Rattle wrote:
]
] The 30 round clip is illegal in the states. When people use a
] SKS for hunting they use the 10 round clip in the
] configuration where the weapon loads from the top.. At least
] they should.
]
] You are accurate in your description of the firearm. It would
] not be my first pick for a hunting rifle. It is an offensive
] weapon. Almost all semi-autos leave a little to be desired in
] terms of accuracy at range, the exceptions being more modern
] assault rifles. A good example of that would be a Bushmaster
] like the DC snipers used in their killing spree. It would be
] a better hunting rifle then an SKS, but I'm sure that's not
] what anyone wants to hear. Bolt action rifles are usually the
] preferred hunting rifle since its the first shot that counts,
] and they are not as heavy. A bolt action rifle was used to
] kill JFK. Their rate of fire, while much slower then a
] semi-auto, is still up to the speed used by the DC snipers in
] their attacks. I think a bolt action rifle was also used by
] Charles Whitman in the Texas clock-tower shootings.
]
] Regardless of firearm design, it is only usage that matters.
] Irresponsible people like this cause rights to be taken away.
] This idiot clearly had no respect for human life. This lack
] of respect did not come from the gun. As a responsible
] firearm owner, I want to see this guy spend the rest of his
] life in jail. Every time something like this happens, it
] reflects badly on gun owners. It would be nice to see him
] made an example of, and not the firearm, but I know that is
] not going to happen that way.
]
] This article isn't bad. The way these things are usually
] handled, I expect to be seeing a picture of the firearm, not
] the suspect.

I'm not sure the banana clip is illegal. I know it isn't legal to sell (or at least it wasn't prior to the expiration of the assualt weapons ban about a month ago, it may actually be legal again in some areas) but they may be legal to own. This falls into the same category as the extended clips for automatic pistols which have been a thriving "used" market for the past few years. It isn't legal to sell a new handgun with a clip capacity of more than I think 9 or 10 rounds. But, a number of them originally came with much larger clip capacities. The Glocks and Brownings from 5-10 years ago came with clips that held anywhere from 13-17 rounds. Under the Brady bill, those were illegal, but they were just dandy beforehand.

There are a number or reasons that the SKS is not a good hunting rifle, in any of it's configurations. The version you refer to with the 10 round top box is poor because the ammo box blocks the sights, and frankly, it's a short barrel rifle/carbine, which means over the bullet flight, it won't be very accurate.

Now, I am not opposed to the right to bear arms in principle, but I think that the practice is an entirely different matter. If I were drawing up rules for what is and isn't a legitimate firearm, my very first restriction would be, no automatic or semi-automatic weapons. Period. That single stroke would make the new rules be, handguns would be limited to revolvers or things ike derrigers (which are more than dangerous enough already, and bolt action or pump/lever action rifles and shotguns. You want to be a hunter? As noted, it's the first shot that counts. Home protection? Same issue.

If nothing else, it would mean the end of "drive-bys."

RE: ABC News: 5 Killed, 3 Hurt in Wis. Hunting Dispute