[Finch]

I tried doing a search cut I couldn't find anything to answer my questions. I'm 20 and going into the Marines once I get my associates (one more semester). I want to get an AR-15 before going in, for practice, knowledge, and to get a general feel for a rifle of that type. But I'm a little confused on some laws. Would a Semi-automatic AR-15 be classified as a rifle, or an assault rifle. I live in Nevada and as far as I know I can legally own rifles and shotguns. So would an AR-15 fall under as a rifle I can own? :confused:

Thanks in advance.

[Baba Louie]

Finch,

An Ar-15 can be purchased through an FFL by anyone with a clean record over the age of 18. All it takes is money.

As to classifying it, I'd call it a semi-automatic rifle. Sarch Brady and several Senator types will call it an "Assault (rifle) Weapon" since its black, has a pistol grip, a detachable magazine and early models come with both the dreaded bayonet lug and flash suppressor at the muzzle. Newer models have omitted the lug and suppressor, and some were renamed from AR-15 to Sporter, etc (as if that makes a difference).

It's no different in its firing characteristics than that of a Ruger Mini-14 as it fires the same round in roughly the same fashion. One has been banned in California as an assault weapon, the other is not (yet).

Many purists feel that a true assault weapon has a selector switch that allows you to choose semi or full auto fire and might fire some form of shortened cartridge as opposed to an honest to goodness machine gun cartridge. Usually a shorter range weapon as opposed to a "Battle Rifle")

If you want one, go buy one. It doesn't have to be a Colt or Armalite, several other makers mfg. the same rifle.

Hope that helped a little.

Adios

[Finch]

I appreciate it. I was just concerned about the legalities of purchasing one. Time to start saving....

[Carnitas]

If you really want to be prepared do this.

Go to here http://www.polite-society.org/forum/forumdisplay.php?s=&forumid=61 and buy a "Gray" certificate to Front Sight. You can also get certs at FSCerts.com and sometimes on ebay.

FS is just north of you between Vegas and Pahrump. The cert should cost between $200 and $300 and is good for any 4 day introductory class at FS. That's Handgun, Shotgun, or Rifle. Training for $75 a day is a spanking deal. When I was there earlier in the year the Lead Rifle Instructor was a retired USMC Rifle Instructor. I'm sure if you tell him what you're up to he'll make sure you're so squared away on rifle that your DI will kiss you.

Actually, you might be better off holding off on the purchase of a private weapon and use the money for the class. You can make arrangements to borrow one of FS's guns for the class. When you go in the service your personally owned weapon will have to be left at home, but the training you will be able to take with you.

[Hkmp5sd]

Here we have the pre-ban "Semi-Automatic Assault Weapon" http://www.danddsales.com/UziNewSite/Images/AR.jpg

And here is the post-ban "Sporting" rifle.
http://www.danddsales.com/UziNewSite/Images/pcr.jpg

As you can see, it is quite simple to distinguish the "rapid fire, high capacity, able to shoot with one hand, military style, preferred weapon of drug users and gang bangers, designed to inflict horrible wounds" combat killing machine from the common, everyday target shooting rifle.

[Mark Tyson]

Thank God they removed the bayonet lug from that thing. Don't you know what those things do to kids?

[Standing Wolf]

Hkmp5sd:

Thanks for the clarification, eh? I'll sleep better tonight knowing the nation is safe from bayonet lugs and flash hiders.

[Wiley]

Finch,

Save your money!

Within a few weeks of enlisting you will be introduced to someone who will give you a rifle, gently teach you how to carry it, clean it and, shoot it. FOR FREE! Just because they are a nice person.

Seriously, if you go to a local range you should be able to rent or borrow an M16 type and run off a magazine or two. Don't do too much as the above mentioned 'nice person' will have to correct improper habits that you've picked up.

[Sleeping Dog]

I agree with Wiley - save your money.

To prepare for Marines:

Get 2 bricks. Duct-tape one at each end of a broomstick. Hang on to that, and run for a couple of miles. And more miles. and faster miles. And uphill miles. That will help some.

Your instructors will take care of the rest.

Regards.

[Hkmp5sd]

Guess I'm on the otherside of the coin. I'm all for getting an AR (or any rifle) and learning to shoot properly now. Emphasis on the "properly". Just because they are military and instructors doesn't mean everything you will be taught in bootcamp is good and correct. And while you're at it, get some trigger-time on a Beretta.