In my mind, the odds of my house being stormed by AR15 carrying thugs are about the same as me dying from Covid. Maybe if I lived in Detroit, Chicago or Baltimore I might think differently. I'm not aware that an AR-15 in the hands of a civilian has ever stopped a mass shooting with an AR-15.You're correct it was designed to be a lightweight, higher capacity weapon to the m1 garand, difference is the semi auto. Most hunting weapons are semi auto, see the ruger mini 14. Same weapon as an ar, just looks like a "hunting rifle" so nobody says a word, but they would want to ban the hi point 380 carbine, makes zero sense.
The main problem I see is that handguns are far and away the leading cause of gun violence in this country and everyone is focused on the "assault rifle". I said earlier if anyone wants to start with a ban, they shouldn't be taken seriously because A. They're worried about the 1% instead of the 99% B. It does nothing to address the root cause of these shootings and C. Like our friend sur has shown us, it doesnt stop there but will soon include all guns.
The DOJ has already said they dont know if the assault weapon worked or didnt so anyone spouting that it did is gravely mistaken.
I personally believe everyone has a right to defend themselves and their family and at this point there are so many "assault weapons" it has to be considered that citizens should be able to defend themselves against them, odd as that sounds. I have and have owned several ar's and it's not my go to for self defense in fact it just sits in the safe, but who am I to tell anyone what they can and cannot do for their family.
I don't know why some gun owners are so quick to defend the AR-15. Loss of the AR wouldn't impact anyone's ability to protect themselves, hunt or participate in sport shooting. To me it's an unnecessary weapon.
I think both sides put way too much value in the AR-15, many on the right put it on the pedestal of 2nd amendment rights and the left as THE reason for mass shootings and a ban as a cure-all.
Not trying to change your mind, just splaining my perspective,