A Motion - re: The Term "Assault Rifle"

[HoosierQ]

I move - for the purposes of conversation in this forum, that we accept that the term "Assault Rifle", despite the original definition which included selective fire, is here to stay and until we have another term for it which better defines the type of weapon, we allow people to use it without derision.

Is there a second for this motion?

Is there anyone who'd like to sponsor a motion to come up with an acceptable term for those semi-automatic civilian weapons most often referred to as "Assault Rifles" (and a definition to go with)? A term that would stick?

I just refer to my AR-15 as a semi-automatic rifle. When asked (which isn't often) if that's an "Assault Rifle" I just say, "that's what they're often called".

 

[Sam1911]

We've kicked that idea around quite a few times. "Homeland Defense Rifle" was a particularly entertaining one.

"Semi-Auto military rifle clone" is a bit more descriptive.

"EBR" is a favorite of mine. (That my rifles may be evil and black is a possibility I'm prepared to accept! )

The problem, though, is not that WE don't have a useful term to describe them. The problem is that society at large has been fed a term and a meme that places them in a certain negative (more or less) light, and there's probably very little we'll be able to do to displace that concept in the collective mind.

 

[LJ-MosinFreak-Buck]

I would have to disagree, because they aren't equipped with a selector (fun) switch.


~On The Road Again...~

 

[gripper]

I prefer " utility rifle".

 

[Sam1911]

I would have to disagree, because they aren't equipped with a selector (fun) switch.

Disagree, with whom?

Of course the term is incorrect. But that doesn't mean the term will fall out of favor on the basis of that technicality.

 

[SaxonPig]

No matter what we say, or do, or desire, the anti-gun media and anti-gun politicians appear to have won this fight and have made the inflammatory and incorrect term "assault rifle" (or "assault weapon" when including shotguns and handguns) acceptable.

I reject the need for any word to blanket all rifles, preferring instead to specifically identify the rifles in question. "Two shooters on the line were using AR15s while another was firing an AKM (the 47 is full auto)" is better than "Three shooters were using assault rifles."

I slouch corrected. I recall reading that AKM was the correct term for the semi-auto version. I guess the clumsy "Semi-auto AK47" would be correct.

 

[Sam1911]

...while another was firing an AKM (the 47 is full auto)

FWIW, an AKM is most certainly full-auto as well. In fact MOST "AK-47s" in the world are AKMs, as that's just the name for the updated stamped Kalashnikov design as adopted in 1959.

So we'll have to just go with "semi-auto AK clone" or something like that.

 

[Matthew Courtney]

We do not deride people when the make the mistake of allowing those who would disarm us to define things so ambigously that logic cannot prevail. We simply correct them, and rightfully so. For if we allow emotion, ambiguity, and the spirit of compromise to guide our choices here, we will soon find that we alone are making compromises and that we have nothing substantial left. So, no, we will not accept that term. When referencing AR- type rifles the term modular sporting semi-auto rifle is fine, as are other phrases others have mentioned.

 

[Iramo94]

For AK clones, I suggest "Comrade's Utility Instrument, for the Defence of the Fatherland."
CUIDF.

 

[danez71]

I vote for something like Military Style rifle. Mil-Sty

By inserting 'style', it keeps the description pervasive and fairly neultral.

Think about it, Hummers are a Mil-Sty vehicle. People dont call them 'Assault vehicles'

Camo shorts/pants are Mil-Sty; not assualt shorts/pants.


'Style' is everywhere. Its fashion. Its indiviguality.

They dont ban camo shorts, Hummers/Jeeps, blue hair, or those gauges some people put in their ears.



I do also like HDR (Homeland Defense Rifle).

IMO, it insinuates that we can help protect the country. However, most people think that we will never be attacked on our soil.


While I also kind of like EBR, the anti's are sure to latch onto that at some point in time and I dont think it portrays they right image.

 

[jaytex1969]

....."This is my BOOMSTICK!".....?

 

[303tom]

I purpose we call them what they are when we are talking about them, ie; AR-15, AR-10, M-16, AK-47, AK-74 ect, ect, ect....................

 

[Walkalong]

We have lost the battle in the media (Never had a chance), so all non gun enthusiasts call them assault rifles, and even many gun enthusiasts do as well.

When someone asks me if I have an assault rifle, I tell them no, I do not have any full auto stuff, but I do have a couple of semi auto lookalikes, and that full auto firearms are heavily controlled, very expensive, and much harder to get than semi autos. You cannot just walk into a gun shop and buy one, even if you have the money.

That gently counters all the lies the media puts forth every day.

I choose not to call them assault rifles.

 

[Vern Humphrey]

Let me speak in opposition -- never adopt the adversary's language. There's a reason they want to broaden the term "assault rifle" or "assault weapon" and we shouldn't help them.

 

[gym]

How about just Rifle, or Service type rifle.

 

[Hypnogator]

You mean, like, the ones that take 20- and 30-rd clips?

 

[Bill50]

I call them low-power rifles.

 

[Sky]

I vote for something like Military Style rifle. Mil-Sty

By inserting 'style', it keeps the description pervasive and fairly neultral.

Think about it, Hummers are a Mil-Sty vehicle. People dont call them 'Assault vehicles'

Camo shorts/pants are Mil-Sty; not assualt shorts/pants.


'Style' is everywhere. Its fashion. Its indiviguality.

They dont ban camo shorts, Hummers/Jeeps, blue hair, or those gauges some people put in their ears.



I do also like HDR (Homeland Defense Rifle).

Pretty good; I like the style thing and will use it if I get the chance!

Yes we have lost the battle but not necessarily the war. If every time we are published we use the term AR-15 Military style weapon then who knows in a century or two there will be guys complaining how the old out dated weapon is not really a military style weapon!!

 

[JohnBT]

"never adopt the adversary's language. There's a reason they want to broaden the term "assault rifle" or "assault weapon" and we shouldn't help them."

I agree completely. I also gently correct people when they use the wrong term and mention the additional cost of owning a real assault rifle.

John

 

[Library Guy]

Back in the 1980’s, advertising copy and gun magazines fully embraced the term ‘assault rifle’ to describe semi auto look alikes. It was only when the antis started using this nomenclature against us did the gun community back off from the term.

I like the name ‘militia rifle’ though sadly militia has earned a pejorative connotation over the years. Perhaps we might borrow a 19th century British term ‘volunteer rifle’ which was a commercially produced military type rifle but often with a few target refinements.

Semper Circa,
LG Roy

 

[Robert]

I call my AR Happy Fun Time...

 

[rule303]

How about we use the term the NSSF uses- "Modern Sporting Rifle"?

 

[Sky]

How about we use the term the NSSF uses- "Modern Sporting Rifle"?

Another good one!!^^^^^

 

[buck460XVR]

Makes no never mind to me.

 

[rromeo]

I disagree with Danes71, in regard to "military style."
That is another buzzword in the media these days. You often see reports of an "arsenal" that includes "military grade" ammunition.