Revisiting the AK-47, part II

The prior post explained why the AK-47 has approximately four-times the destructive power of standard-issue police firearms. The destructive force of a firearm is the kinetic energy (measured in foot-pounds) it delivers to a target. Kinetic energy is a product of the weight and velocity of bullets expelled by the weapon.

This post provides a coda, by illustrating the destructive power of the AK-47 with a look at the only handgun on the planet that packs equal punch. Smith & Wesson has developed a .50 caliber revolver, purportedly for the big-game hand-gunner market. Three new cartridges have been developed for this 5-shot weapon. This picture shows that the powerful .357 Magnum round (left) looks puny by comparison to the most powerful of the new .50 cal rounds (right).

Click image to see full-size

You might recall that the .44 magnum round was made famous by Clint Eastwood. Note the "muzzle energy" ratings beneath each round (above). The .50 cal S&W delivers 2,600 ft-lb kinetic energy, slightly more destructive power than is produced by an AK-47 firing 150 grain bullets. So how big is the weapon that fires the new monster bullet? More than big enough to make Dirty Harry want a new gun:

Click image to see full-size

The only handgun on the planet that equals the AK-47's power is simply huge. Don't be mislead by the "assault rifle" tag. The AK-47 is a device for delivering a level of destructive force that no private citizen needs to possess. It isn't a hunting weapon and other types of firearms are more appropriate for personal defense, e.g., shotguns.

So-called militias, anti-government extremists and violent hate groups love the AK for its power and low cost. Eastern European AK's can be purchased new for as little as $600, about the same cost as a top-name handgun from manufacturers like Glock or Beretta. That's very little money considering the AK-47 packs four-times the punch of the typical handgun and provides the asymmetric firepower that recently killed two police officers.

The 43rd President wrongly allowed the assault weapons ban to lapse. TheRaven expects the 44th President to push comprehensive gun ownership reform in his second term. Expect a firestorm of rhetoric and threats that will make the tea baggers look like a church social. Watch for the lies, don't be confused between the right to bear arms and the non-right to pack more firepower than the police. The President does not intend to take away legitimate hunting and personal defense weapons, but he understands that reform is overdue.

The AK-47 and its kind have got to go.

Quoth Nugent

The quote of the week comes from - of all people - Ted Nugent.

TheRaven isn't a particular fan of the (now middle-aged) Motor City Madman, but funny is funny, regardless of source and nearly irrespective of context. 'Ole Ted, never a shrinking violet, let loose in a pro-gun editorial here, in which he says...

"...You don't ban electric guitars just because someone may have a lapse in logic, goodwill and decency and spontaneously break out into country and Western music."

It turns out that the man who gave us Cat Scratch Fever turned into quite the quotester. His witty repartee several years ago with a British journalist (found here) an example:

Journalist: "What do you think the last thought is in the mind of a deer before you  shoot it ?

Is it, `Are you my friend?` 

or is it `Are you the one who killed my  brother?'"

Nugent:  "Deer aren't capable of that kind of thinking.   

All they care about is: 

'What am I going to eat next, 

who am I going to screw next, 

and can I run fast enough to get away.   

They are very much like the French."

In the same Washington Times article quoted above, Ted goes on to say...Peace and love will get you killed, and unarmed helplessness is a welcome mat for evil. It's common sense unless, of course, your anthem goes "baaa ... baaa ... baaa." 

At least we know where he stands. 

While TheRaven disagrees with Nugent's unabashed promotion of the NRA (and notes that the Motor City Madman is sane enough to join the NRA's Board of Directors) he makes a basic point that bears repeating, albeit with more balance: too many Americans (including TheRaven) won't give up their guns, so anti-gun activists would better serve common good by reversing course and advocating stringent, national standards for gun ownership and carry rights. States rights have been the Achilles heel of rational gun policy, we need national standards.
  

Both sides of the gun debate have retreated into hyperbolic nonsense. Nobody wants a bunch of high-school drop-outs toting automatic weapons on main street but Nugent has a valid point regarding the peril of urban "gun-free zones" to anyone with something to lose. Opposing extremes have locked America into a gun policy stalemate that benefits no one, except for gun manufacturers who profit from hysteria over imagined future legislation. 

TheRaven thinks efforts to remove guns from American life is a no-win proposition. The better strategy by far would advocate national standards for gun ownership, possession and use, backed by stringent qualifications that include: 

1) literacy tests; 
2) hair sample drug test; 
3) national, state and local criminal background check; 
4) classroom and firing range qualification under certified instructors; 
5) periodic re-qualification, at least every three years; 
6) proof of citizenship or permanent residency; 
7) appropriate application & permit fees to fund this program.

The obvious flaw in Nugent's piece, as he conflates gun ownership with water, tea kettles, chainsaws, cars, trucks and other oddly chosen aspects of modern life, is that most these items are or can be extremely dangerous. Only a fool disrespects a chainsaw and licensing and periodic re-licensing of car and truck operators has been law for quite awhile.

Regarding rights to self-defense, TheRaven will gladly surrender gun rights when all levels of government guarantee gun-free criminals. Give Nugent what he wants, but only in context of guns as extremely dangerous implements. 
 

TheRaven doesn't fear a literacy test.