The Unreal McCoy

Larry McCoy, owner of Larry's Gun Shop in the 2700 block of Pleasant Valley Road just off Government Boulevard, said Monday that he sells a Romanian-made, AK-47-style weapon for $400.

McCoy said federal law states that a person 18 or older who is not a convicted felon can legally purchase a semiautomatic assault rifle.

Anyone who meets the federal requirements can be in and out of his shop within 10 minutes, armed with an AK-47-style weapon and bullets.

McCoy said, however, that he will not sell an assault rifle to anyone under 21 because he does not believe a teenager is mature enough to handle such a weapon.

Larry, assuming you actually said that, you really have no clue, do you?

Funny, though. Publicola quoted you a few years back when you said:

I think it's a fine rifle. I think most people buy them to hunt with, but you can use them for self-protection.

I know some will call to boycott you for your prejudice, Larry, but not me, at least not yet (however, any gun owner reading all of Publicola's post ought to tell everyone they know to avoid Rowell's Sporting Goods in Semmes).

No, what I propose is to actually send more business your way by having someone under 21 attempt to buy a semiauto rifle from you and then sue you for age discrimination if you refuse. Or, you could just claim being misquoted and proceed with the sale. In the mean time, if you meant what you were reported saying, you might want to tell some of these guys you don't think they're "mature" enough to be full-fledged Larry's Gun Shop customers.

As for the other implications of this story, i.e., hysterics over the sight of someone bearing arms, Fits has that covered.

[Via Sean Young]

Death of an Emperor

Previous reports said he wouldn't put the gun down when ordered. This report says he never drew it.

Opinions on the official use of deadly force in this situation, anyone?

It All Depends on the Meaning of the Word "Infringed"

"The reality is that his right to bear arms was not infringed upon," Simons said. Though Bleiler lost his license, he may carry a visible gun in public and keep a gun at his home.

Give this story a close read. By avoiding a Second Amendment challenge because it's too hot, or it's too cold, or it's never "just right," the major gun groups have guaranteed that someone else will make one independently of them and their (stated) concerns.

Not What I Would Have Done

Gottlieb has called on the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives to open a criminal investigation.

I understand the motivation to make the antis suffer the consequences of their outrageous hypocrisy, but I would have stopped at bringing the situation of criminality to light. I would not have endorsed any course of action that would have "legitimized" the BATFU thugs or the treasonous edicts they enforce in the eyes of the public.

It's the same principle I've tried to apply to Snuffy Pfleger.

This Day in History: July 19

On July 19, 1776, Congress ordered that the Declaration be engrossed on parchment and signed by every member .