Guns Magazine Letter to the Editor

[Tactical_Texan_CHL]

This letter to the editor was recently published in Guns Magazine for any of you who don't get it or read any gun rags. It was written in response to an article about a DPMS AR in 6.8 SPC, and the author took his grandson hunting with him using a collapsible stock version of the gun. I personally like this magazine, and have a subscription. Now that I think about it, I should have included in the letter I wrote in response that I actually got my subscription free for one year compliments of DPMS for being a frequent customer. They did that last year when one of their rifles made it on the cover. I guess I spent enough money at DPMS to earn one! Actually, now that I think about it, there are a few other things I wish I'd put in there too. Here's the letter, the editor's response, and my letter. Responses can be sent to ed@gunsmagazine.com if anyone is interested.

Letter to the editor:

That picture of the youngster hunting with the DPMS AR-15 (April 2008) was in such bad taste it boggles my mind anyone in the "business" would publish it. Who the heck goes hunting armed with that type of firearm? The general public doesn't need to see photos of that type

With the recent spate of school and mall shooting, that's all the gun grabbers have to see. Can you imageine what we're in for this time next year with regards to the gun control measures that will be proposed after this presidential election?

Martin J. Pielech
via e-mail

Editor's response:

Jacob lets his grandson hunt with his AR because he can adjust the stock to fit him properly and the recoil isn't objectionable because of the gas operation. Personally, I see no difference in hunting with a 5-shot AR and a 5-shot Remington 7400. We can't let the gun grabbers tell us which guns are evil and which aren't, because - to them - all guns are evil.

Let's let your fellow readers weigh in on this, too. Should I censor the mag's content so gun-grabbers don't get any ideas? If yes, how far do I take it? I'll run a sampling of responses in a month or so. If there's a lot, I'll run them on our Web Blast at http://www.gunsmagazine.com - Jeff John

My letter:

This letter is in response to Mr. Pielech's letter to the editor in the June '08 issue. Mr. Pielech, I truly respect and appreciate that you have your own opinions and are willing to express them. But, I'd like to say that I disagree with you on several points.

Number One: As John Taffin said in another great Campfire Tale in this same issue, "A gun is a gun is a gun." Those of us who support the Second Amendment to our Constitution can't do it half heartedly. We can't pick and choose the guns we think are okay because they're not our idea of a "hunting rifle". When we do this, we're hurting our own cause and playing right into the hands of those who would love to see us have no guns what so ever. We have to support each other and stand along side one another. I whole heartedly agree with Ed on this one. A 5 shot AR-15 is no different than a 5 shot Remington 7400.

Number Two: I myself routinely hunt with an AR-15 variant. I have two lower recievers, one with a fixed stock and one with an adjustable stock, and I have multiple uppers for them in .223; .204 Ruger, and 6.8 SPC coming soon. I've hunted deer, feral hogs, coyotes, rabbits, varmints, raccoons and many other things with them, in addition to target shooting and 3-gun matches. All with the very same rifles. When you add in the AR-10 variant with it's larger calibers, you have even more options. Not to mention the advantages of it's modular construction and available adjustable stocks for either variant. They can be tailored to any shooter from Summer in a T-shirt, to Winter in a two inch thick parka with the simple adjustment of the stock. If a gun that can do all of these things isn't a sporting rifle, then please, by all means, show me one that is.

Number Three: We ARE the general public. Gun owners are the guy next door or across the alley that you visit with when you're mowing your lawn. We can do more for the other, non gun owning members of the general public by presenting a level headed, responsible image of gun ownership. We should be showing people that there is no such thing as an "evil gun", and that an AR-15 is no different than a Winchester Model 94 or a Ruger 10/22.

Lastly, Number Four: The number of shootings that occur with handguns highly out number those with long guns. The Colorado Springs church shooting, The Georgia hospital shooting, the Virginia Tech shooting, and the lllinois shooting all occured with handguns, even though the NIU shooter had a shotgun with him.

So, Mr. Pielech. I'm not trying to change your opinion. If you choose not to hunt with an AR-15, then by all means, don't. But please, support those who do. Making any gun out to be "evil" right now damages our cause. Now is the time we should all be together and not bickering amongst ourselves.

[bdickens]

Good job and well played, my man!

[drw]

Great response.

The first rifle my 7 year old son ever fired was an AR15 with 6 position adjustable stock, folded all the way in. He hit a group of 3 shots within 6 inches at about 50 yards. He's looking forward to bagging his first deer with it.

[Keith B]

Well written there TTC. Thanks!

[agbullet2k1]

As long as the photo shows that proper safety methods were employed, I don't see a problem. The only thing the anti's could legitimately gripe about would be endangering a child. If he was in safe hands and being taught correctly, more power to them, and most americans would agree. Trying to make an argument out of a kid that's obviously not in danger would just be silly, and they know it.

[Tactical_Texan_CHL]

The photo he's talking about show's a VERY proud kid sitting behind a nice looking 6 point white tail. In front of the deer is the rifle. He's holding it by the forearm with the butt on the ground. Hands NO WHERE near the trigger, or even the pistol grip for that matter. Nothing remotely unsafe about it. In fact, it's alot like pictures we have all probably taken ourselves, or had taken of us. I hope to see a similar picture by drw of his son this next deer season! If you have access to the magazine, it's on page 39. I looked for it on the website, but I can't find it to link to for you guys.

[Lodge2004]

Unfortunately, the response of Mr. Pielech is one that I have heard many times from life-long hunters and sportsmen.

I checked the website and they have a very amusing article about "assault rifles"...http://www.gunsmagazine.com/DCT0608.html

What if I had both rifles and instead of being in sagebrush I was in the parking lot of a convenience store? And what if my wallet was also empty at the same time? Although trembling at the thought of what could happen I subjected myself to the supreme test. My wallet was virtually empty as I pulled the Bronco into the parking lot of the first 7-11 I saw as I drove back into town. If it was going to happen, it would happen here. I waited. I had the guns, I had the ammunition. My wallet was empty. I waited. I had the opportunity. I could use the money. I waited and I waited.

Nothing happened. I looked in the rearview mirror and my face had not changed. Never once did I get the urge to rob the store. I didn’t feel any different than when I stopped there before church on Sunday morning to pick up a newspaper and a breakfast sausage

[dukalmighty]

I gotta agree i've been broke many times but not once did i think of committing a robbery burglary or any other crime.I guess I don't have a criminal mind set you know the one where I have been taught right from wrong and consequences

[davefrmmrfy]

Very nice job, TTC. Could not have said it better myself!