• HelixDab2@lemm.ee
    link
    fedilink
    arrow-up
    17
    arrow-down
    4
    ·
    4 months ago

    …Does Pres. Biden really think that the assassination attempt would have gone less well if Crooks had been using a Ruger American bolt action rifle chambered in 6.5CM? Does he really think that?

    Let’s be super-clear here, and AR-15 uses an intermediate cartridge. Most bolt action hunting rifles are going to use full-power cartridges, cartridges that have a longer range, may have a flatter trajectory, have less wind drift, and have a helluva lot more power when they hit their target. A center mass hit with an AR-15 at 150y is going to be bad; a center mass hit with a .308 or 6.5CM at 150y is going to be the end of someone’s world. Bear in mind that many hunters do not consider a .225/5.56x45mm bullet to be ethical for deer hunting because it’s lower power, while there’s very broad agreement that 6.5CM and .308 are just dandy.

    Also, calling for banning guns in an election year where you’re already behind? When gun bans tend to galvanize Republicans and get them out to the polls? Incredibly dumb. Unbelievably dumb.

    • Revonult@lemmy.world
      link
      fedilink
      arrow-up
      7
      ·
      edit-2
      4 months ago

      He wouldn’t have been able to get 8 shots off. Of course he missed but still.

      Edit: I have not been able to confirm the number of shots taken. I will update this with a source if I find something.

      • meowMix2525@lemm.ee
        link
        fedilink
        arrow-up
        4
        ·
        4 months ago

        I think he only got like 2 shots off. The others you heard were secret service returning fire.

          • meowMix2525@lemm.ee
            link
            fedilink
            arrow-up
            1
            ·
            4 months ago

            I mean the shooter was shot down so at least one of those shots had to be SS. But accounts on the scene said they heard a few quiet pops followed by louder ones from the counter sniper that was closer to them. Shouldn’t be hard to find a source if you look it up, I’m not able to at the moment.

            • Revonult@lemmy.world
              link
              fedilink
              arrow-up
              1
              ·
              edit-2
              4 months ago

              I have been trying to find this info and have not been able to yet. Short of counting the shots from a video I am not sure we will 100% know until the investigation is done. I will edit my previous comment to reflect uncertainty.

              Edit: This article claims the counter sniper who killed him only fired one shot. Although perhaps more SS officers fired?

              https://www.cbsnews.com/news/timeline-trump-rally-shooting/

              • meowMix2525@lemm.ee
                link
                fedilink
                arrow-up
                1
                ·
                edit-2
                4 months ago

                This is the best I can find

                Dressed in a white shirt, dark blazer and bright red MAGA cap, Trump was railing against illegal immigration when shots rang out at 6:08 pm. “Take a look at what happened…” he said, his words cut off by four shots in quick succession.

                Trump grabbed his right ear as repeated shouts of “get down!” were heard, before a fifth and sixth shot. The former president crouched down behind the lectern as Secret Service agents moved in around him. Screams were heard in the crowd.

                Within four seconds further shots were fired, prompting more supporters to get down while additional agents rushed to the stage. Seventeen seconds after the first shots, a final pop was heard and a woman screamed.

                So it could be that all 6 of the initial shots were from the shooter. I think its safe to say at least the first 4 were probably all him (and I do remember the number 4 from the accounts I heard), but the ones following are more ambiguous. Doesn’t look like they’ve released many specifics yet though.

      • HelixDab2@lemm.ee
        link
        fedilink
        arrow-up
        2
        arrow-down
        1
        ·
        4 months ago

        If he’d been using a hunting rifle with a basic 1-8 first focal plan optic that was zeroed at 100y, and had been using ammunition intended for hunting, one single shot to the center mass, and Trump’s aspirations for continuing to be alive would have ended.

        • Revonult@lemmy.world
          link
          fedilink
          arrow-up
          1
          ·
          4 months ago

          I don’t really get this argument. If somone with enough knowledge about sights, ammo, and long range shooting experience to hit a target with a hunting rifle could also hit it with an AR15. The range in this instance was not excessive and well within the capabilities of both rifles. The difference is an AR15 can put a whole lot more shots down range, much faster. Obviously, I am aware that rapid semi auto fire or semi auto rifles in general are less accurate.

          Being able to shoot more rounds can make up for lack of skill. An amateur with an AR15 is much more likely to hit their target or inflict more damage than an amateur with a hunting rifle. Here a skilled shooter could have done it with either.