Posted by
Flypp on Tuesday, March 18, 2008 4:23:52 PM
Responding to the comments during the SCOTUS hearings on Heller today...
[rifles/shotguns v. handguns for self defense]
It is irresponsible to use a rifle for self defense in an urban area, as overpenetration is a VERY serious concern. Centerfire rifle ammo can go through many interior walls, some exterior walls, and generally is over powered for indoor self defense, particularly with sleeping neighbors/children next door. (Thanks to our friends in the gun ban movement, most rifle ammo is made for HUNTING and designed for penetration).
While Military personnel might have access to specialty ammo for CQB, it is hardly reasonable to expect civilians to use Subsonic or Frangibles in a major rifle caliber, which have ALSO been subject to attempts at regulation. The vast majority of ammo purchased for target use is Military surplus, subject to the Geneva restrictions (i.e. no hollow points) and thus ALSO designed for wall penetration.
Handgun ammo, on the other hand is readily available in limited penetration loads for the civilian market. Of course, even this ammo has been demonized by the banners, who only limit there discussion to "gateway" items as a short term strategy, so that they can achieve their eventual goal, which is a total ban on all guns and ammo, leaving them only in the hands of the GOVERNMENT and CRIMINALS. (Hmmm, shall I be eaten by the Lion or the Hyaena... It sure is fun being a baby wildebeast).
-Flypp