I always wanted an AR-15. Its just a damn tough looking rifle. I actually bought one because I figured that I better get one while I still could......

Another case where bans were directly responsible for my purchase. I wonder if the antis realize just how many guns they have sold over the years?

I love these types of guns because they are so versatile.  You can hunt, plink, use for defense, etc.  They are just great for just about everything you could want a gun for...  

And I will have them whether some pissnanny idiot thinks I should have one or not.  

... Why do I need an AR-15 Assault Rifle?

About 230 ago, some incredibly gifted, wealthy, slave-owning, white guys looked at Western Civilization and undertook what is undoubtedly the most radical, profound political revolution ever conceived. Despite what the history books say, it really wasn't about taxes, or troops in people's homes, or the price of tea or any of that crap. These men were British subjects, but taxes were lower in the colonies than in Britain at the time of the Revolution, there was unprecedented freedom, particularly on the frontier, and these guys were generally the wealthy elite who could have been colonial governors if they had chosen to. They could have afforded to drink tea until they pissed pure caffeine.

Another misconception was that it was a popular revolution. I don't remember who said it, but one of those old dead white guys said that the colonists were divided roughly into thirds, one third loyalist, one third ambivalent, and one third revolutionary (sound familiar?). It took years of coercion and propaganda to motivate the general public to take up arms against the British.

What was our Revolution all about then? These guys realized, 2000 miles from their ruling country that they had an unprecedented opportunity to revolt and form a radical new self-government, where political power was vested in the People themselves, not in a ruling class.

It was an ideological revolution that is still radical today, with the Constitution as the Blueprint for Freedom. In this system, individual liberty is the beginning and end of all government activity. That is to say, government powers are only supposed to extend so far, and only with the permission of the governed. Ideally, where my rights as a citizen begin, the powers of government come to an abrupt halt. Conversely, the primary function of government is to guarantee my liberties, hence the Bill of Rights.
So what we have is an incredibly radical new power structure, one not truly duplicated anywhere else in the world.

So how does this explain why I need an AR15 assault rifle?

What the founding fathers knew, and so many of the "People" have forgotten (or never learned), is that Power is a zero sum game. If I have it, the government doesn't, and vice versa. Even many pro-gunners miss the point and we allow ourselves to be distracted with "rights" issues, that, while they exist, aren't specifically addressed by the Constitution (right to hunt, right to self-defense, etc.)

The Constitution, the Blueprint for Freedom, and the Bill of Rights, the non-expiring guarantee of liberty, are about one thing: Power. So don't get confused by other issues here.

If this is a country where Power is truly vested in the People, and the government is
LIMITED by the Constitution, then my ownership of an AR15 is off limits to the government. The Second Amendment guarantees my Right to Keep and Bear Arms, and the Constitution limits the government to very specific, narrow activities, which does not include regulating guns. So, not only is this right specifically reserved to the
People (or, even with a loose interpretation, the states), it also falls outside of the boundaries outlined in the Constitution for the Federal Govt.

Its a double whammy.

Why is it so important to us? Some people fear a tyrannical government taking over (you think they're "paranoid", despite so many historical lessons I could fill several books; but that's another thread). But most, I believe, are more like me. We still believe in the Revolution and its ideals. We ARE Revolutionaries. Power is vested in
ME, as a citizen, and not in the government. It cannot be taken without my permission, which I do not give. Remember, its a zero sum game, so if the government can infringe those liberties, they really don't exist at all, except in theory. Well, I don't want theoretical freedom. I want the real stuff.

So, some argue, we still have freedom of the press and the rest of it, why the big deal over guns? Well, the Bill of Rights is not a buffet, we don't get to pick and choose. I don't like neo-Socialist rhetoric, but I'm not calling for the abolishment of free speech, am I? Because I know that the First Amendment is also about Power - the Power of information (way deadlier than guns, in the right hands, by the way. Case in point, Hitler, whose propaganda machine convinced the Germans to commit unthinkable atrocities; I digress).

Many of us here in the U.S. see the slow, steady, reversal of our Power structure.
Our rights are becoming more "theoretical" all the time. Anyone see that Dateline NBC story on the Louisiana police who are confiscating cars and money from out of state motorists, without a trial (due process) and are not even charging them with a crime or arresting them? How about the IRS, which in case you aren't familiar, has the power to confiscate just about anything you own with the wave of a bureaucrat’s pen. Both of these are examples of activities strictly forbidden by the Constitution and Bill of Rights, yet it happens all the time and there are many more examples beyond these.

So you see, it's not just the Second Amendment where the reversal of Power is evident. Anymore, it seems that the Constitution is just a shell and government doesn't exist for the people, rather the people (taxpayers) exist for the government.

So, like the colonists at Lexington and Concord, this is the issue where we choose to make our stand. Not over taxes, which are atrocious or unreasonable search and seizure, which is rampant, or the separation of powers (who said Klinton could declare war all by himself, anyway?) or any of that other stuff, but over my AR15. Why? Because like our forefathers (80 civilians on a bridge against 1800 regular troops; how committed were they?), we realize its the foundation of Real Power. Without a weapon capable of providing adequate resistance to overthrow an unjust, un-Constitutional government, the rest of those rights truly are hollow, no longer belong to the people, and can be rescinded at any time by the government (many feel we're already past that point). And then they are not rights, they're privileges.
If the government can take my AR15, or restrict the amount of ammunition it holds, or restrict further purchases of "Assault Weapons" then the revolution is dead and so are the ideals countless thousands have died for. There's a reason for the Second
Amendment and gun ownership (ESPECIALLY assault rifles), a reason those colonists on that bridge understood; its the last of my rights to go.

THAT'S why I need an AR15 assault rifle.

- Unknown AR15.com author - 1999

First off I dont own an AR because I see no huge advantage TO ME in a $600-$1500 one over a $200 Siminov or a $300 Kalashnikov. In time that will change, I just hope they are still around for me to obtain.

Why do I own SKSs and soon my EIGHTH Kalashnikov varient? Because I cannot afford to make or purchase an Machine-Carbine Model 1943 Hanael, a weapon I regard as the finest individual small arm ever made having studied extensivly, and shot one on a number of occasions.

Why do I need an 'assault rifle' ? Because sometimes I'm too stressed out and unable to concentrate well enough to find the sights and do a good piece of shooting on my Mauser Model 98 or my Short Magazine Lee Enfield. Because my M1 Carbine lacks the range and power to be a serious combat weapon. Because if I ever need to fight for my life I want a simple weapon that is accurate, reliable, and able to dole out a high volume of fire in a short time. Because no matter how much loyalty I have to my 1918 vintage SMLE, or how handy my Mauser 32acp is under my pillow, when something isnt right at night an "Assault Rifle" will do whatever I ask of it, not require extreme clarity of thought to do so.

Why do I need a rifle?

Because I can relate to it in peace, it is an inanimate piece of history that in many cases has fought along side, or against my forefathers and tells a story that I as a soldier find comfort in.

Because the men who have held it, no matter what cause or country they represented, believed enough to fight and die for that cause and I would rathar take company with them than any man who will not fight, regardless of his cause.

Because the time will come when I have to put force behind my ideas and ideals and I do not wish to die with a flag or a butter-knife in my hands if it comes to that.

Because I hate spectator sports, and it gives me something to get off my arse and do on a saturday when I'm board.

Because when I hold it in my hands my enemies fear me and my friends are glad I'm there.

Because there are people who live lifestyles I abhore and wish to push those lifestyles on me and would rathar I not be keeping it and bearing it with knowledge.

Because he who lives by the sword, dies by the sword, and I find it much more palatable at my age to think about dying in a gunfight than dying of cancer, ebola, west nile, a stroke, a heart attack, a car accident, a victem of crime, alzheimers, or organ failure brought on by old age. So long as I can heft a long-arm and use it at least somewhat knowledgable manner I can go somewhere in the world and do that for a honorable lost cause so that others may live.


Ryan

Y3K and it's a blast.

Why do I own an AR-15?

Because my claidhmore only has an effective range of 5 feet.


Wait! Didn't the British ban those as well?

And the flying squirrel.

Also, it's good for keeping the King of England outta your face.

Why do I own an AR-15?

It matches all my other guns...and plus the

cool bonus stealth effect it gives off while

holding it;) Oh yeah!!!

For one thing, because I wanted another gas-gun before they became Federally-mandated unobtanium.  I'd had a folding-stock AK at one time, but in a fit of cranial flatulence, I sold it after that prick in CA shot up the schoolyard.  Anyway, I wanted another one, and being a bit of an accuracy fanatic, I didn't really want another AK.  My choices (as I saw it then) were either an M1A or an AR.  If I wanted a really accurate one, the AR would be less expensive to build (and less expensive to shoot) and it would be a challenge to get it to shoot really well out to 400 meters.  (As someone wryly observed, it's more fun to drive a slow car hard than a fast car slow.  Shooting an AR out to 400 meters very well is harder than shooting a NM M1A out to 600 very well.  And I'm talking about [i]magazine-fed[/i] rounds.  I didn't buy a gas-gun to use it as a single-shot.  I could get a Ruger No. 1 instead.)

Second, it's the definition of a modern "militia weapon."  Gas-operated, magazine fed, military caliber.  The kind of weapon that should be protected under the thinking of [i]U.S. v. Miller[/i].  

And it pisses off the liberals.

That about covers it.

I consider an AR to be among the many staples of a gun collection, like the 870, the 1911, the 700, the Model 12, the AK, some Anschutz or another, the Hi-Power, the CZ 75, the J-Frame, the Garand, the G17 (or 19), the Model 94, the 10/22. . .

There's a tax on brass now???

Those bastards.  Will the persecution never end?  [:D]

.... sorry, couldn't resist

For home and homeland defense. Real reason: Because I can and for coyote and fox hunting and other varmits. And it is F***ing cool.

As the federal gun laws got tougher and tougher under Clinton, I bought an AR15 for patriotic reasons.

My brutally frank honest answer:

I own AR-15s because the California legislature made it impossible for me to legally acquire one starting January 1, 2000.  The legislation was called Senate Bill (SB) 23.

I wanted to keep the option open of using an AR-15 in highpower rifle matches should I ever find the time, inclination, and money to do so.  I do not presently own a target upper, but because I legally own multiple lower receivers (registered as required by California law) I have the ability to build up a target rifle that uses standard AR magazines.

I sincerely hope someone who doesn't know much about the subject reads this thread.  It's a good one.

Liberty Stick....symbolic
Fun AND "EVIL LOOKING"

I own a Mac....but it's just cute.

I own a big truck/SUV too.

The wife has nearly as many shoes as Imelda Marcos.

Ain't this America?  John Travolta owns a 707.

Bottom line.....Kalifornia said soon I couldn't....not acceptable.

I own an AR-15 because I like the style and utility of the rifle. I own firearms because I enjoy shooting, collecting, and the study of history. I own firearms because I live in a country where individual freedom is cherished. Where the sacrifices of our ancestors demand that the original ideals of the founding fathers be jealously guarded and freely exercised. I am a free man. I choose to protect my family and myself. I do not depend on others. I choose to pursue the skills that will assist me in defending my country if the need ever arises. I am a veteran and I have shed blood for my country. I believe the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and the Declaration of Independence are sacred. I believe they mean now exactly what they meant when they were first written. I am a responsible law abiding citizen. I do not impose on the rights of others and I require that they do not impose their views on me. The AR-15 has the same appearance as the M-16. That is another reason why I own one. To me it is a symbol of freedom. Its unmistakable silhouette is recognizable the world over.

Hell double trouble you done took all the good reasons up, I like my bushy because it just went up about 100.00.    And I like my Norman Police but unfortunately they can't be here johnnie on the spot and coordinate there times with the bad guys times.  

 So its up to me to make them look good!  So I think they would be proud of me ,kind of taking care of myself until they can get here to help me!


 Sound good?    Well that's my story and I'm sticking to it!

            Bob [:D]

Becuase I CAN.  (and chicks dig the preban!)

Because the Constitution implies that I am required to maintain the tools of the militia in my possession and I feel that an AR15 and adequate ammunition is the modern equivalent of the musket and powder horn.

Because Winston_Wolf made me cry with his post on the reasons for owning one.

Molon Labe!

I own an AR-15 because at age 18 I took an oath to support and defend the United States' Constitution against ALL enemies, foreign AND domestic.  'Nuff said.

Because my wife said, "If you buy that thing I'm leaving."  I bought three.

Because what if the police don't show up?  Your loved ones might look to you for protection against those who would do harm to you and your family. Think about your children, what if you couldn't protect them?

That is why I choose to be able to protect myself and my loved ones in the best manner possible.

well according to the news u can get one for 5-6 hundred

Because I cant afford a tank or an Apache attack helicopter.

BECAUSE I HAVE A ITTY BITTY PENIS, AND OWNING 25 "ASSAULT-RIFLES" PUTS ME IN TOUCH WITH MY MASCULINE SIDE. CAN I HAVE A HUG?

[X]

BECAUSE THE CONSTITUTION SAYS I HAVE THE RIGHT TO!!!!!!!!!!

Same reason as most of the other Californians on this board... because they said I couldnt own one.

BTW, wasnt SB23 going to get challenged in court???

To start off, many of my fellow posters have excellent reasons! Good for you guys/girls!

Why do I own an AR-15?

Because I live in a state that says i can own one, at least for the time bieng. I cannot have a Colt AR-15 or Sporter, but I own a Bushmaster XM-15. I can own an SKS with a 30 rounder but not an AK47. Ohhh, my bayonet lug on my SKS makes it a much more efficient killer than an AK with its evil pistol grip. Choke on that, gun grabbers.

I enjoy target shooting. I have since I first shot a BB gun when i was a kid. And when I got a .22 a few years later. I am proud of myself to be able to put a .233/1" piece of jacketed lead in a small spot of paint of my choosing on a piece of paper 100-300 yards away. My friends enjoy doing this with me. It is fun, we have a good time doing it. We are not monsters. We are good people.

I would use my rifle against the monsters to protect my family or myself if it came down to that. F**K DYING! If I have the means to defend what I hold close, than believe me I'm going to do it. I'm not going to sit idly by while someone breaks into my house after cutting the phonelines (thus giving me no access to emergency services), kills my children, and rapes my wife. No, it doesn't work like that. A real man defends his family to the death. It happens, but you cannot talk to the victims if they are dead. I'm not going to let X amount of years of hard work go down the toilet becuase some criminal high on PCP decides he needs to steal my TV and then sees other "targets of opportunity". When this happens, he is my target of opportunity. I don't know what the liberals think, but I'm not gunna snap someday and go kill 10 people. Give me a little more credit than that. I am a productive member of society and try not to do anything that would discredit that productiveness.

I also think it looks cool, if nothing else. My friends think its cool too. I have introduced many of them into shooting sports and have converted a few haters. They now shoot with me on a regular basis.

Because I got all these damn magazines and ammo that fit it.

Guns? I sold all my guns last month at the gun show. Got bored with em. [;)]