So I'd like to understand how an AR-15 is different than most other semi-auto rifles or handguns for that matter? You're right it isn't.
In 1907 you could order a Winchester model 1907, A high powered centerfire rifle with detachable high capacity magazines, from the Sears catalog. And it was shipped via USPS.
There are an estimated 400 million firearms in the united states, over 20 million of those are AR styled rifles.
But somehow it's now an AR problem? Wrong, this is a societal problem.
77% of all mass shootings have been done with handguns, not AR / semi-auto rifles.
Take cars away from people. Because they may use it and kill someone while driving drunk. That is attacking the symptom and not the problem.
Relax HIPAA laws so that doctors are required to red flag patients that pose a potential threat to the public.
Make insurance companies pay for mental health services.
Like a local county here just passed, they are putting in bulletproof vestibules in all of their schools that they can lock criminals in when they come to do harm to kids. Just like banks have.
If teachers don't want to carry, then train, certify and pay people to carry and protect our kids in schools. I know a lot of people that are out of work that would love to help protect the kids.
There are a number of things that could have a big impact. But people have a difficult time separating emotion from real facts and logic. I get it I am pissed too!
However, new legislation and banning firearms will have no impact at this point. There are just too many out there and they have no idea where they are.
My 2 cents