Slate.com
But the AR-15 is not ideal for the hunting and home-defense uses that
the NRA’s Keene cited today. Though it can be used for hunting, the
AR-15 isn’t really a hunting rifle. Its standard .223 caliber ammunition
doesn’t offer much stopping power for anything other than small game.
Hunters themselves find the rifle controversial, with some arguing
AR-15-style rifles empower sloppy, “spray and pray” hunters to waste
ammunition. As one hunter put it in the comments section of an article
on americanhunter.org, “I served in the military and the M16A2/M4 was
the weapon I used for 20 years. It is first and foremost designed as an
assault weapon platform, no matter what the spin. A hunter does not need
a semi-automatic rifle to hunt, if he does he sucks, and should go play
video games. I see more men running around the bush all cammo'd up with
assault vests and face paint with tricked out AR's. These are not
hunters but wannabe weekend warriors.”
In terms of repelling a home invasion—which is what most people mean
when they talk about home defense—an AR-15-style rifle is probably less
useful than a handgun. The AR-15 is a long gun, and can be tough to
maneuver in tight quarters. When you shoot it, it’ll
overpenetrate—sending bullets through the walls of your house and
possibly into the walls of your neighbor’s house.
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