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America's Rifle: The Case for the AR-15
This book is the definitive work showing the central place of AR-15s and other semiautomatic rifles in the American story. From the founding to the present, rifles and other firearms have played a pivotal role in American history. The story of America’s rifle is largely the story of American history.
There are over forty-four million AR-15s and similar semiautomatic rifles owned by Americans. Popular adoption on such a monumental scale is indicative of more than a passing fad; only proven utility through long history creates such lasting—indeed growing—demand.
Since the founding of the American republic, rifles—beginning with muzzleloaders and later semiautomatics—have been at the center of American history and pre-history. This book, by renowned historian and attorney Stephen Halbrook, is the definitive account of this centrality of repeating rifles to the American story—from its conception to the present day.
Some factions of state and national politicians now seek to remake America in a different, novel image by rushing to ban and restrict access to firearms that have long been our heritage. As Halbrook decisively shows, theirs is a war against the Second Amendment and the tradition of freedom and self-sufficiency that has sustained our storied past. Our rights hang in the balance—not as lone pillars but, history shows, as dominos ready to fall in quick succession.
Halbrook comprehensively reviews the historical, legal, and policy arguments advanced by gun prohibitionists and demonstrates that these bans are deeply antagonistic to our history, our interests, and our Constitution.
There are over forty-four million AR-15s and similar semiautomatic rifles owned by Americans. Popular adoption on such a monumental scale is indicative of more than a passing fad; only proven utility through long history creates such lasting—indeed growing—demand.
Since the founding of the American republic, rifles—beginning with muzzleloaders and later semiautomatics—have been at the center of American history and pre-history. This book, by renowned historian and attorney Stephen Halbrook, is the definitive account of this centrality of repeating rifles to the American story—from its conception to the present day.
Some factions of state and national politicians now seek to remake America in a different, novel image by rushing to ban and restrict access to firearms that have long been our heritage. As Halbrook decisively shows, theirs is a war against the Second Amendment and the tradition of freedom and self-sufficiency that has sustained our storied past. Our rights hang in the balance—not as lone pillars but, history shows, as dominos ready to fall in quick succession.
Halbrook comprehensively reviews the historical, legal, and policy arguments advanced by gun prohibitionists and demonstrates that these bans are deeply antagonistic to our history, our interests, and our Constitution.
358 pages, Hardcover
Published March 22, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
May 5, 2023
An excellent tool for this moment, as we make progress on 2nd Amendment protections (post-Heller and post-Bruen) but also as gun-control advocates pass increasingly pointless laws, such as the 2023 Protect Illinois Communities Act, or PICA, a ban on "assault weapons" and other items. Such bans have already worked their way up to the Supreme Court and been judged unconstitutional. The advocates for what is euphemistically called "common sense gun control" are becoming increasingly desperate and will apparently try anything to work around the Constitution.
Of particular use, aside from many statistics, are the accounts of the utterly abitrary actions of the Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms Agency, declaring something legal for a decade, then deciding that it is not, suddenly rendering millions of buyers who relied on earlier ATF rulings in making their purchases, and - oops - now finding that what they bought lawfully is suddenly illegal to possess. And that is without the involvement - at all - of Congress! Just as big a part of the mess that ATF creates is the inconsistent definition (I guess we should say definitions) of "assault weapons" across the years. I had no idea how truly pointless and variable their various rulings have been. Everybody needs to understand it. I am finally at least listening to arguments in favor of eliminating the ATF. I finally see what some have been on about for decades. It's a mess.
Hooray for Stephen P. Halbrook and the clarity and sanity he always brings to every discussion of the 2nd Amendment. Read this book!
Of particular use, aside from many statistics, are the accounts of the utterly abitrary actions of the Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms Agency, declaring something legal for a decade, then deciding that it is not, suddenly rendering millions of buyers who relied on earlier ATF rulings in making their purchases, and - oops - now finding that what they bought lawfully is suddenly illegal to possess. And that is without the involvement - at all - of Congress! Just as big a part of the mess that ATF creates is the inconsistent definition (I guess we should say definitions) of "assault weapons" across the years. I had no idea how truly pointless and variable their various rulings have been. Everybody needs to understand it. I am finally at least listening to arguments in favor of eliminating the ATF. I finally see what some have been on about for decades. It's a mess.
Hooray for Stephen P. Halbrook and the clarity and sanity he always brings to every discussion of the 2nd Amendment. Read this book!
August 14, 2023
Halbrook isn’t going to change your mind about gun rights, as that position is locked in either way. What he does here is outline the thinking person’s defense of the Second Amendment. There’s no ranting and raving, Fox News style, nor are there apocalyptic hysterical claims. Just 348 pages of substantial history and legal theory outlined in very clear language.
If you’re anti-gun, this is a great book to learn about and formulate arguments against your opponent’s strengths. It will also help you pick up on basic firearm terminology, so that you don’t make ridiculous statements like many of our lawmakers.
If you’re pro gun, this is a great refresher on some concepts, fascinating history of how English common law morphed into the 2A, and a primer on recent court battles. A must-read for anyone who wants an informed opinion on gun rights, whatever side you take.
If you’re anti-gun, this is a great book to learn about and formulate arguments against your opponent’s strengths. It will also help you pick up on basic firearm terminology, so that you don’t make ridiculous statements like many of our lawmakers.
If you’re pro gun, this is a great refresher on some concepts, fascinating history of how English common law morphed into the 2A, and a primer on recent court battles. A must-read for anyone who wants an informed opinion on gun rights, whatever side you take.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews