Unofficial Response: AR-15s

[Police Moderator]

Unofficial Response: AR-15s
by Alex Teach, Columnist
November 23, 2011

A week ago Wednesday, the Chattanooga Organized for Action generic email address asked a generic councilperson a question on the generic purchase of AR-15s for its police department. Below is their email reprinted in its entirety for perspective:

• City Council Representative,
  
  Last night the City Council approved the purchase of 30 AR-15 semi-automatic assault rifles (commonly referred to as “M16s”). Previously the City of Chattanooga had put out a bid for these weapons. We would like to know why the City of Chattanooga feels that these assault rifles, which are created for the sole purpose of killing many and killing often, are a priority for our City?
  
  Thank you for your time and consideration,
  
  Chattanooga Organized for Action

This being a matter of public record and I being a quasi-public figure, I felt it appropriate to give Chattanooga Organized for Action a public response for such an excellent rhetorical question.

Let’s start right away with your belief that these are “weapons that are designed only to kill people, and lots of them”.

Read more: chattanooga pulse

[duke]

Also from the same referenced article:
"What I can help them with, however, is suggesting that when referring to AR-15s to the council and specifying that they are “commonly referred to as M-16’s”, word to the wise: You look somewhat idiotic. That’s like saying “The Ford Focus is commonly known as the Honda Accord.” See? Dumb. Looking stupid kills your credibility, at least to others not on the same level of ignorance on the topic they’re criticizing."

The M16 (officially Rifle, Caliber 5.56 mm, M16) is the United States military designation for the AR-15 rifle adapted for both semi-automatic and full-automatic fire. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M16_rifle

I can agree with Alex that not having facts straight can make one look like an IDOT.
Since the M-16 is indeed the military version of the AR-15 who is the IDOT???

[LimitedRecourse]

Well, it makes duke look like an idiot. (Not a difficult feat.)

AR-15 is the semi-automatic version of the rifle.

The M-16 is modified for military use so that it can be used as an automatic weapon, among other modifications. Same type of weapon but not the same (sort of like Fords are NOT the same as Hondas).

The M-16 is not available for civilian use.

[duke]

There is the full -semi-auto difference. Easily converted. Easier than adding a turbo to that Ford escort Alex refers to.
Ford and Honda are made by different manufacturers under widely differing patents and readily recognized by the general population, not the same one or a different manufacturer using the same licensed patent.

world.guns.ru/assault/usa/m16-m16a1-m16a2-m16a3-e.html Uses the term M-16 and AR-15 interchangably, using the same page to describe both.

A three (3) minute video to demonstrate how to convert.

[Justin Thyme]

There is a difference.

www.quarterbore.com/nfa/registeredreceiver.htm

[JC]

AR-15 is the platform. It's like a Barbie.
M16 is the auto version. It's like a Malibu Barbie with RV.
Can I tell the difference in the two Barbies? No, not a chance in hell. Can my 3 YO niece? You bet.... and you best not get the two mixed up else you'll be ripped a new one.

Can the average Joe tell the difference between the semi-auto AR-15 and auto M16? Nope.

At the end of the day, does it really matter if you call them by their specific names\models? Nope, not really. We AR-15 owners can try and split hairs to explain the differences all day long.... but it will not change they way a misinformed gun-hater thinks about them.


Oh, and LR, civilians can own fully autos with the proper tax stamps and forms. Not that this point matters here as cops are exempt from the NFA laws for dept use.

[osrb]

I am surprised that the reporter did not call it a AK-47 assault rifle.

[osrb]

duke AR-15 was modified in 1984. This can be done but it is not an easy job. It takes machining along with other changes. If one mistake is made while machining the receiver it is just a paperweight. If you get caught with this mod and have got gotten the proper permits namely a Class 3 license you will go to jail. This is just goes to show how little you really know about fire arms.

[duke]

Nov 23, 2011 15:51:37 GMT -5 osrb said:

duke AR-15 was modified in 1984. This can be done but it is not an easy job. It takes machining along with other changes. If one mistake is made while machining the receiver it is just a paperweight. If you get caught with this mod and have got gotten the proper permits namely a Class 3 license you will go to jail. This is just goes to show how little you really know about fire arms.

I am aware of the legal isssues and did not recommend making the changeover to full auto and acknowledged the full auto v semi-auto firing capability.

You have acknowledged that AR-15 have been converted to Full auto removing the major difference between the AR-15 and the M-16.
Walk down the street with one of each model in had and see how many people can tell the difference from 15 feet distance.

Now see how many can tell the difference between a ford Escort and Honda Accord from 15 feet. Same percentage?

Now demonstrate converting a Ford Escort into a Honda Accord. I'll even give you 15 years to accomplish the task. Show us how smart you are and how talented.

The call out and comparison on the part of Alex shows the typical arrogance of the typical narcissistic cop mentality. Your post shows the same.

JC at least had a cognisant post.

[Police Moderator]

... not having facts straight can make one look like an IDOT.

... who is the IDOT

The damn Illinois Department of Transportation has nothing to do with Duke's straw argument/red herring.

Rather than actually arguing a point, exclusive of the one being discussed, Duke brings an entirely different state organization into the discussion. Rather than post a response about the issue, Duke would rather split an amoeba's pubic hairs than logically address his disagreement with the posted author's take on things.

Brought to you by the Illinois Department of Transportation.....

And Duke......

Granted, it should be noted the PM did not address the issue being discussed, but the pure imbecilic, anti-cop comedy, courtesy of Duke, could not be passed up.

[professorx]

Nov 23, 2011 12:05:25 GMT -5 duke said:

The M16 (officially Rifle, Caliber 5.56 mm, M16) is the United States military designation for the AR-15 rifle adapted for both semi-automatic and full-automatic fire. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M16_rifle

I can agree with Alex that not having facts straight can make one look like an IDOT.
Since the M-16 is indeed the military version of the AR-15 who is the IDOT???

M-16s are chambered in .223 and the AR-15 is in .556. TWO Entirely different rounds. DUH!

Thank God they are not getting M-4s.

:-)

[goomba]

the 5.56NATO round is based upon the .223Remington round.
you can fire the 223 inside a rifle chambered for the 5.56NATO, however if you fire a 5.56NATO round inside a rifle chambered for 223 you cause excessive pressure which can result your rifle exploding. A simple way to prevent this is to make sure your rifle is chambered for 5.56NATO. make sure the rifle is properly marked, if your in doubt you can always have a gunsmith check the dimensions of the chamber.

M-16s are chambered in .223 and the AR-15 is in .556.

No. All Military M-16/M-4's are chambered in the 5.56NATO round, not 223.