**Author:** ![k9bfriender](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/k9bfriender/32/3283_2.png) [@k9bfriender](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/k9bfriender)\ **Post date:** [March 14, 2018, 5:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-i-keep-ar-15-platform-rifles/810269/201 "2018-03-14T17:38:22Z")
> [@JRDelirious](#): > > Huh, I’m sorry, I’m generally pro gun control and I neither keep nor bear in civilian life, but the claim that those who carry (concealed or not) do so in eager anticipation of one day having the excuse to shoot someone strikes me as presumptuous. I would demand anyone who’d carry to go through a rigorous, not just perfunctory, permitting and training process (including When Not To Engage), but then I’d understand if they carry concealed simply in order to not seem provocative and not cause anxiety in others. In reply to a poster who blames all of society’s ills on movies and video games, I did say that I do believe that there are some who strap on their irons everyday, hoping that something that will happen where they can be the good guy with the gun. All? Not at all. Most? Hopefully not, and I don’t think so. But, some, absolutely. And in that catagory you still have a split. You have the ones who want to be heroes. They want to be lauded for their actions in stopping the bad guy. I think that that is the majority of those who look forward to using their guns, and is at least in the back of the minds of many others who do as well. I understand this. It is why I actually do carry first aid equipment and try to keep my certifications up to date. I do look forward to being in the news for having saved the lives of some kids in a bus accident or something. I like to think that I do it purely out of altruism, but in reality, there is certainly something to being hailed a hero. Then you have the people that would like to kill someone, but don’t want to go to jail, so they look for the opportunity to engage in DGU. These, I believe are a small minority, however, they tend to seem more common because their questionable decisions make the news. ---
**Author:** ![Bear\_Nenno](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bear_nenno/32/3358_2.png) [@Bear\_Nenno](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bear_Nenno)\ **Post date:** [March 14, 2018, 5:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-i-keep-ar-15-platform-rifles/810269/202 "2018-03-14T17:50:13Z")
DGU? ---
**Author:** ![charkbite](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/dc4da7/32.png) [@charkbite](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/charkbite)\ **Post date:** [March 14, 2018, 5:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-i-keep-ar-15-platform-rifles/810269/203 "2018-03-14T17:54:07Z")
> [@ElvisL1ves](#): > > But they keep telling us how they and their guns provide safety and security in case “something” happens, so why should we feel anxious about it? Is it that they don’t carry Good Guy Badges so we can be sure? The story isn’t consistent if that’s really it. > > Again, I’d like to hear from actual CC advocates as to why they don’t carry openly, and hopefully there’s an answer out there better than I have a California CCW. Open carry is illegal in CA, even with a CCW. Even accidentally showing the firearm could be considered “brandishing”. ---
**Author:** ![asahi](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/asahi/32/8693_2.png) [@asahi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/asahi)\ **Post date:** [March 14, 2018, 6:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-i-keep-ar-15-platform-rifles/810269/204 "2018-03-14T18:14:05Z")
> [@Bullitt](#): > > Why the focus on taking away guns, and not, instead, on doctors who prescribe psychotropic drugs to teens? > > [More Horrific Killings - LewRockwell](https://www.lewrockwell.com/2018/02/brian-wilson/the-missing-link/) If they can both be cited as factors, then why not just do both at the same time? I’m not saying they necessarily are equal but I’ll entertain the argument at least. But i we were to assume that these two factors are both somehow responsible for an increase in violence, then we could explore ways to mitigate these factors while simultaneously trying to avoid infringing on the liberties of others. ---
**Author:** ![k9bfriender](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/k9bfriender/32/3283_2.png) [@k9bfriender](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/k9bfriender)\ **Post date:** [March 14, 2018, 6:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-i-keep-ar-15-platform-rifles/810269/205 "2018-03-14T18:20:50Z")
> [@Bear\_Nenno](#): > > DGU? Defensive Gun Use. There are quite a number on youtube, and some posters here like to link to them. I’d think that there would be terms of service on youtube for snuff films, but apparently not. ---
**Author:** ![ElvisL1ves](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/5daacb/32.png) [@ElvisL1ves](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ElvisL1ves)\ **Post date:** [March 14, 2018, 6:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-i-keep-ar-15-platform-rifles/810269/206 "2018-03-14T18:27:04Z")
> [@charkbite](#): > > Open carry is illegal in CA, even with a CCW. Even accidentally showing the firearm could be considered “brandishing”. Thanks for the info. What’s the reasoning behind that law? ---
**Author:** ![Bear\_Nenno](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bear_nenno/32/3358_2.png) [@Bear\_Nenno](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bear_Nenno)\ **Post date:** [March 14, 2018, 6:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-i-keep-ar-15-platform-rifles/810269/207 "2018-03-14T18:34:39Z")
> [@ElvisL1ves](#): > > Thanks for the info. What’s the reasoning behind that law? Florida has the same rules. No open carry. They recognize that a major part of the crime deterrent created by allowing citizens to carry concealed is that criminals do not know who is armed and who is not. They also recognize that tourism is huge in Florida, and seeing people going about their daily business with guns holstered at the hip might make tourists uncomfortable and/or negatively affect that industry. Plus, it would likely alarm other residents of the state, especially the large retirement community. Out of sight, out of mind. ---
**Author:** ![HurricaneDitka](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/96bed5/32.png) [@HurricaneDitka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HurricaneDitka)\ **Post date:** [March 14, 2018, 6:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-i-keep-ar-15-platform-rifles/810269/208 "2018-03-14T18:34:58Z")
> [@ElvisL1ves](#): > > … Again, I’d like to hear from actual CC advocates as to why they don’t carry openly, and hopefully there’s an answer out there better than I don’t OC for various reasons (offered in no particular order): - it makes the snowflakes cry - it probably increases the chances of an interaction with the police, and I do generally strive to avoid interacting with the police - I feel that I’d be giving up some anonymity / the element of surprise in a life-threatening situation if I were OCing vs CCing ---
**Author:** ![Bear\_Nenno](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bear_nenno/32/3358_2.png) [@Bear\_Nenno](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bear_Nenno)\ **Post date:** [March 14, 2018, 6:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-i-keep-ar-15-platform-rifles/810269/209 "2018-03-14T18:37:31Z")
> [@ElvisL1ves](#): > > Thanks for the info. I do apologize, though. I would have given you this answer had I realized it wasn’t commonly understood. Most states do not allow open carry. I thought you were specifically referring to the states that actually allow it. ---
**Author:** ![charkbite](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/dc4da7/32.png) [@charkbite](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/charkbite)\ **Post date:** [March 14, 2018, 6:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-i-keep-ar-15-platform-rifles/810269/210 "2018-03-14T18:46:08Z")
> [@ElvisL1ves](#): > > Thanks for the info. What’s the reasoning behind that law? I won’t pretend to know the reasoning behind the law, but I will say it’s just common sense not to advertise the fact you are carrying a weapon. I wouldn’t advertise it if I were carrying a large amount of cash for the same reason - you make yourself a target. ---
**Author:** ![HurricaneDitka](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/96bed5/32.png) [@HurricaneDitka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HurricaneDitka)\ **Post date:** [March 14, 2018, 6:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-i-keep-ar-15-platform-rifles/810269/211 "2018-03-14T18:47:18Z")
> [@Bear\_Nenno](#): > > I do apologize, though. I would have given you this answer had I realized it wasn’t commonly understood. Most states do not allow open carry. I thought you were specifically referring to the states that actually allow it. I’ve noticed that a great many gun-related topics are not “commonly understood” on the SDMB. There’s probably no level of knowledge that should be assumed. ---
**Author:** ![ElvisL1ves](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/5daacb/32.png) [@ElvisL1ves](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ElvisL1ves)\ **Post date:** [March 14, 2018, 6:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-i-keep-ar-15-platform-rifles/810269/212 "2018-03-14T18:54:32Z")
Yes, I was, thanks. The reasoning against open carry, as you describe it well, does seem to be result-driven, and for that matter by results contrary to safety, the putative reason for carrying at all. The one about the Bad Guys not knowing who’s carrying doesn’t make sense - they’re \*going \*to be deterred if they see a gun, but may not be if they don’t. The claim that people other than gun-carriers are going to think gun carriers are \*themselves \*a danger perhaps needs to be pondered a little more - why would they think so? Are they possibly at all _correct_ that the Bad Guy just might be you? Especially if your primary concern is “making snowflakes cry”, for instance. As for wanting to make a fashion statement, always having to wear a baggy jacket to cover an oddly-placed bulge seems pretty wardrobe-limiting, not to mention that it gets in the way of a quick draw. But you do you. > [@charkbite](#): > > I will say it’s just common sense not to advertise the fact you are carrying a weapon. Do you want to deter the Bad Guy from even starting, or don’t you? Calling it common sense is not an explanation at all. ---
**Author:** ![charkbite](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/dc4da7/32.png) [@charkbite](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/charkbite)\ **Post date:** [March 14, 2018, 7:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-i-keep-ar-15-platform-rifles/810269/213 "2018-03-14T19:00:18Z")
But I gave an explanation. I said it makes you a target. If you’re walking down the street with a gun on your hip, regular people will have a range of emotions about it, from positive to negative. A criminal will be thinking “Hey, free gun”. ---
**Author:** ![HurricaneDitka](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/96bed5/32.png) [@HurricaneDitka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HurricaneDitka)\ **Post date:** [March 14, 2018, 7:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-i-keep-ar-15-platform-rifles/810269/214 "2018-03-14T19:02:31Z")
> [@k9bfriender](#): > > … That’s why we have laws that are made by elected officials. They evaluate what is best for their localities, and don’t worry what is best for others. In some cities, having guns may make sense, in others, it doesn’t. You want to prevent cities and states from having that option, I’m opposed to that. … Are you also opposed to cities and states being prevented from banning abortion or gay marriage? In other words, is your desire for federalism consistent even when those cities and states make choices you don’t like? Would you support Utah allowing the manufacture and sale of new machine guns to its citizens? > [@k9bfriender](#): > > … So, as there were no dead bodies on the floor with the resolution of these situations, do you feel that had a gun been involved, that would have meant fewer casualties? … I’m not sure I follow. There were zero casualties. I don’t know how we’d get fewer than that. > [@k9bfriender](#): > > There are far more robberies and home invasions than there are murders. The chances that you are dealing with a murderer, not a robber, are actually pretty small. You will know that you are dealing with a murderer, as they don’t give you a chance to draw your own gun or anything, they just shoot you. If they give you a chance to draw your gun, then they weren’t going to. Those statistics didn’t work out in the Petit family’s favor. They thought they were just dealing with a robber (and at first they were - until one of them decided to strangle the mom and the other one decided to rape one of the daughters). > [@k9bfriender](#): > > Do you support Florida’s requirements for arming teachers that they just passed? I’m not intimately familiar with the details (I heard there’s a diversity training requirement :rolleyes:), but I’m generally supportive of movement in that direction, so I consider it an improvement over the status quo ante. ---
**Author:** ![HurricaneDitka](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/96bed5/32.png) [@HurricaneDitka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HurricaneDitka)\ **Post date:** [March 14, 2018, 7:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-i-keep-ar-15-platform-rifles/810269/215 "2018-03-14T19:32:49Z")
> [@ElvisL1ves](#): > > … Are they possibly at all _correct_ that the Bad Guy just might be you? Especially if your primary concern is “making snowflakes cry”, for instance. … Perhaps you just misunderstood. I gave that (“it makes the snowflakes cry”) as one of the reasons I do NOT open carry. In other words, if I wanted to make snowflakes cry, I would open carry. I do not, and therefore (at least part of the reason) I do not open carry. ---
**Author:** ![Slash1972](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/slash1972/32/6461_2.png) [@Slash1972](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Slash1972)\ **Post date:** [March 14, 2018, 7:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-i-keep-ar-15-platform-rifles/810269/216 "2018-03-14T19:43:00Z")
> [@charkbite](#): > > A criminal will be thinking “Hey, free gun”. But if a criminal did think that, wouldn’t you be in a better position to shoot him if he inexplicably tries to rob somebody that he KNOWS has a gun if you were open carrying? ---
**Author:** ![charkbite](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/dc4da7/32.png) [@charkbite](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/charkbite)\ **Post date:** [March 14, 2018, 8:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-i-keep-ar-15-platform-rifles/810269/217 "2018-03-14T20:10:18Z")
If someone walks up behind you and rabbit punches you, there is not a damn thing you can do about that, gun or no gun. ---
**Author:** ![msmith537](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/d9b06d/32.png) [@msmith537](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/msmith537)\ **Post date:** [March 14, 2018, 8:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-i-keep-ar-15-platform-rifles/810269/218 "2018-03-14T20:12:46Z")
> [@charkbite](#): > > But I gave an explanation. I said it makes you a target. If you’re walking down the street with a gun on your hip, regular people will have a range of emotions about it, from positive to negative. A criminal will be thinking “Hey, free gun”. What criminal is going to think that? Criminals look for easy targets of opportunity. They don’t go around looking to engage in gunfights with armed people so they can acquire another sidearm. ---
**Author:** ![msmith537](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/d9b06d/32.png) [@msmith537](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/msmith537)\ **Post date:** [March 14, 2018, 8:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-i-keep-ar-15-platform-rifles/810269/219 "2018-03-14T20:27:22Z")
> [@Bear\_Nenno](#): > > Does there _need_ to be more reasons? People who carry a concealed firearm do not necessarily revolve every thing they do around it, and don’t necessarily care to draw attention to themselves. Someone who wants to dress appropriately for the occasion, is going to make certain fashion choices. I would no sooner wear an openly displayed firearm than I would a combed-cotton tank top. So…no “gun show”? This may be covered under “tacky” but people who carry a firearm around openly look like assholes. Like they are either so paranoid that they need to project force constantly or they simply want to project force for its own sake. ---
**Author:** ![Slash1972](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/slash1972/32/6461_2.png) [@Slash1972](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Slash1972)\ **Post date:** [March 14, 2018, 8:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-i-keep-ar-15-platform-rifles/810269/220 "2018-03-14T20:28:20Z")
> [@msmith537](#): > > They don’t go around looking to engage in gunfights with armed people so they can acquire another sidearm. Yeah, I thought that was pretty much common sense. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-i-keep-ar-15-platform-rifles/810269.md?page=10) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-i-keep-ar-15-platform-rifles/810269.md?page=12)