Gun Control Groups and Their Frustrations with the New York Times
It’s not something that usually crosses the minds of most gun owners, but the New York Times very well might be on the radar of various gun control organizations like Everytown, Giffords, and Brady United. An article they published recently seems to have stirred the pot.
So, what’s the fuss about? Why are figures like Sen. Chris Murphy from Connecticut and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer feeling pressured? The Times’ piece discussed the declining popularity of modern semi-automatic rifles, particularly comparing them to the AK-47 family. One might think that politicians like Schumer, who famously sought to rally support for the 1994 “assault weapons” ban, would thrive on such news, especially in a time when Russia is seen as the antagonist. However, the reaction has been more complicated.
This article adds some complications for Schumer and his allies. For one, it openly admits that AK-style rifles were once widespread but have now fallen behind the AR-15 in popularity among American gun owners. This could pose significant challenges for those advocating for bans.
It’s worth noting, too, that while Fox News might present this opinion, having the New York Times echo similar sentiments is striking—enough to make one pause and consider it.
The Times not only recognized that AKs were popular in the past, but it also pointed out the current prevalence of AR-15s. I can only imagine how furious certain Democratic governors must be while reading this, especially with their efforts to push for bans on “assault weapons” being undermined by such acknowledgment.
The bigger problem lies in the legal implications: in a landmark 2008 ruling, Justice Antonin Scalia emphasized that the Second Amendment protects individuals’ rights to own firearms considered “common.” Banning popular firearms, like handguns or modern semi-automatics, runs contrary to what this ruling established.
Data from the National Shooting Sports Foundation indicates that as of January, the number of “modern sporting rifles” in circulation, which includes both AR-15s and AK-style rifles, hits around 32 million—almost equivalent to the number of Ford’s F-150 pickups made since 1977. Is there anyone seriously suggesting that such a widely owned vehicle is “unusual” or “dangerous”?
Referencing the 2022 case of Bruen v. New York State Rifle Association, one can see why there’s tension in Albany surrounding the potential bans on commonly owned firearms. Such actions could cripple current and future efforts around concealed carry laws.
In this landscape, the New York Times has inadvertently become a source of consternation for those seeking stricter gun regulations.
