Today there are army reasons for gun ownership. Scholars have found that prior to the writing of the amendment, a right to have firearms for hunting, target shooting, self-defense or any other purpose unrelated to a state militia was not discussed. (Roleff 1997).
Automatic weapons are guns, which fire multiple each rounds with each pull of the trigger, much like a rapid-fire machine gun. Semi-automatic weapons are guns, which fire only one round per trigger pull. (Roleff 2000).
Semi-automatic guns have been sold to the general public for decades. Hunters, target shooters, and collectors purchase semi-automatic guns. (McCuen 1991).
People that have guns kill a lot of people in the United States every year. (Katz 1974).
An example of people using guns to hurt people would be at the day care in North Valley Jewish Community Center in Granada Hills, CA (outlying Los Angeles area), where Burford O.Furrow Jr. opened fire. Five people were wounded at the daycare and another person was killed elsewhere. ("What Must Be Done." 1999).
In the new NEWSWEEK poll, 63% of Americans say it is very or somewhat likely that a shooting incident could happen at their local schools. ("Anatomy of a Massacre." 1999) .
Some statistics about firearms include:.
-The Untied States ranks #1 in firearm deaths per 100,000 people; Brazil is second and Mexico third - all with over 12 deaths per 100,000; Finland ranks fourth with less than 7 deaths per 100,000 people. ("America's Weapons of Choice." 1999).
-In 1997 about 8,000 people were killed by people using handguns, about 500 people were killed with shotguns, and another 500 people were killed with rifles. ("America's Weapons of Choice." 1999).
-Smith and Wesson 0.38 caliber revolvers were traced to 8,096 crimes in 1998; the 0.380 caliber pistol from Lorcin Engin was traced to 5,746 crimes; the other 7 guns listed were each traced to less than 5,000 crimes. ("America's Weapons of Choice.