Thread by @mansoortshams

THREAD on AR-15: I’m a US Marine which means I do have some professional experience with guns. Feel free to criticize my position or disagree but please don’t question my military service or knowledge of guns. I served this Nation with my life and I only want the best for it. 1/

I understand people have strong views when it comes to guns. And that’s alright. But at some point we need to have real conversations without all the crazy emotion. Americans are dying and just because it wasn’t you or me this time doesn’t mean it can’t be one of us next time. 2/

I’ve traveled roughly 30 states across America which I’m sure is more than most Americans. I’ve had the chance to see many parts of our country and understand why a gun for self defense at times makes perfect sense. So to be clear I’m not against 2A or anyone owning a gun. 3/

I’m just against civilians having access to same type war like weapon I did as a Marine. You’ll say, “that’s crazy.” But hear me out. The only real difference between my M16 I used as a Marine and AR-15 is my M16 fired nonstop while AR-15 requires pulling trigger every time. 4/

Now some will change the argument from self defense to 2A and forming militias to fight against a so-called hostile government. OK. Now help me understand how you expect to take on all those stealth fighters, F-16’s, drones, tanks, etc. with your AR-15’s? Please keep it real. 5/

If it’s truly about self defense then why an AR-15 which can shoot across 5 football fields? Yes 500 yards or more in certain cases. Essentially you could sit in the comfort of your home and shoot over .25 mile and the person on the other end wouldn’t even know what hit them. 6/

Now to some the AR-15’s long range firing capability may not mean much. But that’s just part of it. The AR-15’s power is meant to do some serious damage and killing (exactly like on the battlefield) — to destroy flesh and practically leave an ‘irreparable’ large exit wound. 7/

Bottom line I (and most for gun reform) don’t take issue with 2A or your ability to have a gun like Lauren Boebert/others would have you believe. So please don’t misunderstand. But a battlefield type weapon should remain on the battlefield — not in the hands of civilians. Why? 8/

Imagine someone having a mental disorder or even someone ‘normal’ suddenly losing their mind. Now imagine them pulling out their ‘legally owned’ AR-15 and going out on a shooting spree taking out countless innocent lives because life unfortunately just doesn’t matter anymore. 9/

Background checks, whether person should’ve had AR-15 or was mentally stable will not have mattered. But the type of weapon ie AR-15 WILL HAVE.

Conclusion: No everyday civilian American should have access to a war like AR-15 weapon. The dangers far out weight any benefits. End/