The Air Rifle: Deadly Weapon or Toy?

By: Scott Jarvis
Submitted: 2008-06-09 13:18:27
Print this article | Tell a friend | For publisher | Social Bookmarking
Rating:
 

There was been quite a large amount of controversy surrounding the air rifle, and various other type of bb guns.  With people striking out at an increasing and alarming rate, some individuals have used such guns to threaten and cause panic.  There have been frequent reports brought to the forefront of our news in which angry and irresponsible individuals and sometimes groups, use air guns to assault innocent bystander’s and sometimes give the illusion that their guns are real firearms.

It appears that the majority of those individuals who do use such guns for unprincipled behaviors are usually on a younger generation and male.  These persons in their mid to late teens and early twenties seen to have a vendetta against the world as dictated by their choice of tools when committing such crimes.  Surely many of these younger people thankfully have no access to real firearms and so choose weapons of lesser force.

Everything from drive by shooting using paintball guns, and robberies using bb guns have become all to common.  Additionally it is becoming increasingly difficult for both passerby’s and law enforcement to discern the difference between real firearms and their far less then lethal counterparts.  This has caused uproars in those communities affected by such criminal activity.  Many law enforcement officials have been left with no other option that to treat these cases as though the perpetrators are using real firearms.

There are some who have stated this is nothing more than an overreaction to an antiterrorist mentality but those on the other side of the fence are calling for more stringent laws to better govern those who own an air rifle, or other types of air based guns.  Still there are others that cry out for all guns to be banned, both those capable of deadly force and those of lesser danger.  Some smaller groups oppose all of these views and would rather see no additional action taken.  These individuals believe that while an object may be used to commit a crime, it is ultimately the actions of irresponsible and angry people that cause others harm.

Who’s right depends on your personal opinion though one thing is for certain.  When looking to point fingers when minors are involved in such actions, it is only fair to point at parents.  In some cases parents have admitted to leaving an air rifle within reach of an irresponsible and immature teenager.  What’s worse is that some parents aren’t even aware that their child is having trouble or had access to weapons, even when they are the owners of such things.  I think that even the most troubled kids can be better managed by giving and paying a little more attention to them and carefully observing their behavior.

Scott supports the right to own both real firearms as well as an air rifle and shoots regularly during his weekends.

Article source: Expert Articles

Most Recent Articles in Social Issues category

  • Young People and Student Work Experience - By: Steve Volman
    Charity work and volunteering is an important structure of society, offering those with less than ideal situations to overcome their obstacles and often get a second chance in life.
  • Scientists Sprint to Save Tasmanian Devil - By: Heidi Jeter
    While saving an endangered species can be a race against time, saving the Tasmanian devil has become an all-out sprint. Similar to a fuzzy black bear cub but with bright pink ears, sharp teeth and a "devilish" snarl, this carnivorous marsupial has been devastated in the last decade by a contagious outbreak of devil facial tumor disease (DFTD).
  • Study Tests For Contaminants in Endangered Albatross - By: Heidi Jeter
    Though black-footed albatross are a symbol of renewal and growth in Hawaiian culture, they are one of the most endangered bird families, with more than 90 percent considered threatened by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Sadly, toxic chemicals such as PCBs and DDT pollute waterways and threaten the lives of the seabirds when they ingest the pesticides while feeding on fish and squid.
  • Charity Work and Volunteering - By: Steve Volman
    If you are between the ages of 16-25 and looking for a way to gain work experience you might want to think about signing up to be a volunteer. Many businesses allow volunteers to help out to give them the opportunity to see if they might be interested in having a career in that particular field.
  • Moms on Facebook - By: Cheri Alguire
    Happy Mother's Day, Real Estate Moms!Facebook, is no longer, just for kids.
  • Happy Earth Day - By: Katie Brown
    Even as a kid, I always thought Earth Day was such a great holiday. But, back then, I didn't really understand the importance of it. I just loved the extended recesses we had on Earth Day. And the teachers were always masters of celebrating the day with activities like planting trees and painting pictures of the ocean and the mountains. But maybe that's ok. I mean, environmental responsibility is born out of a love of nature, and enjoying the earth's colors, beauty, and outdoor activities.
  • Speaking of Hogs - By: Debra L. Morrison
    I also read yesterday that one in five Americans aged 18-34 is obese! Yes, I have noticed the spread widening on Americans as we sidle up to yet our next buffet or super-sized fast food meal. I personally was in the Las Vegas audience last week when Karl Rove could hardly contain his chortling as he belittled the obesity epidemic we have in America. His slick one-liners rolled easily off his tongue mocking the attention and funds that President Obama's stimulus plan allots to addressing one of America's costliest and most debilitating ills.
  • Planning a Charity Event - By: Lily Morgan
    While the cause for charity may be a noble one, most hosts find that when planning a charity event they are dealing with several commercial issues, which if ignored can lead to the event collapsing completely. Keeping a few steps in mind will help ensure that the charity event in question is executed smoothly and is able to thus meet its aim.
  • Constructing and Remodeling with Sustainable Materials - By: Annabelle Krieger
    The use of sustainable materials in construction has become more importatnt as the impact humans have on the environment is becoming more apparent. Sustainable materials can be beautiful and long-lasting.
  • Volunteer in Spain and find out that first world countries also need you - By: Enrique Helmbrecht
    Probably to volunteer in Spain may not sound as interesting and rewarding as you would like to. But you will be surprised to find out how satisfying and joyful to volunteer in Spain can be.