The issue of gun violence in America has been a highly debated topic, with both sides of the political spectrum offering various solutions. One popular proposal that has gained traction is a ban on AR-15s, a type of semi-automatic rifle that has been used in several high-profile mass shootings. However, while this proposal may seem like a common-sense solution, a ban on AR-15s is unlikely to solve the gun problem in America.
Firstly, it is important to note that AR-15s account for only a small fraction of gun deaths in America. In fact, handguns are responsible for the majority of gun deaths in the country. A 2018 report from the Center for American Progress found that handguns were used in 65% of gun homicides in America, while rifles, including AR-15s, were responsible for only 4% of gun homicides. This means that even if a ban on AR-15s were to be implemented, it would only have a marginal impact on overall gun violence in the country.
Moreover, a ban on AR-15s would likely not be effective in reducing mass shootings. This is because a ban on a specific type of firearm would not address the root causes of mass shootings, such as mental illness and access to firearms. A determined individual could still obtain a firearm through illegal means, or they could simply use a different type of firearm to carry out their attack. In fact, several mass shootings in America, such as the Virginia Tech shooting and the San Bernardino shooting, were carried out using handguns, not AR-15s.
Another issue with a ban on AR-15s is that it could lead to a slippery slope of further gun restrictions. Once a ban on a specific type of firearm is implemented, it could set a precedent for further bans on other types of firearms. This could eventually lead to a situation where all firearms are banned, which would infringe upon the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding citizens who use firearms for self-defense, hunting, and sport shooting.
Furthermore, a ban on AR-15s would not address the issue of illegal firearms. Many firearms used in crimes are obtained illegally, often through straw purchases or theft. A ban on AR-15s would do nothing to prevent these illegal firearms from being used in crimes, as criminals are unlikely to follow the law.
In conclusion, while a ban on AR-15s may seem like a reasonable solution to the gun problem in America, it is unlikely to be effective. AR-15s account for only a small fraction of gun deaths in the country, and a ban on a specific type of firearm would not address the root causes of gun violence. Instead, efforts should be focused on addressing mental health issues, improving background checks, and enforcing existing gun laws to prevent firearms from falling into the wrong hands.
