Proof that AR-15s have a "legitimate hunting or sporting use"?

[Fryerpower]

There is a guy who posts under the name "X" on one of the AK forums that uses an AK-74 to deer hunt. Seems to work well. Maybe it is the rifle. Maybe it is his trusty hunting partner "War Poodle." 5.45x39 is plenty for what he hunts.

Jim

 

[Skribs]

I think we all need to learn to respond to the anti's with statements like this: Well that is an interesting question, but I disagree with the underlying principle... and then proceed to explain that 2A is not about hunting and so forth.

I agree with this. However, if we can point out MORE fallacies in the anti-gun argument, the better. After explaining it's not about hunting, you can say "even if you think it's about hunting and sports, the AR-15 is a very popular hunting rifle and is the most common rifle used in most target and action shooting." So even people who accept the premise of "legitimate hunting or sporting use" should be able to accept the AR-15.

 

[ExTank]

I posted these links in a recent message-board discussion in which it was vigorously asserted that the AR-15 has no legitimate sporting purpose:

F&S Picks the 25 Best AR-Style Rifles.

The AR-15 Platform As A Hunting Rifle.

Deer hunting with an AR-15 rifle?

 

[cfullgraf]

It's supposed to be a great varmint rifle.

But.

Don't accept the premise in the first place.

An 11 pound, 24 inch barreled AR-15 with a 20x scope that shoots sub 1/2 MOA is a great varmint rifle.

 

[tmtmtl]

This may not be the right place for this question but does anyone know anywhere that may have a AR style rifle in 338 Federal caliber available to purchase? Everyone seems to be out of stock right since Obama is trying to outlaw them again but I would think someone somewhere has to have one for sale someplace. Thanks to anyone with any ideas…..

 

[palmrose2]

I finally brought my Saiga 7.62x39 back to it's intended configuration this fall. Two shots, two deer. A wonderful little gun.

 

[Pismopal]

We do not need to fall into the trap..and that is what it is, of justifying ownership of a firearm by citing a particular "legitimate"application. If someone manufactured it..it has an application. Some of us hunt..some have them for self and home defense..and some collect and don't even shoot. It is none of their phuuqing business what I have or why as long as I am not a criminal of a felon. This crap is self defeating. Some people own exotic automobiles that they don't drive..they own them for the pleasure of ownership. They don't need to justify a legitimate use and we should not be even discussing this with anti gun idiots.

 

[1911 guy]

If they're open to debating the "sporting purposes" of a particular firearm, I see no need to deprive them of the information regarding the modular nature of the AR-15. If, however, they are just looking for an excuse to ban "scary" guns, then slap them in face with the "It's not about hunting" argument.

Then start telling them all the other things .gov wants to ban or regulate. That pack of Marlboros he just opened and lit one? $4,500 annual tax on smokers (age 50. it varies with age) beginning 2014. Let it sink in while they stew in their hypocrasy.

 

[okiewita40]

I was in the process of pricing a 6.8 upper for a new AR when this whole thing started. It was going to be my Deer/Hog hunting rifle. So trying to tell me an AR has no sporting purpose. Makes as much sense as says the people in washington d.c. are able to save money.

 

[CGT80]

Go to a 3 gun match. I have shot the local 3 gun match twice now. I only saw on rifle that was not an AR-15. It was mine-a Mini 14 Target Model with a Weaver 6-20x42 scope.

I beat about half the guys in my squad on the rapid fire accuracy stage. They had an advantage with weight and muzzle rise, and maneuverability. This was last November. This month, I used my new (well, used) AR-15. It was a 20" H-bar with stock hand guards and an A2 stock. After the match last weekend, I had the barrel turned down to a medium profile rather than Hbar, had it cut to 18" and a free float hand guard and comp installed. I run a Cmore sight because I already had the optic. Unfortunately the match for tomorrow was canceled due to rain, otherwise I would be competing with mine.

It was easy to modify the AR-15 to my needs. My Mini was bought, and designed to be shot only with a scope and it was made for precision shots in which the gun didn't have to be small or light weight. It is very well suited for shooting from the bench, which was my intended use when I bought it.

The Antis don't think and don't want to admit that AR-15's have a legitimate use. Not knowing is not believing.

Want to know the truth? As of two months ago, I didn't see a big need for an AR-15 either. I didn't have a problem with them, but it seemed like it was just the new fad. I shot a few and didn't mind them. When I tried 3 gun, I learned that they may have a purpose for me. Knowing that, I jumped on the band wagon when I heard of possible new bans. It pushed my schedule for buying one, as much as a year sooner than expected. I am now very glad I pulled the trigger. I still have and like my Mini, but I really do love my AR.

I really wish I cold run without the stupid bullet button and that I could use 30 round mags in 3 gun.

Sporting with guns pretty much sums up a big part of my way of life. I don't wish to hunt and I hope not to have to shoot a person. I have been addicted to competitive pistol shooting for 3 years, now rifles and shotguns too. My semi auto skeet shotgun (Benelli Super Sport) isn't well suited for 3 gun. It holds only 5 rounds and is very long. I make due with it, for 3 gun. One of those evil assault shotguns would be great for competition. The Saga is popular with some people, in competition, as are the Benellis with extended mags and short barrels.

I have fired 0 rounds towards animals or people, and maybe 60-100k rounds for fun/pleasure and skill building. I have 30k through my XD competition pistol. Sporting is my primary use, but the right to defend myself against attackers, including a tyrannical government, is my most important reason for owning fire arms. I do have other hobbies, but they will not protect me from harm, the way firearms will.

 

[paintballdude902]

3 gun is a sport

 

[9mmfan]

Oh my goodness. I had a regular (I run a bar), bring this up a couple days ago. My reply was target shooting, hunting and just plain fun. He asked if'n I had ever shot an animal. I said no, but I understand how it works. He said he had, and said it never goes the way you plan. At this point, I was done with the convo, but felt the need to explain buck fever to the guy. If you are not 100% sure, you do not take the shot. He also said the .223 would tear the guts out of whatever you shoot, as well as queer the meat. Followed it up with ".30-06 will do the job." I pointed out that the -06 was a much more powerful round, he agreed. Made me wonder what he had been drinking up until that point.

 

[CDW4ME]

Here is proof x2

My boys who were age 7 & 9 last fall both shot their fist deer with a .223 AR
They could not have hunted without the adjustable stock, even a "youth size" bolt action rifle was too big.
The semi-auto action in combination with light kicking .223 allowed for the practice needed without getting thumped too hard (by kid standards).

The bullet used (both times) was a Nosler 60 gr. Partition at just over 2,800 fps, my handload.
Both deer were 15 yards (or less) away and both were one shot kills.
Both hunters used a Windham SRC with Bushnell TRS red-dot.

AR's are used for hunting and can sometimes be the best tool for the job!

 

[Nikdfish]

Logic & reason, unfortunately, will not carry the day in this issue. Read some of the documents they put out regarding sporting use in relation to the earlier bans & import limitations.

They actually state that being usable or even well suited to a sporting use does not mean a given weapon meets the "sporting use" criteria. They pretty much say that

They also include comments that practical shooting competitions "aren't really a sport", that they too closely resemble military or law enforcement training exercises...

Nick

 

[CDW4ME]

No, the 2nd is not dependent on hunting or sporting use.

However, the question as to whether a .223 AR is suitable for deer hunting was answered.

 

[bldsmith]

My personal choice. 30 round mag and suppressed

 

[CGT80]

3 gun is a sport

Care to elaborate? Did you agree or disagree with my post?

OP asked for proof that AR's have "legitimate hunting or sporting use."

 

[Queen_of_Thunder]

What we need is pictures of hunters,their pray and their AR sent to politicans as proof that the AR is a hunting rifle.

Imagine if you will a youtube video of an AR owner demonstrating how flexable the AR system is.
Switching to a 22lr upper for plinking.
Switching to a 223 upper for target practice or competition.
Switching to a 6.5 upper for hunting.
Switching to a _______ upper for _______.

I think there are some 40+ calibers that the AR system
can host. A youtube video of such switching out should finally educate many of the anti's as they simply are ignorant about the AR.

I would also like to point out the loss of JOBS such a ban will have plus the loss of tax revenue to all levels of government. You can also say goodby to conservation areas that recieve funding from every gun and box of ammo sold. Who do you think will have to pay up to replace that money.

 

[Lincoln4]

Go to most any "AR" forum, look up the hunting section and start printing photos... Varmits, hogs, deer, bear, musk ox... You look hard enough and you'll find all these and more are being taken with ARs in various calibers.

 

[BADUNAME37]

I frequently use my AR to hunt deer, black bear and coyote. I just load a different round other than military ball ammo.

 

[Tirod]

The "legitimate" purpose is rhetoric meant to stir things up. It's the bolt and lever guns that are the problem - I've tried them and found out for myself. They are 100 year old antiquated designs steeped in tradition - not effective modern actions for current use.

I started hunting in the 1970's with an HK91 with red dot Aimpoint, and was successful with it for 18 years. I also trained with the M16 during my 22 years in the Army Reserve, and always qualified with it, too. In the meantime, I bought a Remington 700 with scope, and a Winchester 94. They didn't bring home deer for me.

That was directly related to the evil assault gun being easier to sight and fire. If I needed a follow up shot, I wasn't delayed by losing the sight picture to work the bolt. That takes valuable seconds when the quarry may be bounding away. Combat or hunting, it's not good.

The AR is safer because it DOES have a detachable magazine. It can be loaded more easily without jamming the action, and it can be unloaded more easily - drop the mag, pull the charging handle back, it's now completely empty. A bolt or lever gun has to be repeatedly cycled to clear the magazine, closing the bolt on a cocked action. How many times has it been posted that a hunting accident occurred clearing the weapon of rounds?

The AR therefore is the better, safer hunting rifle. Exactly why I built one, and why anyone saying they aren't "needed" for hunting is obviously parroting an agenda, not facts. We would be better off with them - it's the bolt and lever guns that need to be outlawed. They're dangerous curios and relics.