Assault Weapons

Tyler Lunde
Arizona State University
Abstract: ​Gun control has become a newly growing issue amongst our country. Assault weapons
have been the target because of their use in mass shootings. Assault weapons are considered a
fast firing, highly accurate, and easy to use rifle with an interchangeable magazine. Politicians
have been targeting an assault rifle ban because of the exposure these rifles receive. Many of
those same people fail to acknowledge that the suspects of the shootings are mentally ill, or
criminals. I believe that we live in a world of ill informed citizens towards guns. An assault rifle
ban will not solve the problem, but mental health checks, tighter regulations, and more strict
holds and background checks.
Ten Reasons Why States Should Reject "Assault Weapon" and "Large" Magazine Bans. (2014,
June 17). Retrieved March 15, 2018, from
https://www.nraila.org/articles/20140617/ten-reasons-why-states-should-reject-assault-w
eapon-and-large-magazine-bans

In this article published by the NRA-ILA website discusses reasons why states should
reject an assault weapon ban. The unlisted author is giving 10 valid and factual reason against
banning assault weapons, and high capacity magazines. The author discusses the true power of
an assault weapon, typically chambered in .223, statistics on crime rates and gun violence with
assault weapons, the defense of the second amendment, and a few others.
The NRA may be deemed as biased, because their profits are from gun lovers and
supporters. The NRA has always pushed against banning of any gun, and will always defend gun
rights. The article uses good evidence to defend their case, and to give real reasoning behind not
banning guns. The article is timely, well put together, and credible.
The article gives good starting points for points on why we shouldn't ban guns. It would
be a good stepping stone to discussing my topic on the assault rifle ban.

Lee, J. (2015, October 24). 7 Reasons Why An Assault Weapons Ban Will Fail to Reduce
Violent Crime. Retrieved March 15, 2018, from
https://mic.com/articles/23290/7-reasons-why-an-assault-weapons-ban-will-fail-to-reduc
-violent-crime#.JEBREcFW3

In this web published article written by Jack Lee, he talks about multiple reasons an
assault rifle ban would fail to reduce gun violence. He discusses multiple reasons why a ban
could not reduce violence, and how they already tried but ultimately failed.
This article is credible because of the writers education and experience. This article is a
good source to use for the history of a gun ban and how they would be ineffective. Lee uses
examples of a previous ban, and backs it with statistics to prove his point. This can be seen and
used as a timely, and credible source.
Lee Gives a good historical point for the matter, and gives good points against it. Using
this to illustrate the history of bans and how they were incapable of reaching the desired goal.
Keane, L. (2017, November 9). Don't ban America's most popular rifle. Retrieved March 15,
2018, from
https://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/2017/11/09/dont-ban-americas-most-popular-rif
le-opposing-view-editorial-debates/850450001/

This article published by USA Today gives a different outlook on gun control other than
a ban. Lawrence Keane, the author, discusses how mental health and past criminals are a large
problem in gun violence. Keane makes an effort to illustrate the importance of mental health and
felons and how we need to monitor it instead of ban assault weapons.
Overall, Keane makes a great point about the problem of mental illness and felons and
how easy it is to receive a firearm. Using the point illustrated, he makes a good claim that the
assault rifle is not the problem. The ease for someone to obtain a rifle with mental illness is
absurd and needs to be addressed.
The point made in this article will be a good subject to discuss in my paper. People are so
keen on just banning the weapon, but fail to realize mental health and criminals are the problem
behind the violence.

Rosenwald, M. S. (2016, June 16). Why banning AR-15s and other assault weapons won't stop
mass shootings. Retrieved March 15, 2018, from
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/local/wp/2016/06/16/why-banning-ar-15s-and-ot
her-assault-weapons-wont-stop-mass-shootings/?utm_term=.f7c68e0bf7d5

This article published by the washington post discusses how the AR-15 rifle is not the
only gun that can deal mass destruction. Handguns are as deadly, if not even more deadly. They
have large capacity magazines and can be concealed easier. If the AR-15 became banned,
someone could just use a handgun to deal the wanted damage.
The author makes a fantastic argument that the specific gun is not the problem. He uses
amazing points with handguns, and that if someone wants to deal damage they will find a way.
Handguns deal intense damage just like the AR’s and is a logical point.