Anytime shootings happen between family members, it’s a tragic situation. But when a mother has to shoot her own son in a self-defense situation, it somehow seems even more tragic.
That’s exactly what happened in November in Bethel Township, Pennsylvania. According to a report at Local21news.com, a 64-year-old woman called the police to report she had just shot her son, who had broken into her home. When officers arrived at the residence on Little Mountain Road, they found 32-year-old Sean Clemens in the basement, dead of multiple bullet wounds.
According to investigators, Clemens had a long history of illegal drug use. Often, while under the influence of amphetamines, he would become agitated and aggressive, the woman told investigators.
Clemens had lived with the woman until recently when he completed a rehabilitation program and moved to nearby Lebanon County. The woman told investigators that on the morning of the shooting, Clemens unexpectedly showed up at her house and demanded she let him inside. Realizing he was high and agitated, she refused.
According to investigators, Clemens was eventually able to gain access through an unlocked basement door. Once he was inside the house, his mother confronted him, they argued and she shot him several times.
According to the Local21news.com report, Clemens had been involved with law enforcement several times over the last dozen years, including for violent crimes and drug offenses. An autopsy revealed that he had high levels of methamphetamine in his system at the time of his death.
On December 17, Berks County District Attorney John Adams announced that no charges would be filed against the mother. In reviewing reports from both Berks County detectives and Bethel Township Police, Adams determined that the shooting appeared to be an act of self-defense.
Pennsylvania has very strong self-defense laws, including both a Stand-Your-Ground statute and a Castle Doctrine law. The self-defense statute states: “The use of force upon or toward another person is justifiable when the actor believes that such force is immediately necessary.”
The Stand-Your-Ground statute states that you can use proportional force to defend yourself if you are not engaged in criminal activity and you reasonably believe you are in danger of death, serious bodily injury, kidnapping or sexual intercourse. You have no duty to retreat if you are in a place you are lawfully allowed to be, such as your home or vehicle.
Additionally, the state’s Castle Doctrine states that you can use deadly force if someone is unlawfully entering or removing you from your home, work, or occupied vehicle. The Castle Doctrine also applies to occupied vehicles and workplaces under certain conditions.
U.S. Representative Barry Moore from Alabama has joined Representative Eric Burlison of Missouri in co-sponsoring a bill that seeks to dismantle and shut down the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). In the past, I have been skeptical of this idea as eliminating the agency does not necessarily put an end to some of the amoral legislation it enforces, and moving these duties over to the FBI would be like complaining that your 3rd-grade teacher is unfair and replacing them with the Gestapo. However, Burlison and Moore have a different solution in mind, suggesting that the ATF’s authority revert to individual states.
While most supporters of the Second Amendment could care less about who has the authority to infringe on their rights and are more concerned with them not being violated in the first place, myself included, this opens up some options. As Americans, we have the right to choose which state we live in and which local economies we support. If we can’t vote candidates into office who will respect and defend the Constitution, we can always seek a better life in a state that does. That’s what I did. Let the criminals have their soft target states, and let those places become even less desirable. See how it works out for them. Yeah, I can get on board with this plan.
“I am proud to stand with my friend Eric Burlison as a co-sponsor of HR374, the ‘Abolish the ATF Act.’ The ATF has repeatedly violated Americans’ Second Amendment rights, and it’s time to put an end to this unconstitutional overreach,” said Moore in a post on his X account.
The ATF was established in 1972 to regulate and enforce federal laws concerning the manufacture, sale and possession of firearms, ammunition, explosives, alcohol and tobacco. However, many see them as having gone rogue, legislating via the implementation of “rules,” either on their own or being weaponized at the direction of a sitting administration, a practice that has seen the agency admonished for exceeding its statutory authority by the United States Supreme Court.
“The ATF is a disaster,” Burlison told Fox News Digital while expressing that the “disaster agency” has “been violating the…Second Amendment.”
“I think at the end of the day, this agency needs to be abolished, and we need to let the states police what happens to the states,” he added.
“ATF provides enormous benefits to the American public through all of its efforts fighting violent crime every day,” said the ATF spokesperson to Fox News Digital.
This, however, is like praising the agency for stopping the purse-snatching of an elderly woman while ignoring that they blew up a senior living facility right afterward. I’m not averse to pointing out when the ATF does work in the best interest of Americans, and I do from time to time when they help FFLs secure their facilities from robberies and when they apprehend dangerous criminals, but that isn’t enough to absolve them from their unconstitutional sins. With the incoming Trump administration, a growing list of federal agencies may be on the chopping block, or at least up for some serious Department of Government Efficiency restructuring from the likes of Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy. It will be a great time to be alive if we actually get to see this happen, as running roughshod over Americans’ freedom with unmannerly impunity has overstayed its welcome, and it’s high time we see a peaceful and orderly refreshing of the tree of liberty.
In what might have been his last major grandstanding event concerning gun control, President Joe Biden on December 14 used the 12th anniversary of the horrible mass murder at Sandy Hook High School in Connecticut to brag about his few anti-gun accomplishments and call for more restrictive firearms laws.
“With the strength of this emboldened movement by our side, we have made historic progress to reduce gun violence over the past four years,” Biden said at the press conference, where he outlined what he called the administration’s “accomplishments.”
Among those, of course, was the creation of the first White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention, a farce of a federal office whose name is even based on a core fallacy that when criminals used lawfully produced, legally sold firearms for illegal means, what results is “gun violence,” not criminal violence. That allows Biden and other soft-on-crime Democrats to continue to coddle criminals while blaming the gun and lawful gun owners for the country’s criminal violence problems.
It’s likely—and we can certainly all hope—that the White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention isn’t long for this world with President Donald Trump moving back into the White House. Many observers speculate that one of President Trump’s first actions might be to immediately close the office.
Other Biden “accomplishments,” namely the multiple executive orders he put into place concerning everything from redefining what was a “firearm” to changing the definition of who is “engaged in the business” of selling firearms, are also likely on the way out soon. Not only have several of those actions already been found to be unconstitutional, but President Trump can undo them just as fast as Biden executed them.
That leaves what Biden considers his one crowning accomplishment concerning gun control—passage of the so-called Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (BSCA)—which some turncoat Republicans supported and allowed to become law. Since then, the Justice Department has worked to put some ill-thought-out provisions of that law into effect, in the process making no one safer but life more inconvenient for lawful gun owners.
With Republicans retaining control of the U.S. House of Representatives and gaining control of the U.S. Senate in last month’s elections, that law might also be on the way out. In fact, if pro-gun groups get their way, Congress next year will not only be working to get rid of some of America’s restrictive gun laws but also put more laws into place that protect the Second Amendment rights of gun owners.
Not only does Biden not seem to be aware that his legacy of gun control as president is nearly nonexistent—thanks to pro-gun groups and gun owners around the country—but he also doesn’t seem to understand that most of the “accomplishments” he did make will soon be relegated to the dustbin of history.
With that in mind, he made one more plea for Congress to “do something,” even as his own party put forth such a bad candidate for president that the Democrats managed to lose the Senate, too.
“Congress has an obligation to ‘do something’ in order to protect our children and communities from this scourge of gun violence,” the president said.
To that, we can only reply with what we are all looking forward to saying on January 20 of next year: “Don’t let the door hit you in the ass.”
California became the first state to enact medical marijuana legislation in 1996 with the Compassionate Use Act, followed in the next four years by Oregon, Alaska, Washington, Maine, Hawaii, Nevada and Colorado. Ultimately, this led to Colorado being the first state to legalize marijuana for recreational use in 2014. Since then, many states have shifted their status to fully legalized, medical use and decriminalized, medical use only, decriminalized, and a few states where the main psychoactive component of cannabis, THC, is allowed to be present only in trace amounts in conjunction with CBD products. As of 2024, only four states remain that completely outlaw marijuana use: Wyoming, Idaho, South Carolina and Kansas. Beginning on January 1, 2025, Kentucky will be the next state to legalize marijuana for medical use, however, throughout the years the federal government, despite its practice of selective prosecution, has remained firmly on the side of the cannabis remaining a controlled substance.
The disparity between state and federal stances on the subject creates a conflict, but only really where it is convenient for the government. Let me explain. Despite brick-and-mortar cannabis dispensaries having opened up across many states, we don’t see the DEA going through the phonebook raiding these businesses one after another. The truth is that the government doesn’t care if you get stoned and wipe out the local Pizza Hut inventory, as people who use cannabis products tend to be pretty “chill,” which the feds see as compliant and relatively harmless. In fact, there is talk about the federal government eventually moving to legalize marijuana as a whole, but hold on to your hats on that one, my friends, because we’re about to talk about the selective nature of the government and gain some understanding on why they have not pursued federal charges against marijuana businesses throughout the nation.
Purchasing a firearm normally requires an ATF Form 4473 to be filled out, a process that Kentuckians are about to discover comes with some complications. Make no mistake, this is by design. Now that marijuana use has become so widespread in the U.S., the feds are doing a great job reminding states and gun owners that citizens must choose one or another, with a qualifying question on Form 4473 specifically addressing the matter.
“Are you an unlawful user of, or addicted to, marijuana or any depressant, stimulant, narcotic drug, or any other controlled substance? Warning: The use or possession of marijuana remains unlawful under Federal law regardless of whether it has been legalized or decriminalized for medicinal or recreational purposes in the state where you reside.”
If you check yes in the box next to this question, a licensed dealer is prohibited from selling you a firearm under federal law. But that isn’t where the agenda ends, as federal law also prohibits current gun owners from maintaining their firearms if they possess a medical marijuana card or use the substance recreationally.
“You cannot possess firearms and ammunition and also be a user of marijuana…They’re not expected to, but if they wish to follow federal law and not be in violation of it, then they need to make the decision to divest themselves of those firearms,” says ATF Special Agent AJ Gibes.
Violation of this federal law could subject American gun owners to prison time and a fine of up to $250,000, however, Gibes states that such charges are only likely to be pursued in connection with another felony being committed.
“We are not actively seeking and working solely on investigations involving just the possession of firearms and marijuana because of our finite resources,” says Gibes.
Perhaps that’s true for now, but you better bet that lists are being made as I type this. Do you really trust anything .gov tells you after reading the plain text of the Second Amendment and seeing how they have trampled that with brazen disregard?
Kentuckians, like any Americans living in states with marijuana legalized in some form, will have to face a decision between marijuana use and their right to bear arms if they wish to follow the law, unlike some criminals in our legislative, judicial and enforcement communities who violate their oath to the Constitution with impunity on a daily basis.
“I think the federal government, in the near future, needs to figure out how the Second Amendment and marijuana are going to coexist…Because it already is coexisting and it’s just going to be more prevalent in the near future” according to Ryan Crider, owner of Axolotl Arms in Louisville.
The Smith & Wesson M&P series of handguns is one I’ve found exceptionally ergonomic and subjectively handsome over the years while browsing the local gun counter. Even so, it has shockingly evaded me at the range, where everything I need to know about its performance and functionality has remained a mystery. Not one to blame things on guns, this one was really my fault. That’s why I didn’t hesitate when Smith & Wesson asked if I’d review the Performance Center M&P9 M2.0 Full Size Metal Carry Comp.
Smith & Wesson doesn’t aim to wow you with their relatively unexciting cardboard presentation, but the box isn’t why we’re here, so I won’t spend any more time on it. The contents did not disappoint. Aside from the main course of compensated striker-fired 9mm, we get two 17-round magazines, seven optics plates with hardware, a really nice cleaning kit, and four interchangeable palmswell inserts in small, medium, medium/large, and large.
The ported stainless steel slide is nicely machined and finished in black Armornite, a nitride-based internal and external treatment used by Smith & Wesson. Manipulating the action on the Performance Center Metal Carry Comp is effortless in any condition thanks to aggressive slide cuts providing exceptional grip. Iron sights provided on this M&P feature a blacked-out and serrated U-notch in the rear with a bright night sight in the front. The sight picture is easy to pick up, likely aided by the comfortable 18-degree grip angle making this handgun very easy to point.
Speaking of sights, this Performance Center M&P is optic-ready and ships with a set of plastic mounting plates for a variety of optic footprints. There has been some discussion regarding the durability of the plastic plates, however, as is the case more times than I can remember, I suspect these issues have to do with over-torquing. I didn’t have a spare optic to mount this time, but I recommend using blue Loctite and not cranking down past 12-inch lbs. Aftermarket metal plates are readily available if they’ll help you sleep at night but I’m likely sticking to the factory plates. An interesting feature of the optics-ready design is Smith & Wesson’s ClearSight Cut designed to divert gasses away from the optic and maintain an unobstructed view through long strings of fire.
The Performance Center Metal Carry Comp 4.22″ ported 1:10″ twist stainless steel Armornite finished barrel combined with the ported slide is another aspect, aside from the metal frame, that sets this handgun apart from other M&P9 models. Three lightning cuts to each side of the port add to the overall aesthetic although I am not sure they do much more.
Keeping with the quality of the slide the aluminum frame of the Performance Center handgun is machined very nicely as well, with standard fare like a forward accessory rail for mounting lights and lasers, the traditional 90-degree takedown lever, and a reversible magazine catch for right and left-handed shooters which is stippled for excellent traction even with wet hands. I also appreciate the extended ambidextrous slide catch/release which is large enough to be tactile, but small enough to be unintrusive.
The front strap and included palmswells are aggressively yet tastefully stippled, making for one of the best grips I’ve felt recently. I opted for the small palmswell which quickly swapped out thanks to the clever Frame Assembly Takedown Tool that locks in and releases on the backside of the grip.
Smith & Wesson’s Performance Center flat-face trigger features a smooth take-up and a fairly definable wall for a factory striker-fired system. It glaringly lacks a tactile reset, which I am told is common to the M&P series, indistinguishable by sound or feel. The actual reset, however, is short enough to get fast follow-up rounds downrange for any experienced shooter.
At The Range
It’s about time I get an M&P9 on the range even though starting the relationship with Performance Center Metal Carry Comp model made me feel somewhat spoiled. As mentioned, Smith & Wesson nailed the ergonomics, which paid dividends in the comfort category. Combined with the grip texture, overall handling was a 5 out of 5, with a nice low profile cutout on the frame to use as a throttle with my support thumb.
For ammunition, I shot Remington 115-grain FMJ followed by Federal HST 124 grain +P. Others have mentioned the smaller port size on this model may hinder the potential to take full advantage of the built-in compensator, but I believe that metric is dependent on the ammunition you’re using. I’ll explain.
Remington 115-grain shot flat with not enough muzzle flip to mention, but this range ammunition doesn’t have much steam anyway, so taking advantage of the porting is not really something you’ll notice much. Where it counts, the sights track beautifully and follow-up shots are fast on target.
9mm +P still being 9mm, I normally find HST 124-grain totally manageable, but this is where I noticed the porting. Consider this a practical hands-on opinion rather than a scientific comparison, but the sights tracked just as well as with the 115-grain FMJ range ammunition, confirming, for me at least, that the compensator functions just right when it needs to with the added pressure of the +P ammo ultimately making better use of the porting.
Accuracy from the Performance Center Metal Carry Comp was what I expected. Shooting 10-round groups from 7 and 15 yards, my point of impact was right on the mark with 7-yard groups resulting in about a 1-inch hole and 15-yard groups opening up just a bit, mostly due to the shooter. I’m curious how I’ll do when I put an optic on this one.
I eventually picked up the speed and stopped trying for the tightest groups, switching to low-ready and doing some holster work. The Performance Center M&P9 felt more like an old friend than a firearm that was new to me, landing A-zone groups quickly other than a single Charlie in my last attempt where I sped things up looking to find my failure point.
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Three hundred rounds sailed by without malfunction, which I’d expect from a handgun whose designation denotes “Military & Police.” The Smith & Wesson Performance Center M&P9 M2.0 Full Size Metal Carry Comp is a mouthful to say, but great fun to shoot. I’m looking forward to spending additional time shooting this gun, especially with an optic. I’d recommend this firearm to any shooter, from beginner to advanced, who is looking for a solid performing home defense or everyday carry.
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I’ve often watched divorced parents exchanging kids with their former spouses in a convenience store parking lot near my home and wondered how often fights occur during such transfers. While violent crime statistics don’t include figures on that particular occurrence, one such child transfer recently led to a Colorado man killing another man.
Investigators looking into the fatal shooting in the parking lot of a Woodland Park, Colorado, grocery store are leaning toward a determination that the shooter fired the fatal shots in self-defense. According to a report at Gazette.com, the shooting occurred on November 29 outside a City Market grocery store in Woodland Park after a physical altercation during a child custody exchange.
As the Colorado Bureau of Investigation explained, Luis Morales was making a custody exchange when he got into a physical confrontation with the boyfriend of the child’s mother. Witnesses told investigators that when the 28-year-old Morales threatened the other man with a knife, the boyfriend fired a single shot, striking Morales.
According to the Gazette.com report, Woodland Park police officers and bystanders gave first aid to Morales before he was transported to a Colorado Springs hospital, but he later died. According to the CBI, the shooter stayed at the scene and cooperated with investigators on the case.
On December 18, the CBI issued a press release stating that the investigation would soon be coming to a close.
“The Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has nearly completed its investigation into a fatal shooting at a City Market grocery store in Woodland Park on Friday, November 29, 2024,” the release stated. “Based on the evidence gathered so far, this appears likely to be a case of self-defense, but a final decision will be made by the 4th Judicial District Attorney’s Office.”
Also, according to the press release, agents will be handing the case over to prosecutors soon to make the final determination of whether the shooter will be charged or not.
“The CBI agent leading this investigation expects to forward the case file to prosecutors by the end of the month,” the release stated. “In the meantime, CBI has been in contact with the family of shooting victim Luis Morales about what it can share during a pending investigation.”
Colorado law allows the use of deadly force in self-defense in certain circumstances, including if you reasonably believe you or another person is in imminent danger of death, great bodily injury, kidnapping, sexual assault or similar serious crimes.
A three-judge panel of the 4th District Appellate Court is deciding the fate of Illinois’ requirement that gun buyers qualify for and acquire a Firearms Owners Identification (FOID) card before purchasing a gun.
According to a report at hometownregister.com, the court heard testimony in the case brought by Guns Save Life on December 19. The pro-gun organization argues that the FOID requirement is unconstitutional under the Second Amendment and that there are no comparable historical laws to meet the second Bruen standard.
“Just like you wouldn’t require a license to pray at home or post an unpopular opinion on X,” Guns Save Life attorney Clark Hildabrand said during the proceeding.
According to the hometownregister.com report, the state argued just the opposite.
“Government can regulate to seek to keep firearms out of the hands of people who are dangerous and therefore likely to misuse them,” attorney Jane Elinor Notz said. “That applies to public carry and at-home protection.”
Interestingly, the website reported that Judge Craig DeArmond took exception to that statement. During the testimony, he told Notz that the recent U.S. Supreme Court precedent dealt not with keeping firearms in the home but with allowing some regulations on the carrying of firearms in public.
“I know you’re doing your best to not answer the question, but it’ll go faster if you do,” Judge DeArmond said when questioning Notz on the state’s position, according to the report.
Plaintiffs also argued that the state was being disingenuous when it claimed the FOID requirement only impacts criminals.
“Illinois has the firearm restraining order law that would operate more similarly, but here the FOID law applies generally to all law-abiding citizens, those who are impacted by the law,” Hildabrand said. “Other prohibitions already impact felons.”
John Boch, Guns Save Life executive director, told thecentersquare.com that he feels like his organization got a favorable panel of judges to hear this very important case.
“Judge DeArmond savaged that representative from [Attorney General] Kwame Raoul’s office, just savaged her with her talking points and just outright calling her incorrect in some of her assertions,” Boch told the news outlet after Thursday’s hearing. “I’ve never seen an oral argument get that testy and rough for either side’s counsel.”
In the end, plaintiffs are asking the court to rule the FOID requirement unconstitutional and to stop enforcement of the law in the future. Regardless of how the court rules, the case will likely be appealed to the Illinois Supreme Court.
Yeah, it’s an ACOG clone. Most ACOG clones are Alibaba/Wish crap trying to pose as an ACOG. The Cosmic Tactical Saturn 4×32 has clear ACOG vibes but still stands out with its angular design. Honestly, they have a bit of marketing showing Lara Croft from Tomb Raider from the PS1 era when she was all angles, and it caught my attention. They were willing to send one out for me to test and review alongside their new quick detachable optics mount.
I was drawn to the optic’s angular shape and ACOG-like capability. Like an ACOG, it boasts fiber optics power, has 4X magnification and allows you to easily mount a backup red dot. The shape and size are roughly the same, and I was admittedly curious to see how well a $250 optic performed.
The Saturn 4×32 – Proper Expectations
You know how certain groups of people can be small in nature but seemingly loud enough to convince the world there are tons of them? I call it the Twitter effect. In the gun world, or more specifically, the optics world, two loud voices hold minority opinions.
Cosmic Tactical provided the QD mount. Travis Pike Photo
The first states that everything needs to be professional grade, high-end and expensive. The second voice is the opposite and proclaims everything is just as good even when it’s labeled Feyachi. In reality, most of us are in a middle ground. There is a time and place for every type of optic.
The Cosmic Tactical Saturn 4×32, with its $250 price point, falls into a hobbyist-style optic that can do most of what you need it to do. If you need to do a HAHO jump, underwater insertion or survive a trip up and down the mountains of some forgotten country where we are waging a forever war, then you should spend the $1,000+ on an ACOG.
The fiber optics power the reticle’s brightness. Travis Pike Photo
If you need an optic for the range, hunting, pest elimination or just for fun, Saturn has you covered. When we get into this price tier, we have to accept that it’s not an optic designed to take falls down mountains and be exposed to deep submersion.
The product page doesn’t list any waterproof ratings or operational temperatures. It does list that it was max recoil tested on a .300 Win. Mag.
The Cosmic Tactical Saturn – What’s In The Box
The box the optic comes in is nice. It’s plastic rather than cardboard and has a little foam to protect the optic. Inside the box, we get the optic and manual. It’s ready out of the box to be tossed on a rifle and go. Like the ACOG, it has an illuminated chevron with a bullet drop compensator.
The reticle is identical to the ACOG 4x32mm design. Travis Pike Photo
Sadly, the manual doesn’t mention the appropriate velocity the BDC is set to or even the barrel length and ammo type. It does mention the need to zero at 100 yards. I scrounged around the website and found the BDC explained more in-depth. The BDC is tuned for a 62-grain projectile out of a 16-inch barrel. So, M855 and a carbine. It’s the most common ammo with the most common barrel length for ARs in the states.
The little optic is hefty, but surpsingly nice for the price point. Travis Pike Photo
The Saturn also has a small Picatinny rail mount for attaching a micro red dot as an alternative aiming option. The rail can be swapped for a dedicated RMR plate Cosmic Tactical sells. It comes with a standard bolt mount, but Cosmic Tactical included the quick detach mount with my optic. There is also an optional kill flash available.
To The Range
With the Cosmic Tactical Saturn mounted to a PSA Saber rifle, I hit the ground running. Zeroing took me longer than I’d like to admit. The optic’s initial setting put the weapon way high and right. Enough that I had to get a full-size FBI Q Target and start at 50 yards to get on paper. A few rounds later, I was snapped in enough to trot back to 100 yards and finish the zeroing process.
I really need a better zeroing setup. Travis Pike Photo
The turrets provide an audible click most of the time, but sometimes I couldn’t hear it, even with my ear pro removed. Luckily, I could feel the clicks. Each adjustment is .5 MOA. After zeroing, I moved the reticle three inches right, fired a group, returned to zero, and moved left three inches and fired a group.
Upon inspecting the target, I found the left and right groups within 3-inches of the zero group. There is some buffer due to my own abilities and the cheap ammo I’m using. Still, it seems like the adjustments are accurate.
The Saturn was surpsingly clear for a budget optic. Travis Pike Photo
I did realize I need a more appropriate zeroing setup for the new range, but that’s a concern for tomorrow. The Saturn surprised me with its clarity. I didn’t expect much from a fairly inexpensive optic. It delivered a crisp and nice picture. The reticle is also easy to see, and the fiber optics illuminate it well.
Since the sun goes down at 1630 where I live, it’s easy to get some low light shooting in. Even with the sun setting behind me, I could see the white of the FBI Q Target against the sandy white berm at 100 yards.
Blasting Away
I noticed it doesn’t get as bright as an ACOG in bright light. I’ll never need to put duct tape over the fiber optic to reduce the brightness of the reticle. It doesn’t reach those ACOG levels, and when light is mostly gone it doesn’t seem to ignite at all. I shot in the late evening and it had only a glimmer of brightness to it.
This isn’t a big problem. It becomes a bit tougher to use an occluded shooting style when you get up close to the target and try to use the Marine Corps classic 4X at bad breath-distance tactic.
The FOV is a bit tight and the optic is a bit hefty. Travis Pike Photo
The Saturn has a tight 2.05-inch eye relief. Just like in the old days, I put my nose on the charging handle. This time, I didn’t have to wrestle around an M16A4 length stock to do it. The eye box isn’t super generous, and if you haven’t shot much with prism sights, you might feel underwhelmed. It’s the nature of the beast with these optics.
The field of view is 31.5 feet at 100 yards. That’s fairly small for a 4X prism. The ACOG has a 36.8-foot field of view at 100 yards as a comparison.
The Saturn isn’t revolutionary, but it’s functional and fun. Travis Pike Photo
I went as far as 200 yards with the Saturn, which is as far as my range allows. Assuming a good-rested position, I could consistently put shots into the chest of the FBI Q Target, with a couple breaking the line at worst. (But I admit, I need to shoot rifles more.)
Tough Enough
Just for fun, I subjected the Saturn to a little beating. I dropped it from chest height onto the ground a few times, leaned the rifle against something and gave it a gentle pushover. I then reloaded and fired a few shots to test the zero. It held on and didn’t fail a few drops.
The Saturn got dirty with its drops and falls, so I needed to wash it. I sprayed it off with the hose from the front, rear and both sides. The fiber optics still fire up, and I don’t see any water penetration. Neither of these tests is particularly brutal, but they show that the Saturn can take a few falls and a light rain.
Look at those angles! Travis Pike Photo
I like the Saturn for its ACOG-like features without costing over a grand and without it being a cheap piece of crap. However, I think it faces stiff competition from the prism market even at this price point. Primary Arms has an excellent line of proven budget prisms for not much more price-wise. The Swampfox Trihawk costs about the same and is a solid optic. I’m all for more options and hope they succeed, but it’s tough being the new guy in a crowded market. Even so, this optic, and company, deserves a look.
Specifications Magnification – 4X Objective Lens – 32MM Eye Relief – 2.05 in. Field Of View – 31.5 ft. at 100 Yards Adjustment Value – 1/2 MOA Weight – 16.54 ounces MSRP – $299
Clarity – *** (And a Half) The clarity allows you to see out to 200 yards, and in lower light, I could identify targets with ease at 100 yards. It’s surprisingly clear, but I do find the field of view to be a little lacking in its category.
Reticle – **** They cloned the ACOG reticle, which is a proven performer that’s easy to use and understand. It doesn’t get overcomplicated for a 4X reticle, which is a complaint I often have with other similar price-point options. The one downside is that it doesn’t get ACOG bright.
Ergonomics – **** Thanks to the auto-adjusting reticle and fiber optics, there are no buttons to press. The optics mount easily and provide backup red dot mounting. The one downside is the weight. This is one hefty optic at 16 ounces and some change.
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Product and gun reviews are performed independently and product mentions made based on the quality of the product and value of interest to gun owners. However, when you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission to help support the costs of operating the site and keeping it free for our visitors.
The AR-10 was famously designed by Eugene Stoner in the late 1950s, and has been adapted, modified and improved ever since. While different manufacturers have made some minor variations that have made differing pedigrees incompatible with each other, it wasn’t until September 2022 that Ruger introduced a more modern redesign…the Ruger SFAR (Small Frame Autoloading Rifle).
Tech Specs
Stock: Magpul MOE SL
Handguard: Lite Free-Float with M-LOK Attachment Slots
A look at modern production firearms that were designed more than 50 years ago shows a trend to the bigger. More accessories, bigger calibers with more powder give us more capability than Stoner’s original plastic handguard design and more weight.
Ruger took the opposite route, opting for a lighter platform, made possible with sleek design choices, modern materials and an advanced operational design borne from roughly 70 years of AR-10 wisdom. Let’s break this gun down by component.
Ruger SFAR Upper Receiver
The upper receiver itself is noticeably smaller than nearly every other AR-10 variant out there. This is almost inch-for-inch the same size as a mil-spec AR-15 upper.
The bolt is smaller than AR-10s generally run, which would normally suggest a potential weak spot given the AR-10’s heavy bolt carrier, and the stout recoil of the .308 Winchester. An adjustable gas system helps reduce the velocity of the bolt carrier group, keeping the bolt lugs from shearing off and from recoil being excessive.
This system has four positions, numbered 0-3. This is progressively more gas, from 0 (gas off), 1 (suppressed use), 2 (normal use) and 3 (adverse conditions).
Gas adjustment
The barrel is made from 4140 chrome-moly steel with 5R rifling. A 1/10 twist, mid-length gas system and a two-port Boomer muzzle brake round that out. While including the brake is nice for competitive shooters, I’ll be swapping a suppressor on ASAP. Pretty nice that Ruger included a suppressor-friendly gas system, right?
Which means after initial review in OEM configuration, swapping the Boomer brake for a suppressor mount is mandatory.
With the increased backpressure of a suppressor comes more gas being blasted back toward the shooter through the direct impingement operating system. While the adjustable gas system will mitigate a lot of that, Ruger has gone even further. Vents in the bolt carrier and barrel extension keep the excess gas moving away from the shooter’s face. Nice.
Vents everywhere!
Ruger SFAR Lower Receiver
Magpul’s MOE SL buttstock brings up the rear and provides QD sockets for a sling as does the receiver end plate.
The trigger is a Ruger Elite 452 two-stage piece, with a roughly 4.5-pound trigger pull. I feel like a good trigger is a make or break component for a rifle, and here Ruger delivers. As soon as I pulled the SFAR from the box and started with dry fire drills, the trigger stood out. There’s a little take up before you hit the second stage wall, then a sharp break. I was excited to shoot this.
The magwell is flared, meaning reloads with the SR-25/AR-10 pattern mags will be a touch more consistent.
The Whole Shebang
When viewed as a whole unit, the SFAR presents itself nicely. No component feels skimped on. Ruger definitely put in the work to engineer a beautiful rifle that looks like it will perform well. This gun feels like a heavyweight boxer in a middleweight body. Sub-7 pounds is a great place to start before the inevitable accessories get hung on. As I prepared to hit the range, I only started off with a Trijicon ACOG and a mag full of match ammo. Now let’s see how the Ruger SFAR actually shoots.
Gas adjustment tool stored in grip
Range Days
With the 4x ACOG TA31 affixed, I got zeroed and grabbed a few groups at 25 yards. I tried a few groups with Federal 175-grain Gold Medal Match, 168-grain Gold Medal Match and a single six-round group of Norma 168-grain Sierra Matchking (all I had left).
The first few groups with the Federal 175-grain GMM started out a little rough, whether the gun was needing a break-in or myself needing a little warm-up. Groups around .6 inch (2.29 MOA) and .75 inch at 25 yards opened the day and shrunk to .43 inch and .3 inch (1.14 MOA) by the 5th and 6th groups. The Norma 168-grain group was .45 inch (1.71 MOA) for six rounds. Federal 168-grain GMM came in at .295 inch (1.12 MOA) and .7 inch (which includes a called flyer, without it was ~.4 inch).
I was shooting from a Bog Deathgrip tripod, which while a major upgrade from leaning against a pole, isn’t as stable as a good bench and sandbag. I could tell where each round was going based on my trigger pull, calling rounds predictably even if they only opened up the group a tenth of an inch. I’m interested to get this gun on a good bench to prove my hunch about just how much smaller I could get those groups (spoiler: a lot).
Yes, the Ruger Elite 452 is as nice in live fire as it was in dry-fire drills. This is the kind of trigger people usually pay around $175 to move up to. There are better triggers for benchrest shooting, but for something you might actually use in the field, I think this is an excellent piece.
I moved on to some basic close quarters shooting drills, seeing how the SFAR handles. The gun is nicely balanced, definitely not too forward heavy, which is nice since the suppressor will inevitably tilt that balance further forward. The weight definitely feels centered in the receivers. You’re not dragging a heavy barrel upwards.
This is not a bad way to spend the workday.
Moving out to 100 yards, the SFAR had no trouble keeping all rounds on the mini e-type target, but also kept the impacts clustered together despite a pretty hasty firing pace.
The SFAR recoils much more lightly than I’d expected, and when follow up shots are necessary they come in much faster than with my last AR-10, despite being a full three pounds lighter than that old hog. The recoil is definitely more than your average 300 BLK AR-15, but not by much. It wasn’t until I was on my fourth mag that I started to feel the old shoulder fatigue that normally sets in after a few rounds of .300 Win. Mag.
I’ve taken the Ruger SFAR out for a couple more range days while working on reviews for a red-dot optic and a thermal optic, and this further experience has just hammered home the point: the Ruger SFAR is versatile, accurate and effective in many roles. If you wanna hammer some hogs or coyotes under the cover of night, the SFAR will drop your rounds right where you sent them.
Bottom Line, Bottom Dollar
Any gun that passes basic safety standards has a market. If the performance matches or exceeds the price. you’ve got a good deal. The Ruger SFAR has an MSRP of $1,329, and a street price of $980 at the time this article was submitted.
For that sub $1,000 price tag, you get one of the most refined and streamlined AR-10 variants available. You can take it in .308 or 6.5 Creedmoor with barrel lengths of 16 inches or 20 inches. My review sample showed this rifle is extremely accurate even before being broken in. The Ruger SFAR is light, well balanced and has been totally reliable at 300 rounds so far. The adjustable gas system and advanced gas porting help to future proof the SFAR for suppressor use, and the trigger is very good, bordering on excellent.
Under $1,000, I’m not certain what more you can ask for in a modern production small frame AR-10 from a reputable manufacturer, made right here in the USA. For my money, the Ruger SFAR is a straight up good deal. Check it out!
Need Ammo? Check out Ammo To Go, the ammunition retail sponsor of TTAG gun reviews and simply a cool online place to fulfill all your ammo needs.
Product and gun reviews are performed independently and product mentions made based on the quality of the product and value of interest to gun owners. However, when you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission to help support the costs of operating the site and keeping it free for our visitors.
Running out of time to find the perfect gift? Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered with these last-minute tactical gifts, all available on Amazon.
AMERIGLO Range Series Sight Set for Glock
The AMERIGLO Range Series iron sights are built for everyday concealed carry, offering a rugged and effective design focused on speed and accuracy. Featuring a .115-inch front sight blade and a perfectly matched rear notch, these sights deliver quick target acquisition and precision when it matters most. Simple, reliable, and purpose-driven—these are sights you can count on.
Savior Equipment Loose Sacs 4-Pack Tactical Ammo Pouch
The Savior Loose Sacs are versatile soft ammo carriers designed to hold plenty of rounds, but that’s just the start. Perfect for organizing mags, tools, and spare parts, these durable pouches keep your gear neat and ready to grab. Sold in a convenient four-pack, they’re a must-have for range days or gear loadouts.
The SIG Sauer ROMEO5 1x20mm Red Dot Sight is a compact, rugged optic built for peak performance in any environment. Featuring a 2 MOA red dot with 10 illumination settings (8 daylight, 2 NV), it ensures crystal-clear visibility in all lighting conditions. The MOTAC motion-activated illumination saves battery life by powering on with movement and off when idle. With an IPX-7 waterproof and fogproof design, integrated Picatinny mount, and co-witness riser options, the ROMEO5 is perfect for hunting, competition, or tactical use—no matter the conditions.
TALON Grips deliver improved confidence, safety, and control by providing a non-slip, stick-on interface for your firearm. At less than 0.5mm thick, these grips enhance traction and reduce recoil, ensuring faster, more accurate follow-up shots while feeling completely natural in your hands. Custom-designed for a perfect fit, TALON Grips offer maximum coverage with a professional, OEM-quality finish. Trusted by law enforcement, military, and competitive shooters, these USA-made grips install in minutes and last for years, making them ideal for concealed carry, home defense, and range days.
Mission Darkness Non-Window Faraday Bag for Phones
The Mission Darkness Non-Window Faraday Bag for Phones is your ultimate shield against hacking, tracking, and spying. This durable bag blocks all wireless signals, including WiFi, Bluetooth, GPS, RFID, and even 5G, protecting devices from unauthorized access or remote interference. Certified to MIL-STD 188-125 and IEEE 299-2006 standards, it ensures complete signal isolation. Whether you’re safeguarding personal data or preserving chain of custody, this Faraday bag keeps your phone secure, blocking all communication and preventing unwanted access to the microphone, camera, and GPS.
Hold Up Displays – Horizontal Gun Wall Mount for Indoor Display
The Hold Up Displays Horizontal Gun Wall Mount is the perfect blend of functionality and craftsmanship, designed to showcase your firearms with pride. Made in Wisconsin from responsibly sourced, hand-welded American steel, these mounts are strong enough to hold up to 30 lbs per hanger while protecting your firearms with high-density padding. The pivoting cradle adjusts to fit a variety of rifles, shotguns, and bows, ensuring a secure and customizable display. Whether in your favorite room or a dedicated shed, this gun rack transforms your firearms into stunning wall art. Built for life, backed by a lifetime structural warranty, it’s trusted by gun owners nationwide.
Black Rifle Coffee Company’s AK-47 Espresso Blend is as bold and reliable as its namesake. Crafted from expertly roasted Colombian and Brazilian 100% Arabica beans, this dark roast delivers a powerful, smooth kick of energy to keep you firing on all cylinders. Whether you’re battling through a busy morning or conquering the great outdoors, this blend never fails. With every sip, you’ll feel ready to take on the day—Kalashnikov would definitely approve.
The Magpul Rail Light Mount is a versatile solution for mounting weapon lights on any standard 1913 Picatinny rail. Available in right or left-side models, it integrates seamlessly with Magpul XTM panels and positions your light at the 11 o’clock or 1 o’clock position for optimal use. Designed with a textured thumb ramp for consistent hand placement and easy light activation, it supports a forward grip while minimizing barrel shadow. Built from reinforced polymer with included anodized aluminum mounting rings, it accommodates a wide range of lights, including Surefire Scout 300 and 600 series and light bodies from 0.75″ to 1.04″. Rugged, reliable, and customizable, this mount keeps your light exactly where you need it.
The Streamlight Wedge XT is a sleek, ultra-compact EDC light built for clean and convenient pocket carry. With an intuitive tail switch for one-handed control and a five-tap lockout to prevent accidental activation, it’s perfect for daily use. Delivering 500 lumens for up to 2 hours, the Wedge XT packs serious power in its slim, low-profile design. A waterproof USB-C port makes charging the integrated lithium-ion battery a breeze, while the rugged anodized aluminum body ensures durability. Whether in your pocket or your gear, this light is ready when you are.
The Wiley-X Saber Advanced Changeable Sunglasses are built for versatility and durability in extreme conditions. Featuring shatterproof Selenite polycarbonate lenses, they provide 100% UVA/UVB protection with distortion-free clarity. The T-Shell lens coating resists scratching, while adjustable telescoping temples ensure a low-profile fit that’s compatible with night vision goggles. The adjustable nose piece adapts to any face or nose bridge for all-day comfort. Whether on the range or in the field, these sunglasses are ready to perform.
CLC Custom Leathercraft 24 In. Megamouth Tote Bag, 32 Pocket
The CLC Custom Leathercraft 24-Inch Megamouth Tote Bag is a versatile solution that goes beyond tools, doubling as a discreet and efficient range bag for firearms enthusiasts. With 32 pockets—8 inside and 24 outside—it provides ample storage for magazines, cleaning supplies, ear protection, and other gear. The spacious interior can accommodate up to three full-sized, broken-down AR-15s, while the metal frame keeps the bag open for easy access and adds structural protection. Complete with padded handles and an adjustable shoulder strap, this tote bag combines functionality, comfort, and discretion for range days or tactical use.
Get ready for a high-octane ride with Navy SEAL James Reece as he takes on a global conspiracy in Jack Carr’s latest thriller. Decades after the assassination of a freshman congressman in 1980, the world teeters on chaos with political division, economic collapse, and shocking assassinations paving the way for a secret cabal to seize power. But their plan hits a deadly snag—James Reece. Armed with his tomahawk, sniper rifle, and unrelenting determination, Reece is on a mission to uncover secrets that refuse to stay buried. In a battle where the odds don’t matter, no enemy is out of range.
Here’s a bonus gift idea with a nod to classic Marine Corps wisdom: grab a 32-ounce Nalgene Water Bottle, stuff it with a few To-Go packets of Motrin and add a good pair of socks. Why? Because when the Marines faced anything from the flu to post-PT soreness, the answer was always the same—drink water, take two Motrin and change your socks. It’s simple, it’s practical and it works. This gift is equal parts funny and functional, perfect for anyone who appreciates a little military humor with their everyday essentials.
Product and gun reviews are performed independently and product mentions made based on the quality of the product and value of interest to gun owners. However, when you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission to help support the costs of operating the site and keeping it free for our visitors.
Stuck on what to get the hunter in your life? Don’t worry—you’re not alone! Whether they’re chasing whitetails or hitting the upland fields, this list of last-minute must-haves will ensure you deliver a gift they’ll actually use (and brag about).
Streamlight Enduro Pro USB Rechargeable Multi-Function Head Lamp
Light the way for the hunter who needs reliability in the field. The Enduro Pro USB Rechargeable Headlamp offers versatile spot and flood beams with three brightness levels each, ensuring clear vision in any setting. With easy USB charging and a washable headband, it’s the perfect gift for those who value convenience and practicality during early morning hunts or late-night treks.
BLACK DIAMOND Astro 300-R Rechargeable LED Headlamp
For the hunter who needs reliable lighting with premium quality, the Black Diamond Rechargeable Headlamp is a top choice. With 300 lumens of max output, multiple brightness settings, and a digital lock to prevent accidental power-ups, it’s both powerful and practical. Its rechargeable battery and brightness memory ensure it’s always ready to go, making it a standout gift for any outdoor enthusiast.
An icon of American craftsmanship, the Buck 110 Folding Hunter has been a trusted companion for outdoorsmen since 1963. Combining the strength of a fixed blade with the convenience of a folding design, this knife set the standard for reliability and style. With over 50 years as a best-seller, it’s a timeless gift for hunters who appreciate tradition and quality in the field.
The Old Timer Full Tang Skinner Knife is a must-have for the hunter who values durability and precision. With its 3.3-inch high carbon stainless steel blade, ergonomic handle and secure leather sheath, this knife is perfect for field dressing and outdoor tasks. Lightweight yet dependable, it’s backed by a lifetime warranty, making it a practical and thoughtful gift for any outdoorsman.
Engineered for precision and toughness, the Master Hunter Knife is a premium tool for serious hunters. Its VG-10 San Mai III steel blade, with a robust 5 mm spine and drop-point design, ensures superior sharpness and strength for demanding field tasks. The shock-absorbent Kray-Ex handle offers a secure, comfortable grip even in wet conditions, while the Secure-Ex sheath allows for safe and convenient carry. With its durable construction and thoughtful design, this knife is a top-tier gift for any hunting enthusiast.
Give the gift of all-day comfort and performance with the Irish Setter Pinnacle Hunting Boots. Designed for rugged adventures, these 7-inch waterproof boots feature a memory foam footbed, EnerG EVA midsole and TempSens lining for unbeatable comfort and temperature regulation. The durable outsole provides reliable traction on tough terrain, while ScentBan technology fights odor for fresh, long-lasting wear. With a secure fit and premium materials, these boots are a hunter’s best companion in the field.
Stay warm, dry and comfortable all day with the Dryshod NoSho Gusset Hunting Boots. These 100% waterproof boots are 2 inches taller for added protection against brush and debris, while the adjustable gusset accommodates larger calves or extra clothing layers. Insulated with Densoprene Foam and featuring Hydrokote water repellent, these boots keep the cold and wet out while ensuring warmth and dryness. A practical and thoughtful gift for any hunter facing harsh elements.
Tackle any terrain and weather with the Rocky BearClaw 3D Gore-TEX Hunting Boots. These 9-inch boots combine durable full-grain leather with breathable, waterproof GORE-TEX construction to keep your feet dry and comfortable. Featuring 1,000 grams of Thinsulate Ultra Insulation, they provide exceptional warmth without added bulk, even in freezing temperatures. The BearClaw 3D outsole ensures stability on rough terrain, while the shock-absorbing Air-Port Cushion Footbed delivers all-day comfort. A rugged, reliable gift for hunters braving the toughest conditions.
Gear up for any hunt with the TideWe Waterproof Camo Hunting Pack, a lightweight yet durable companion designed for spot-and-stalk hunting. Weighing only 3.7 pounds, it boasts a 35-liter capacity with multiple pockets for easy organization and quick access to essentials. The ergonomic design and padded waist belt ensure all-day comfort, while the built-in rain cover keeps your gear dry in unexpected weather. With features like a hydration port and bow or rifle carry system, this pack is a must-have gift for hunters who demand functionality and reliability.
Tailored for women hunters, the ALPS OutdoorZ Allure Hunting Pack combines comfort and functionality in a sleek design. Its contoured shoulder straps and waist belt ensure a perfect fit, while the self-standing L-shape frame and U-shaped zipper make gear access effortless, whether you’re in a stand or on the ground. With a 34L capacity, removable accessory pouch and drop-down pocket for guns or bows, this pack is a versatile and thoughtful gift for any huntress.
Stay warm, dry and ready for action with the Drake Waterfowl LST Guardian Flex Eqwader Jacket. Engineered for late-season hunts, it features patented Eqwader technology for waterproof protection on top and breathable comfort below waders. With 200 grams of Double Down insulation, a fleece-lined hood and reinforced elbows, this jacket is built to tackle freezing temperatures and rugged conditions. Zippered pockets and adjustable cuffs add functionality, making it the ultimate gift for waterfowl hunters braving the cold.
Designed for late-season whitetail hunts, the SITKA Gear Incinerator Aerolite Jacket combines unbeatable warmth and functionality. Featuring GORE-TEX waterproof fabric and PrimaLoft Gold Insulation with Cross Core technology, it keeps you dry and warm even in rain or snow. The lightweight, high-loft insulation minimizes bulk while maximizing heat retention, and the articulated fit ensures full mobility for drawing a bow or climbing a treestand. With thoughtful details like a safety harness pass-through and quiet brushed fabric, this jacket is a premium gift for hunters who demand top-tier performance.
Keep the hunter or shooter in your life warm during those frigid outdoor adventures with the HotHands Variety Pack. These air-activated warmers are safe, odorless and provide long-lasting heat for hands, feet and body—perfect for hunting, fishing, shooting on the range or camping. Compact and easy to use, they heat up in minutes and are disposable after use. With up to 214 hours of warmth in each pack, this is a practical and thoughtful gift for staying cozy in the cold.
Elevate night hunting with the Primos Hunting Bloodhunter HD, designed to make tracking blood trails effortless. Powered by advanced 600-lumen CREE XM LEDs, it highlights blood on any terrain with precision. Featuring two power settings—HD tracking and low illumination—it adapts to various conditions. Its flat handle design ensures comfort during carry, and the included Cardura holster and batteries make it a ready-to-go gift for any hunter who values efficiency in the field.
Take the guesswork out of hunting with the AILEMON AL51 Hunting Rangefinder. Offering precision measurements up to 900 yards within +/- 1 yard, it features advanced ARC (Angle Range Compensation) technology for accurate distance on uphill and downhill shots. The ultra-clear 6x magnification lens and waterproof, dustproof design ensure reliability in any environment. Easy to use and packed with features like speed measurement and multiple modes, this rangefinder is a versatile and practical gift for hunting enthusiasts.
Give the gift of ultimate comfort and durability with Darn Tough Merino Wool Boot Socks. These midweight, fully cushioned socks provide unmatched performance with moisture-wicking, temperature-regulating Merino wool that keeps feet cool in summer and warm in winter. With a seamless design for a smooth feel and a lifetime guarantee, these USA-made socks are a reliable and thoughtful gift for any hunter who values comfort on the move.
Check out Ammo To Go, the ammunition retail sponsor of TTAG, for all of your ammunition needs and the gift that keeps on giving. Well, until you shoot all of it. Then you will need to visit Ammo to Go again.
Product and gun reviews are performed independently and product mentions made based on the quality of the product and value of interest to gun owners. However, when you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission to help support the costs of operating the site and keeping it free for our visitors.
School shootings are horrendous events that affect far more people than they should. As tragedies go, the act of a student shooting and killing teachers and other students shows a disrespect for life that is impossible for most of us to comprehend.
The most recent event, where a female student killed a teacher and another student and wounded several others at a Christian School in Wisconsin, is no less tragic. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all affected.
That said, when cynical politicians seek to politicize such an event to gain ground in the ongoing national debate over gun control, we believe it’s appropriate to point that out. Especially when that cynical politician is the president of the United States, and the laws he touts immediately following the tragedy would have done nothing to prevent that tragedy.
The Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms (CCRKBA) recently blasted Biden for doing just that after the Wisconsin murders.
“With just over one month remaining in his disastrous term, Joe Biden just couldn’t restrain himself from once again rolling out his one-size-fits-all gun control wish list in his statement from the White House,” CCRKBA Chairman Alan Gottlieb said in a December 17 news release. “Demanding that Congress quickly pass universal background check (registration) legislation and ban so-called ‘assault weapons’ and ‘high-capacity magazines’ in response to this terrible crime is one of the stupidest, but expected reactions from a career gun prohibitionist whose history of gaffes is legendary.”
As Gottlieb pointed out, the 15-year-old shooter who, incidentally, used a handgun in the attack, was not old enough to legally purchase a firearm.
“Joe Biden knows 15-year-olds can’t legally buy handguns anywhere in this country,” Gottlieb continued, “so a call for background checks is irrelevant. Police have recovered a handgun, which was used in the shooting, so calling for a ban on semi-automatic rifles and their magazines is also irrelevant and dishonest. Indeed, such demands underscore just how irrelevant Joe Biden and his gun-ban agenda have become.”
As Gottlieb pointed out, the attack on the school was truly horrendous. But penalizing those who had nothing to do with it is not a logical way to keep the same from happening in the future.
“We join all Americans in deploring this horrible crime,” Gottlieb said. “But attempting to penalize every law-abiding citizen who owns or may someday wish to purchase a firearm will not undo the tragedy. Biden, and his fellow gun prohibitionists all know the incident in Madison would not have been prevented, even if all of the laws he now wants passed had already been in effect. It is dishonest to suggest otherwise, but, of course, honesty has hardly been the earmark of the Biden administration.”
In the end, Gottlieb believes Biden’s propensity to talk first before thinking, or even without thinking, doesn’t help lead to a solution to the problem of school shootings.
“In the aftermath of this tragedy, common sense and cooler heads must prevail,” he said. “Instead of shooting from the lip, as Biden has done throughout his 50-plus years in politics, we look forward to working with the next administration on rational preventive measures and intelligent solutions, such as armed resource officers and improved mental health counseling, instead of spewing specious sound-bite suggestions which shift blame from the perpetrator to a constitutionally-enumerated fundamental right.”
