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Guns and Gustav
We just got a call from Devline Rossell, a charter captain based out of Venice, Louisiana. He was shopping in New Orleans to get some supplies before the arrival of Gustav (currently listed as a tropical storm that has left at least 22 dead in the Caribbean) and reported that the item most in demand was not food, clothing or shelter.
“I just left a sporting goods store and you would think that the number-one selling item would be plywood or potable water or gasoline right now,” he said. “Apparently it is AR-15s and .223 ammo. I watched at least 20 people buy AR-15s and cases of .223.”
Can’t say I’m surprised. After the nightmare that was Katrina I think it would be unwise for anyone to assume the state, local or federal government could guarantee his or her personal safety during a natural disaster. Of course, I think it is foolish to assume that under any circumstance.
The AR buying spree demonstrates that people don’t think of it as an “assault weapon” but rather an arm that is ideally suited for self-defense, which it is. I also suspect that for some of the folks this is their first firearm. Goes to show that not only is there no such thing as an atheist in a foxhole but that there is no such thing as a gun-control advocate in one either.
—John Snow
Update: How would Obama feel about letting the citizens of New Orleans defend themselves with ARs? I doubt he'd approve.
Personally though I like the AR15 and have lots of experience with it (in combat and teaching), I would think that for what thos people need, a nice 12 gauge pump is what you want. Nothing sends the message in the dark to an intruder like racking back on a pump. "Make my night, idiot"
My wife won't let me have ammo in the house for grandpapy's pump, but I keep it in our second floor bedroom anyway. some sucker hears me rack it back and still wants to climb the stairs? well he's high on dope and we had a problem already anyway. there still is the butt stroke from hell waiting for him around the corner :)
Posted by: The Drill SGT | August 27, 2008 at 09:02 PM
They may consider it a defensive weapon, but some may be planning on looting with them. Heh.
I myself have only a lower that I asembled. Haven't decided on an upper yet.
Posted by: Rasputin | August 27, 2008 at 09:07 PM
I dunno, the charging handle on an AR makes a decent enough RAATTCCHHHT, and I dont think thugs in the dark are going to stop and ask themselves whether it was an AR-15 or a Mossberg they just heard.
Posted by: Citizen Grim | August 27, 2008 at 09:12 PM
On shotguns: assume most of these AR-15 buyers saw the Katrina aftermath first-hand, and want to prepare for a broader range of threats than the stereotypical single nighttime burglar. Though I own a (loaded) shotgun for basic home defense myself, I'm inclined to accept their judgement. In the LA riots, the SKS was used to great effect by Korean shopkeepers, for example.
Ideally they'd have both (and hopefully some do), but since they're buying at the last minute its not a bad choice.
Posted by: Saladman | August 28, 2008 at 02:01 AM
Katrina really showed that the State and Federal government is not your savior, or sometimes even your friend. When natural or man-made disasters happen, YOU are responsible for the safety and well-being of your family. No one else, you are responsible.
Many people learned that lesson.
Posted by: Donald | August 28, 2008 at 08:37 AM
The Ar15 is the perfect weapon for hurricane aftermath,zombie apocalypse,or just relaxing and shooting a few groundhogs. God smiles every time someone pulls the trigger on one.
Posted by: Cletus-The-Fetus | August 28, 2008 at 08:37 AM
The whole "racking the shot gun" makes bad guys pee their pants is a myth and a dangerous one. For the person holding an unloaded paper weight. Take your balls out of your wife's purse. Buy some ammo and learn how to use it. Don't make a threat you can't back up.
Further, I HIGHLY doubt most looters are going to spend $800 Plus to buy an AR to go looting.... Why drop nearly a grand on a carbine to go loot? Could they even pass the NICS check?? These are people who need some protection FROM looters. Wonder why they want a firearm that holds 30 rounds to a 12 gauge's 8? Also a 12 gauge is a piss poor firearm for most women and even with those you have to AIM, Patterns are VERY small at most self defense distances. Can't wait for some retard to recommend BIRD shot as the best defensive load.
Posted by: Realist | August 28, 2008 at 08:41 AM
.22LR & a .38 is all that's needed with the right wheelbarrow.
Bama smokes pole.
Posted by: Bama Sucks | August 28, 2008 at 08:42 AM
"My wife won't let me have ammo in the house for grandpapy's pump, but I keep it in our second floor bedroom anyway."
How nice... Does she let you check your balls in and out like a library book...?
Posted by: Observer | August 28, 2008 at 08:43 AM
I know I wouldn't be messin' with nobody after I heard a shotgun rack. I'd grab a few Heines from the fridge and GTFO!
Posted by: Lootie | August 28, 2008 at 08:46 AM
Never fear Nagin is here.
Bama smokes Nagins pole
Posted by: Bama blows Nagin | August 28, 2008 at 08:51 AM
F-AROCK
Posted by: Lootie | August 28, 2008 at 08:52 AM
Now that Heinie has those Mini-kegs, my brother and I have a much easier time floating someone else's beer down the street.
Posted by: Lootie's Brother | August 28, 2008 at 08:56 AM
Lock up your Heinekens.
Posted by: Mayor Nagin | August 28, 2008 at 08:56 AM
They'll only put their eye out.
Posted by: Imbroglio | August 28, 2008 at 08:58 AM
I'll hide in my bathroom.
Posted by: helio | August 28, 2008 at 09:11 AM
Just don't let the idiots in the govt. confiscate those nice new AR's and precious ammo. Buy plenty of mags. Stay safe.
If a guy named Dave and the last name A comes to "help" from the .govt disengage disengage disengage. He's probably there to do whatever the govt. "official" told him to.
Dave sucks govt. cock
Posted by: IBD_A the goverment slave | August 28, 2008 at 09:20 AM
"My wife won't let me have ammo in the house for grandpapy's pump, but I keep it in our second floor bedroom anyway"
Awesome, Dude !! You showed her. I'll bet you even get all crazy now and then and walk around with your shirt un-tucked.
Posted by: NachoMama | August 28, 2008 at 09:25 AM
Buy some bird shoot for your shotty, it is the best self defense ammo there is is.
Posted by: steve | August 28, 2008 at 09:27 AM
Wait, they weren't buying 1000 mags? They're Fooked after the first wave of Looty-Zombies!
DkProf does small d*cks.
Posted by: Hitcher5 | August 28, 2008 at 09:30 AM
#7 1/2 shot from a shotgun is a very effective home defense round. You don't even have to aim. The shot will likely hit the bad guy in the rear end though because racking that 12 gauge will make them poop their pants and run.
Posted by: KeithJ | August 28, 2008 at 09:42 AM
Anyone interested in learning about this fine firearm should go to http://www.ar15.com
I spend entirely too much time there.
Posted by: squatdog - full power shot | August 28, 2008 at 09:53 AM
Don't forget to blade away at a 45 degree angle to the attacker.
Posted by: brady campaign | August 28, 2008 at 09:56 AM
87...All they need is 87
Posted by: FUAROCK | August 28, 2008 at 09:59 AM
Ar15.com is a bunch of lazy keyboard commandos that think they are gods to the world. in reality they are as gay as the sperm burping mothers they came from. If they were threatened they would post it first then cry "where's the police", then take a shower and eat a cookie while getting ass raped by AROCK. Bunch of womenz.
Posted by: ARFCOM is fo sucka's | August 28, 2008 at 10:01 AM