Assault Rifles For Hunters?

As I write this, I'm hunting coyotes in southeastern Wyoming with Eddie Stevenson, PR Manager for Remington Arms, Greg Dennison, who is senior research engineer for Remington, and several writers. We're testing Remington's brand new .17 cal Spitfire bullet on coyotes.

I must be living in a vacuum. The guides on our hunt tell me that the use of AR and AK rifles have a rapidly growing following among hunters, especially prairie dog hunters. I had no clue. Only once in my life have I ever seen anyone using one of these firearms.

I call them "assault" rifles, which may upset some people. Excuse me, maybe I'm a traditionalist, but I see no place for these weapons among our hunting fraternity. I'll go so far as to call them "terrorist" rifles. They tell me that some companies are producing assault rifles that are "tackdrivers."

Sorry, folks, in my humble opinion, these things have no place in hunting. We don't need to be lumped into the group of people who terrorize the world with them, which is an obvious concern. I've always been comfortable with the statement that hunters don't use assault rifles. We've always been proud of our "sporting firearms."

This really has me concerned. As hunters, we don't need the image of walking around the woods carrying one of these weapons. To most of the public, an assault rifle is a terrifying thing. Let's divorce ourselves from them. I say game departments should ban them from the praries and woods.   

UPDATE: As a point of clarification about this blog, it is important for everyone to realize that the opinions expressed here are Jim’s and not necessarily those of Outdoor Life.

I’ve been friends with Jim for many years and have shared countless great times with him talking about both hunting and guns. While I totally support Jim’s right to express his point of view—this is his blog after all—I don’t happen to agree with him on this matter.

His position that AR- and AK-style rifles don’t have a place among our “sporting arms” is not one that I personally, or Outdoor Life as a magazine, happens to share.

In the six years that I’ve worked at Outdoor Life we have never wavered in our support of our Second Amendment rights, which don’t, and shouldn’t, make a distinction about the cosmetic look of the guns that we choose take to our local gun clubs or into hunting camp.

That said, I don’t expect every other hunter and sportsman out there to have a set of opinions that moves in lockstep with mine. So while I don’t share Jim’s view on this, I also know that he is still the same wonderfully talented and good-natured person he was before this post went up. For those of you who have followed him for all or part of his more than thirty years at Outdoor Life, I would ask you to bear that in mind before damning him with personal attacks.

John B. Snow
Executive Editor
Outdoor Life

Comments

[John M. Gagnon]

I also have no interest in using a combat-type gun in the woods. Auto rifles (especially those with large magazines) tend to promote a "spray and pray" mentality, rather than a deliberative and carefully chosen humane harvest. Already too many hunters take impulsive shots at running game. Neither the image of hunters as commandos nor the sight of wounded game will help us with the public perception of hunting. I understand that using a combat rifle of this type does not FORCE a hunter to hunt impulsively, but the vast majority of hunters will be better served with a gun (like a bolt, lever or single shot) that is likely lighter and more reliable anyway. If you insist on using an auto, there are plenty of sporting models that have more than enough firepower for game. If you don't care who you intimidate by the look of your firearm (or you secretly enjoy looking like Rambo), you are not caring enough about the public perception of our endangered sport.

[Greg]

Jim, There is nothing quite like the feel of a quality wood stock in hand, especially the one on your favorite sporting rifle. I carry and train with an AR15 on my job and I must admit it is a rush, but would not consider hunting with the cold uncomfortable thing.

[jstreet]

I'm not a huge fan of the whole tactical take that seems to be popular right now. I really don't see the need for it. Traditional buttstocks and firearms have worked fine for years.
I know remington and mossberg have a couple of collapsible stock turkey guns on the market right now.
I don't find the stocks comfortable to use and I feel like I'm playing soldier.
Jim

[Jwilliams]

So what if people want to hunt with a rifle that does not "look" like the rest. I personally do not own nor would I hunt with an Assault Rifle - But could care less if that is what someone else prefers to hunt with. Make up your mind Jim -- Divided we fall.

[Josh]

If an AR-15 is considered a "terrorist" rifle, then what about all the other semi-automatic rifles out there such as mini-14's. All of those assault rifles are just civilian versions of the M-16. I know they aren't automatic, heck i don't think they even allow them to have a 3 round burst so it is kind of hard for me to even consider them as assault rifles. I know they are all sinthetic and metal with no wood but that isn't always a bad thing. I think I have even seen you Mr. Zumbo with rifles that don't have any wood. I think the bigest reason I responded to your article is that you called these rifles "terrorist" rifles. As far as i know we are the only country that uses rifles like this so are you refering to our soldiers as terrorists?

[Josh]

If an AR-15 is considered a "terrorist" rifle, then what about all the other semi-automatic rifles out there such as mini-14's. All of those assault rifles are just civilian versions of the M-16. I know they aren't automatic, heck i don't think they even allow them to have a 3 round burst so it is kind of hard for me to even consider them as assault rifles. I know they are all sinthetic and metal with no wood but that isn't always a bad thing. I think I have even seen you Mr. Zumbo with rifles that don't have any wood. I think the bigest reason I responded to your article is that you called these rifles "terrorist" rifles. As far as i know we are the only country that uses rifles like this so are you refering to our soldiers as terrorists?

[Buckdun]

I somewhat agree Jim. For normal hunting there is no place for them. I have one & the only time it gets used is when there is a problem with feral dogs or coyotes during calving. Other than those times the only use that it has is to stop charging cans. This is the only other thing they are good for. Also the 7.62x39 has recieved a lot of press lately as a hunting rd, it has less power than the old .30-30, & the .30-30 has been condemed for years as being underpowered so why are hunting mags calling the 7.62 great?

[Eric]

When I varmint hunt I use a Mini-14, but I only use a 5 round clip. I also use a ruger 10/22. I think hunting with a assault rifle is only okay if you have a 5 round clip in it.

[Billy]

Just wait 'til they come for your "high powered sniper rifle." If I were you, I wouldn't divide gun owners as we are under attack and these kind of articles only hurt the overall cause.

[Bryan]

Your blog entry is disgusting. Asking game departments to ban the AR type rifles in the woods? Calling them terrorist rifles? You are an enemy to the 2nd Amendment on the same level as Sarah Brady with these types of blog entries.

Have you heard "Divided We Stand United We Fall"?

[Slyvester Putz]

I hunt with an AR. Why? Because in the standard .223 Rem /5.56 NATO caliber, handloaded with 75 grain Swifts, it is perfect for South Texas Whitetails and feral hogs.

My AR is NOT a terrorist rifle as when it isn't used for hunting, it is a fine rifle in the Civillian Marksmanship Program. Target shooting and not from the bench. 3 position, about perfect practice for field shooting. The only change I make to the rifle for hunting is ammo and removal of the weights. No fancy scope necessary because it hits where I aim it and I know what it does at range.

And those bemoaning the use of .223 for deer have never tried it. Or are such poor shots they need overkilling power to make up for their lack of skill. No hunter should EVER take a shot they know they cannot make. And shooting more than 2 boxes of ammo a year at targets on varying range is a confidence builder. If I can see it, I can shoot it.

[Mike R.]

http://www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=1&f=5&t=548211

[Doug]

I cannot believe I just read that. For a minute, I thought I was on the Brady website.

The "Traditional" rifles (wood stock, bolt action) are all but gone at high power matches. Looking over the stats from Camp Perry this year, I seem to remember that most of the winners used (gasp) AR-15 stle rifles.

If you are afraid of an inanimate object because of the way it looks, I humbly suggest you seek professional help.

[Ben]

You sir are disgusting.

We all know you have a propensity for high-powered bolt action sniper rifles capable of killing from hundreds of yards away. No reasonable hunter would ever need such a weapon for civlized hunting in a civilized society.

The only thing one would ever need is a bow and arrow. The only people who need high powered super bolt action sniper rifles are those playing commando, and they need to be thrown in prison.

[Jon]

You sound like a writer for a fashion magazine.Those rifles are just not pretty. They do not belong because I say so.
You should hunt with what I approve.
Government restrictions will come for your firearms too. Just look at the U.K. they cannot own anything. Then who will stand with you? Please stand up for all firearm types the Constitution says nothing about "sporting" use of a firearm. Do not be scared be educated and informed and free.

[matt]

Most of the public find your hunting rifles, which I call high powered sniper rifles, terrifying.

[Paul]

http://www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=1&f=5&t=548054

[Ilikeallguns]

I really have a hard time believing that someone as versed in firearms as Jim Zumbo would be in the dark about the use of Ar's for sporting purposes. I'm equally suprised he is unaware of the accuracy capability of these guns. There are many manufacturers with accuracy guarantees of 1moa or 3/4 moa. What are the claims for Remington, isn't it around 3moa. There are many other hunting/fishing publications out in the world that have said many great things about these guns. I guess I'm just suprised to see the seperation being created here. Espescially when it all comes down to it, If they can take one semi-auto, they can take another, and then who knows what's next.

[JW]

You are a disappointment to firearms
enthusiasts everywhere.

[Paul Vargas]

Gee Mr. Zumbo, since an AR-15 looks exactly like the M-16 series weapons our military uses, I guess a reasonable person can only conclude you are calling our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines 'terrorists'.

My advice for you is if you chose not to hunt with an AR-15, don't do it but please don't go around minding other peoples business.

" If you don't care who you intimidate by the look of your firearm (or you secretly enjoy looking like Rambo), you are not caring enough about the public perception of our endangered sport."

And it seems you are more concerned with your own selfish preconceptions on how the world ougt to be than protecting the Second Amendemnt. To hell with other tax payers and their rights, you are going to have things your way or no way. Funny, last time I read the Second Amendment, the word 'hunting' appeared no where in it? Coud it be there is in actual fact no constitutionally protected right to hunt and it is merely a by-product (and a lesser one) of a greater and more encompasing right?

You remind me of the old timers over on the Ham radio side of things that would rather see Amateur Radio die completely than the morse code requirement be dropped. They have become so set in their ways, so afraid of even the slightest change, they would rather see the entire hobby die wtih them that adapt to modern times in the most miniscule way. They look down their nose at the new generation and percieve them as malcontents and hooligans, lumping all into one category when they themselves have allowed their predjudices to make of them the very thing they claim to despise.

You sir, are nothing more than a selfish coward who is willing to throw your fellow shooters to the hungry wolves for your own self-serving reasons in the vain hope you are eaten last. You sell out your fellow shooters instead of taking a principled stand and supporting the shooting community as a whole.

If anyone is to blame for the current state of affairs, you will find him looking back at you from your bathroom mirror.

[Aaron]

Zumbo, your ignorance on weapons truly abounds in this writing. You say that AR-15's are terrorist rifles so then i guess you are calling US Soldiers terrorists as thay are the only military in the world that uses the AR-15 platform (in the military this would be the M-16). Secondly, lets look at the facts of these "terrorist" rifles. These are nothing more then semi-automatic 223 caliber rifles. We all hunt and own a lot more powerful rifles then this to go shoot a deer, elk, or bear in the US so why are those rifles then not demonized.

Or how bout the Remington 7400; thats a semi-automatic rifle that shoots a far larger bullet then the little 223 the AR-15 shoots. SO why is the remington 7400 an ok gun to hunt with and not the AR=15. The remington has a 5 round box mag and the AR-15 to legally hunt with it only has a 5 round box magazine so why is there so much of a difference then??

Your ignorance abounds in this article and its people like you that will get all rifles banned. Remember, you want to rid the country of these evil AR-15s that shoot litte 22 caliber bullets, so what will stop the liberals of ridding this country of rifles that shoots large caliber bullets(.30, 338 etc).

One last thing for all the above commentors: a clip loads a magazine and a magazine loads a rifle. So your Ruger Mini-14 does not have a 5 round clip but a 5 round magazine. So please remember, its magazine not clip. Say it again, magazine not clip.

Well at least now i know its time to cancel my subscription to this magazine (the one you read not load a rifle with) as this is as bad as reading a democratic convention flyer.

Take care all and happy hunting!!!

[Erik S.]

I used to respect you, Jim, but your comments are disappointing. What makes your weapon of choice more noble than the next guy's? Also, maybe you should pay more attention to the company you keep, particularly the executives from Remington. Their company provides ammunition for these so-called terrorist rifles. They'll be getting a letter from me.

[Charles Roberts II]

First they took the "assault" rifles, but I didn't care because I couldn't hunt with them.

Then they took the handguns, but I didn't care because a lot of folks don't hunt with them.

Then they took the leaver action rifles and pump shotguns. I didn't say anything because we can hunt without them.

Then they banned center fire rifles and and slugs. We could hunt with buckshot.

Then they banned them all but it was too late. No one was there to stand beside me in the fight to save the right to keep and bear arms.

We as gun owners stand and fall together. The attitute that you Mr.Zumbo have will be the death of gun ownership in the USA. Your attitude is the same as the "hunters" in England and that attitude is why they are in the state they are in.

If you think they just want my AR15 you are sadly mistaken. They want all arms out of the hands of citizens.

I will close with some words from our current speaker of the house, Nancy Pelosi. "If I could have got the votes that day I would have said Mr. and Mrs. America TRUN THEM ALL IN."

TURN THEM ALL IN, united we stand and divided we fall.

[todd4417]

I have several AR-15`s and one AK-47 neither of which i`ve used for hunting (I`ve got a 30-06 for that, which by the way started life as a Military Round)I use my AR-15`s and AK-47 for plinking at the range cause there fun and cheap to shoot. I shoot several thousand rounds a year and have become a better shot just by shooting more than I would just using my deer rifles. You people who call these rifles "terrorist" rifles or there "bullets" cop killers need to pull you heads out of your a$$es. Politicians are trying to fool the average hunter by saying they only want to ban "assult/sniper" rifles or "cop killer" bullets. Your deer rifle with a scope on it is a sniper rifle and your 270, 308, 30/06, ect... will penetrate a bullet prove vest just as easy as a "cop killing" 223/5.56 or 7.62 round will. Gun owners need to stick together because divided we`ll all will lose to the gun grabers.

[Adam Lamb]

Allowing others to define a "reasonable firearm" on going to lead to a country without a second amendment.

We all know that "Elk Rifle" is just a euphemism for a "Sniper Rifle" and that "Bedside Handgun" is the "Criminals Weapon of choice." One mans "Duck Gun" is another's "Trench Broom."

"Your humble opinion" is demonstrably defective.

[All of the Bill of Rights, Not just those you like or agree with]

You sir, sound like a shill for Sarah Brady and the VPC.

With your type of arrogance, Daniel Boone would've been forced to use a bow and arrow since his muzzle loader would've been deemed an "assault rifle" by the likes of you.

[Mike T.]

I can't believe a fellow gun owner in this day of unrelenting atacks on all our american rights would say something like this let alone put it in writing. You and your kind will be the end to private gun ownership in america.

Shame on you.

Please tell your editors that I will no longer purchase their publication and I will dispose of all that I see laying in the doctors, dentists, garages, anywhere and unfortunately my fathers end table just to help preserve our constitutional rights that have already been destroyed by fools such as yourself.

Shame on you, you have forever lost a reader.

Stand together or fall apart!!!!!

[Tom F.]

If this magazine/writer wish to be so P.C., I formally request that you remove the "Racks Calender" from this website. Oh, you know someone may be offended by barely clothed females and we don't want to bring negative attention to "huntin'..... We need to stand together to preserve everyone's 2A RIGHTS!!!

[Ben]

"Only once in my life have I ever seen anyone using one of these firearms."
-Jim Zumbo

You need to get out more -or better yet, hand over the keyboard to someone else who isn't afraid to experience the other shooting sports that are available. Were hunting to become extinct, the same people who are "terrified" of AR15's would be delighted.

Don't count on the rest of the gun owners to defend hunting if hunters don't defend the 2nd Amendment.

[Yoz]

We are our own worst enemy. I know MANY hunters who use AR's for hunting and what is the difference between an AR that uses a 223 round or a bolt action rifle that uses that same round? because of the looks? So because the gun grabbers find a catch word like "assault rifle" for a semi automatic, How long until they change the term "hunting rifle" to a "Sniper Rifle?" I cannot believe a pro gun person would use the words "Ban" in one of his articles. Very disappointing.

[Gordon Langston]

I hope that Jim will re-consider what he's said. It's fairly easy to be duped by the media sensationalism over firearms into casting an evil personnae on a particular style of rifle. He should note that the last mall killing was shotgun related.

Semi-auto ARs and AKs can do quite well with prairie dogs and believe it or not some states allow them for deer hunting with a magazine limit.

To each his own but let's not allow our 2nd Amendment rights to be abridged because of our cosmetic differences.

Yes, the firearm I was issued while deployed in the middle east was really a "terrorist weapon." The semi-auto version I own at my house, and have taken dozens of bucks with, would have been more at home shooting Israeli children.

That was heavily laden with sarcasm, if you couldn't tell.

This author is just about the dumbest son of a bitch I've ever encountered. These jackass “Elmer Fudd” hunters give everyone that owns a firearm a bad name.

[Nathan]

What despicable ignorance on display. First of all, how could a so-called hunting writer be so far behind the times that he doesn't even realize AR's are popular varmint rifles?

If .223 is an acceptible caliber for varmint hunting, then what difference does it make if it looks like an AR?

You can be comfortable with "assault weapons have no place in hunting", and I'll be comfortable with my rights as an American. If all hunters had your attitude we'd be like England with most all guns outlawed, and self defense outlawed in our own homes. I'm tired of garbage like this from hunting magazines. I'm cancelling my subscription to outdoor life and will advise my father of this magazine's attitude towards our second amendment rights.

You don't need to hunt, go to the grocery store like everyone else.

[Harry]

You are living in a vacuum, and you have no clue.

Should we ban handguns for hunting, too?

[Kevin]

Mr. Zumbo, I really don't care what you think about AR's, my right to own as many as I want is a constitutional right. Ever heard of the 2nd amendment to the American constitution.

You, Sir are the worst enemy of all. The gun owner who sells out other gun owners.

Coward. COWARD is your name.

[Stewart In Oregon]

I am proud to see what others are writing here and I agree 100% with them. You are (now were) a respected outdoor writer and you have a duty to all outdoorsman to protect the second ammendment whether you like the rifle the other guy uses or not.

I shoot thousands of rounds a year through my various ARs and other "tactical" weapons and I am a better, safer, and more accurate marksman for it.

It never fails though that each time I go to the range I see a guy with the average "hunting" rifle totally mishandling the weapon and creating an unsafe shooting environment. Often times they can't hit their target at a reasonable range. We, Mr. Zumbo, refer to them and people like you as Fudds.

So now you know that ARs are accurate and I know that you're a Fudd.

My subscription has been cancelled.

[DaveinMD]

UNBELIEVABLE!

So much for standing together!
You sir,have offended a vast number of sportsmen,gun owners,servicemen,etc with your ignorance.
Maybe you should pick up a copy of Judd Cooney's excellent article from a recent copy of Fur-Fish-Game and read his take on the AR15 as a sporting firearm.Not that our Constitution even makes such a distinction!
You howver,do.Simply amazing!

[96Ag]

I have enjoyed Mr. Zumbo's articles for many years, however, after reading this column I can assure you that I will never purchase another publication with his byline. Likewise I will do my best to avoid any product that has his name attached to it.

People like Mr. Zumbo will be touted as supporters of the "rights" of hunter when the next ban comes around. Hunting is not a part of the 2A and enjoys no protections against the whims of out of control legislatures. I can assure you that I lose more and more respect for "hunters" that would see my rights abridged because of their arrogant disdain for my choice in rifles.

[Jim Perkins]

I was quite dissapointed to read the blast by Jim Zumbo as to his version of what I call a Semi-automatic firearm. I own a Ruger 10/22 and have been told it is also an "Assult Rifle." Now, I'm going to really going to get it. I'm the proud owner of a nice unused 1954 Russian SKS with all milled parts. Let me tell you after some trigger work, it's a tack driver firing at bolt action speed. I may hunt Deer with it using a five round magazine. Note: I'm a one shot kill hunter, there will be no rapid fire. Please Jim, join the Hillary and Brady mob they need you!

[Mark]

When I hear people make such foolish comments as the ones you made in your article one thought comes to mind. If the 2A only pertains to your idea of a "hunting riffle" then I guess the 1A only pertains quill pens and scrolls. I think you need to get yor heada out of the sand sir because obviously you dont fully understand the 2A!!

[2A]

Way to do research before making a retarded comment Zumbo!

[Jason]

I am absolutely amazed at the ignorance displayed in Mr. Zumbo's illogical article posted above.

Rather than continue to voice my displeasure via an anonymous post on an internet blog, I instead feel my time would be better spent addressing my concerns with Remington. Surely they do not condone Mr. Zumbo's anti-gun point of view, but I will most assuredly give them a chance to explain their reaction to this drivel.

[GeorgeInNePa]

Jim is entitled to his opinion, but that is a huge cup of stupid.

Way to fight for someone who like things that you don't.

We are our own worst enemy.

[jace]

Im am very surprised and at the same extremly disappointed, as an avid hunter and collector of firearms that a outdoor writer would bash the appearance of an ar-15, and call it a terrorist weapon. Is the 2nd ammendment nothing to this industry?? why are you giving in to the anti-gun crowd? what is wrong with hunting with a rifle that has the appearance of an assualt rifle? why should the appearance of the gun matter in the case of hunting? I know several folks who hunt deer with an SKS (7.62x39) and even more who hunt coyote and other game with the ar15, and both are excellent choices accordingly. make a stand for all out doorsmen and the 2nd ammendment. Do you actually think that the majority of outdoorsman and hunters would support another gun ban?? no I dont think so. Stand up for our freedoms and stop bashing them. I will nolonger support a magazine or any media that has given in to the anti-gun cause.

[jace]

Im am very surprised and at the same extremly disappointed, as an avid hunter and collector of firearms that a outdoor writer would bash the appearance of an ar-15, and call it a terrorist weapon. Is the 2nd ammendment nothing to this industry?? why are you giving in to the anti-gun crowd? what is wrong with hunting with a rifle that has the appearance of an assualt rifle? why should the appearance of the gun matter in the case of hunting? I know several folks who hunt deer with an SKS (7.62x39) and even more who hunt coyote and other game with the ar15, and both are excellent choices accordingly. make a stand for all out doorsmen and the 2nd ammendment. Do you actually think that the majority of outdoorsman and hunters would support another gun ban?? no I dont think so. Stand up for our freedoms and stop bashing them. I will nolonger support a magazine or any media that has given in to the anti-gun cause.

[Larry M]

I cannot believe that called the AR15 a "terrorist" weapon. It is attitudes like yours that are not needed in the gun world, much less published in a magazine such as this one.

The editors of this magazine are as much to blame as you. You should have been called out on this and they should have refused to publish your article.

Perhaps you should try the AR15 before you print such garbage. You may find that it is just as viable a weapon for sport as the next. Hell you might even enjoy it if you open your closed mind.

Unless a full page apology is printed in the next issue to hit the stands I will never buy another Outdoor Life.

[B.G.]

Wow. Just wow. What are you trying do? What was the goal of that worthless Brady style drivel. Terrorist rifle? How moronic can you be. Just because you don't care for them or are scared of them does not mean the rest of the world is. Only you and "soccor moms" are scared of them.
I cannot believe the that you called the weapon of our military a "terrorist rifle"
Every responsible American should own an AR.

You are truly a clueless moron.Shame on you.

[FlyingPortagee]

Where did you come up with "To most of the public, an Assault Rifle is a terrifying thing" Do you have anything to back that up? Or did you just make that up? In what instance is an Assault Rifle a terrifying thing?

[cyanide]

They should all be banned. Do it for the children.

[Bang-Flop]

The elitest content of this article rivals that of any left wing, "guns must be banned" publication I've ever read!

By your own admission, you have no experience with the AR-15. If you had bothered to actually ever hunt with one, or even just punch paper your opinion could, and probably would be more favorable. Your comments would certainly be more credible if you had ever used the AR.

When Eugene Stoner created the AR he created a firearm with a modular platform, and there-in is one of the major benefits of the AR. By simply changing upper receivers, one can go from the .223, to a 6.8, the new .204, or a myriad of other calibers. These calibre changes can be accomplished in about 3 minutes.

I also call myself a hunter, but that's all you and I share. I hunt 2-3 times per week for prairie dogs, and coyotes, and use the AR-15 exclusively. I own other firearms I could use, but prefer the AR-15 for some of the reasons stated.

I suggest you get an AR-15 and actively use it for a month. If you do, and find you like it, and see the merits it has as a hunting firearm, will you be man enough to write a retraction of this uninformed article?

[John Cazoway]

I must be living in a vacuum. The guides on our hunt tell me that the use of bolt-action, magazine-fed, multi-shot, smokeless-cartridge centerfire rifles with high-power sniper scopes (see picture at top of page) have a rapidly growing following among hunters, especially prairie dog hunters. I had no clue. Only once in my life have I ever seen anyone using one of these firearms.

I call them "murderous sniper" rifles, which may upset some people. Excuse me, maybe I'm a traditionalist, but I see no place for these weapons among our hunting fraternity. I'll go so far as to call them "terrorist long-range carnage" rifles. They tell me that some companies are producing murderous sniper rifles that are "tackdrivers."

Sorry, folks, in my humble opinion, these things have no place in hunting. We don't need to be lumped into the group of people who terrorize the world with them, which is an obvious concern. I've always been comfortable with the statement that hunters don't use magazine-fed / multi-shot / smokeless-cartridge / centerfire / optically-enhanced rifles. We've always been proud of our "muzzle loading single-shot flintlocks."

This really has me concerned. As hunters, we don't need the image of walking around the woods carrying one of these weapons. To most of the public, a murderous sniper rifle is a terrifying thing. Let's divorce ourselves from them. I say game departments should ban them from the praries and woods.

--------------------------------------

It sounds a little outrageous from this perspective, doesn't it?

It appears that you have fallen for the manipulative braying of the Brady and VPC crowd and have allowed yourself to be become a tool in their gun-banning plans. If you continue down the divisive path you have started on and continue to help the gun-grabbers implement their agenda, in the end you will be one of those who is responsible for denying your great-grandchildren the pleasures of hunting with a fine firearm of any type.

Once the the gun-grabbers have finished with the so-called "assault weapons", they will be coming for your bolt-action "sniper rifles", and then your "magazine-fed, multi-shot" rifles (including lever and pump actions), and finally all "high-power" centerfire rifles, even the single-shot rifles. Is this the legacy you want to leave?

Fortunately, it isn't too late to reverse your thinking and take a stand to preserve the heritage you care for so deeply by defending the 2nd Amendment in its entirety. After all, the 2nd Amendment is not, and never has been, about protecting the right to hunt. It is a about the much more basic human right of self-defense.

Thus, I urge you to re-think your knee-jerk emotional reaction against an artificially classified group of firearms that you perceive to be "terrifying", and work to unite instead of divide. Please, remember that we stand together or hang alone.

[Thomas P. Randall]

Judas.

[mark lindell]

i will never read or buy outdoor life magazine again .

[mark lindell]

i will never read or buy outdoor life magazine again .

[Craig]

Mr. Zumbo,

I am greatly disturbed by your comments above, concerning the AR 15. I am an avid AR user. I have a switch barrel system, that is chambered for 22LR, 556, 6x45 and 458 Socom. I have used the various calibers hunting large and small game, in Colorado and New Mexico. I am an ethical hunter who cherishes my time afield, much like you, from what I have gathered from watching your television show for the last 2 years. My sister-in-law just presented me with one of your signed pictures from the last SHOT show. Basically, I have considered myself a fan of your efforts over the years, promoting hunting through your various outlets.

While I respect your opinion regarding AR's for hunting, I am afraid that I have to strongly disagree. As you stated that your opinion has no basis in experience, I would suggest that your reaction and opinion is of the knee jerk variety, common to anti-gunners and anti-hunters. There will always exist divisions within the hunting fraternity regarding, choice of weapon, fair chase, trophy hunting and the like, but I like to think that we are all still family, fighting to protect our love of hunting and the outdoors. You would call me a terrorist because I choose to hunt with the same rifle that I might use to defend myself? Because it is black, and semiautomatic? How is this different than the bird hunter who might use his black semiauto Remington shotgun as a home defense weapon? The gun ownership and hunting heritage in this country is completey unique and special. They always have been one and the same. I am truely sorry that you cannot see the connection. And I am greatly disturbed that you have taken what should be considered an honest debate between ethical hunters to this level of disparagment.

I would heartily encourage you to spend some time afield with someone who could help enlighten you as to the use of the AR for hunting and varminting. You could then at least formulate an educated opinion. I would welcome any ethical hunter to my campfire, to cuss and discuss things. That debate is part of what makes hunting enjoyable. But to be called a terroist for my choice of weapon, by someone who has zero knowledge of what he talks about, is just plain wrong, on so many levels.

Craig

[Chris Baynes]

I just saw this and to be honest, I am aghast. I have read Jim Zumbo's articles on his experiences for years--since I was old enough to hunt-- and have greatly admired this man and his work and exploitations.

Now I am seriously dissapointed with his generalizations on shooters and firearms with respect to "assault" rifles and the shooters who use them. This article really shows a lack of understanding, education, and a total disrespect for fellow gun owners--hunters or not.

Before making such caustic and ignorant statements, I would have thought, a worldly politically aware, Jim Zumbo would have done at least precursory research on the matter and made himself more qualifed to make such statments on the matter. He obviously does not even know or has been exposed to the inherent accuracy of the AR15 platform. In this day and age of gun control and dissappearing hunting lands, we all need to stick together and realize that we all have a similar risk at stake. Giving some (firearms)control away here or there is simply not acceptable--even though it may preserve our own particular niche in a gun owning society.

I am heart heavy to know now that someone I have admired for so many years would make such statements as these.

Sad day indeed.

[Chris Baynes]

I just saw this and to be honest, I am aghast. I have read Jim Zumbo's articles on his experiences for years--since I was old enough to hunt-- and have greatly admired this man and his work and exploitations.

Now I am seriously dissapointed with his generalizations on shooters and firearms with respect to "assault" rifles and the shooters who use them. This article really shows a lack of understanding, education, and a total disrespect for fellow gun owners--hunters or not.

Before making such caustic and ignorant statements, I would have thought, a worldly politically aware, Jim Zumbo would have done at least precursory research on the matter and made himself more qualifed to make such statments on the matter. He obviously does not even know or has been exposed to the inherent accuracy of the AR15 platform. In this day and age of gun control and dissappearing hunting lands, we all need to stick together and realize that we all have a similar risk at stake. Giving some (firearms)control away here or there is simply not acceptable--even though it may preserve our own particular niche in a gun owning society.

I am heart heavy to know now that someone I have admired for so many years would make such statements as these.

Sad day indeed.

[B.G.]

I will never puchase outdoor life again either.

Unless I need some "terrorist" viagra.

[David M. Fortier]

You are very much a part of the cancer infecting our great country.

A closed minded ignorant fool, you obviously have no idea what is at stake.

David M. Fortier
InterMedia Outdoors
Field Editor
Shooting Times
RifleShooter
Shotgun News
Combat Arms
Guns&Ammo TV

[B.G.]

Thank you David Fortier.
Good man.

[pvc]

It saddens me that you would consider publishing this garbage. The .223 is a very common round to hunt with. Ar-15's may "look" different to your traditional bolt action, but they fuction very much the same. Ar-15's are designed to accomodate a variety of different people, men and women alike. They were made to shoot comfortably and accurately. Rifles, in general, are not made for hunting. They are made to shoot. The 2nd Amendment wasn't designated for hunting either, it specifies that all Americans have the "right to keep and bear arms." I hope you think about what you have written and try be opened minded about different options to shooting. You may find that you enjoy shooting these sporting rifles, because "we indeed are in the same fraternity...As they say, different strokes for different folks. Enjoy it however you hunt." God Bless.

[Ryan]

Mr. Zumbo, I grew up in a liberal-dominated town. I can tell you right now that the left-leaning public perception of hunters is not a positive one. Show the average person in my town a picture of a Remington 700, and they'll immediately associate it with a "sniper rifle". Most people don't delve into our sport, and their only perceptions are ones the media present to them.

There's no problem with you having an opinion. However, I DO have a problem with the fact that you call for a ban on weapons you don't agree with. It's depressing to see the division between "hunter" and "shooter" show so clearly.

[Groucho Marxist]

You've GOT to be out of your mind.

Why don't you just go ahead and join up with the anti-gun organizations, Mr. Zumbo?

To my mind, the situation is utterly clear: If you're not FOR ALL OF OUR GUN RIGHTS, THEN YOU'RE AGAINST SOME OF THEM.

You of all people should know better than to categorize a rifle by its looks. An AR-15 is functionally just like any other rifle. The important part is merely that it is a rifle, and while the .223 round it fires may indeed be inadequate for hunting many sorts of larger game, it's a lightweight, reliable rifle that's usually VERY accurate and they're a LOT of fun to shoot.

Emphasis on accuracy: I have been to the range during the run-up to deer season many times, and seen "hunters" (and I use the term loosely" set up at the bench, shoot five rounds at a target 50 yards away, bring in their target, see that their five rounds are all within a six to ten inch circle, smile at each other, congratulate each other at their great shooting, declare themselves ready for dear season, and pack up...until they stop and stare at me with my plain jane Bushmaster XM-15E2 (M16A2 lookalike) as I'm blowing dime sized five
shot groups through my targets at 100 yards,
repeatedly and consistently. And this is
out of an UNACCURIZED, box stock rifle with good reloads.

Of course, these blued steel and walnut loving, bolt-gun carrying "hunters" may not see why I would use "that kind of gun" but
once I go out and bring my targets back and
tally up my scores, and they see them, then
they just HAVE to try out my rifle.

Not once has one of these gentlemen failed
to get a big grin on his face when he sees
how much fun this type of rifle is to shoot
and how accurate they are. They often go
out and buy one for themselves. And since
they're cheap to shoot, they shoot more
often and improve their marksmanship no matter what they're shooting.

Some of your boltgun buddies may have an AR in their gun safes, and I'd bet you a dollar that they'd sooner give up their bolt guns than give up their EBR's. (Evil Black Rifles.)

Heck, if there were terrorists in my area and it came down to citizens like me to engage them, I'd MUCH rather rely on my AR than on a bolt rifle. It's a more useful and versatile type of rifle, very utilitarian.

And finally, ALL of us who love shooting HAVE to stick together these days. Make no mistake, the anti-gunners don't want SOME of the guns banned, they want them ALL banned. If you think otherwise, you're delusional.

They'll succeed in getting something banned first by demonizing it. Don't fall for their trap and think for yourself. Buy or borrow yourself an AR or other EBR and learn that it's pure shooting goodness, no more and no less evil than any other inanimate lump of steel, aluminum, plastic, and wood.

Don't become an unwitting stooge for the anti-gunners. Support ALL aspects of the shooting sports and ALL types of firearms ownership. Because to do otherwise is to invite the total loss of ALL our firearms rights to a bunch of people who simply don't think straight and can't see the benefit of an armed society.

[Brian B..]

Mr. Zumbo:

I am shocked! How does a man of your background came to such an inane (insane?) conclusion that the AR-15 is useless for hunting and a most especially a "terrorist rifle"?

The .223 is a .223 regardless of what rifle it comes out of! Great for some uses, and not others... For what it's worth, I've seen several AR-15s capable of shooting sub-MOA. (Last time I checked, that's plenty good for varmint hunting...)

Most of my thoughts have already been stated, but the bottom line is the Second Amendment isn't about hunting! The drivel in your statements helps nobody but the antis!

- My Remington .30-06 isn't a sniper rifle (but could be classified as such).
- My .357 Ruger GP-100 isn't a "law enforcement only" revolver (but could be classified that way)
- My 1" Muzzy broadheads aren't "too accurate/extreme" (YET)
- My flash hider, collapsible stock, and magzines WERE classified illegal (Happily, that day has temporarily passed for most of us... there are a few sad exceptions)

We could go on and on with multiple examples, but hopefully you appreciate how wrong your thinking is, and I hope you rethink your position.

Brian B.

Proud AR owner/user

[S]

"But bottom line, whatever we hunt with, and however far we elect to shoot, we indeed are in the same fraternity. We need to keep sight of the objective ....being outdoors, challenging the quarry, and bringing home the game when we're successful. As they say, different strokes for different folks. Enjoy it, however you hunt"

Wonder who said that?

Guess whoever did, didn't really mean it.

[Brad Benson]

I have an AR-15 and I use it for hunting both coyotes and small game such as squirrel & rabbit. Before you get excited and scream terrorist, or get high & mighty and proclaim that it will leave nothing left of the game allow me to explain.

The .223 is a common varmint round, and the AR is known to be an exceptionally accurate platform. In this role, it works great for coyotes. The high capacity magazines that are sneered at are great for allowing quick follow-up shots. If you think this is "spray & pray", then you insult someone whom who have never met - a trait considered to be immature and foolish.

For small game, a conversion kit turns the .223 rifle into a .22LR rifle in about 15 seconds. Same accuracy and ease of use, but in the worlds most popular caliber, and with far better ergonomics than the popular Ruger 10/22.

As far as the beauty aspect, it is in the eye of the beholder but....does it really matter? I've seen some really pretty guns held by the most butt-ugly of hunters. Either way, I don't think the game is impressed by how the rifle looks.

[Steve]

Dear Jim ,
I hate to say it but .......DONT come back to Wyoming . I see the hunters hear every year shoot their 10 rounds and head afield . I shoot 4000 plus rounds a year out of my M1A assault rifle with a 20 round mag . I have filled my tag for the past 4 years using this weapon with IRON SIGHTS . The farthest was a pronghorn at 350 yrds . 1 Shot . I may not have a use for your pre 64 whinchester sniper rifle , or your Purdy shotgun . BUT I'm not going to say ban them .
WE need to STAND together . YOU sir are creating a gap that will be the end of shooting and hunting altogether .
Go to Camp Perry this year .......and Learn how to shoot before you open your pie hole .
In the mean time STAY THE HELL out of MY state .

[b]

subscription cancelled

scumbag

no better then feinsteim

Jim Zumbo belongs in europe. There is no room left for shitstains like you in my great country. Get the fuck out. Get out now. May posterity forget you, and may your elitist mindset shield you from the saliva of our great ancestors, as they surely spit upon you from heaven.

[John Hibberd]

I wish they would ban sniper rifles too....I mean your bolt gun.

[Jim]

"Sorry, folks, in my humble opinion, these things have no place in hunting. We don't need to be lumped into the group of people who terrorize the world with them, which is an obvious concern. I've always been comfortable with the statement that hunters don't use assault rifles. We've always been proud of our "sporting firearms.""

Sir ,you are just plain Ignorant.
The Politician who want to Take away our
guns DON'T CARE what type they are.

After they finish with the AR and AK owners,
They will be coming for YOUR guns.

[Dave Geisert, Gunnery Sergeant, USMC]

"United States Constitution,
Bill of Rights, Amendment II

A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed."

Nope....I don't see anything that protects legal hunting implements in that statement.

A semiauto rifle is a semiauto rifle, regardless of whether the stocks are wood or plastic, aesthetic or utilitarian. Trying to appease the antis by restricting our choice of rifle based on cosmetic features is futile. Forget it, they won't be appeased until firearms and hunting are extinct.

Our Grandpas likely learned to shoot using their M1903 service rifles on a military range. They later used those same surplus rifles to harvest game.

Today's US serviceman is taught to shoot using an M-16, even in places like your old hunting grounds at USMA West Point, Jim. He's trained to know how to safely and accurately use that rifle. NFA and game laws often preclude his using a real M-16, but why can't he use a legal semi auto rifle, that is only ergonomically similar to his M-16, to hunt?

The rifles you ascribe to having terrorist qualities are used in long range, iron sight competition at Camp Perry, by both civilian and military competitors.

No one has changed legal magazine capacity or minimum caliber rules in game law to accomodate these new rifles. The shooting community, as a whole, would be best served by ensuring that these types of rifles are also seen in positive use in the game fields of America.

To quote John Dickinson (1768) "Then join hand in hand, brave Americans all, By uniting we stand, by dividing we fall; In so righteous a cause let us hope to succeed, For heaven approves of each generous deed."

I'm with Jim

There’s no rhyme or reason to have civilians with this type of firepower. It’s not something that you could ever possibly justify. It’s insanity and it doesn’t fit in society in any way.

[Colonel Arbour]

Mr. Zumbo, You sir are part of the problem. You willingness to turn your back on fellow gun enthusiast is repugnant and vile. When the gun haters come after your "long range sniper rifle" you will know what the "sport utility rifle" crowd is feeling right now.

Shame on you sir. I reguard you with contempt for your statements.

Good day.

[Paul Vargas]

"I'm with Jim

There’s no rhyme or reason to have civilians with this type of firepower. It’s not something that you could ever possibly justify. It’s insanity and it doesn’t fit in society in any way.
"

Too bad that pesky US Constiution that you swore an oath to says otherwise.

[Kevin]

I think it's time to let Remington know what kind of a scumbag traitor you are.

I know I'll make sure they get the message that people like you are hurting their business.

Why don't you ban any caliber over 22LR. You know you may miss your game and launch that bullet into space and shoot down the space shuttle by acident. You need to get a clue.

[Bruce. G. II]

Nobody has to justify anything to you Dave.
It's our constitional right. Do you not understand that? An AR is no more powerfull than any other semi rifle. How un-American of you.

[Mark Wiesner]

What a crock, subscription cancelled for sure. I'll never allow this magazine in my home again. You do a disservice to all shooters and to all americans. I have sold my Remington 700 to purchase a DPMS LR308 ( looks just like the "terrorist" AR15 ) and I'll be hunting deer this year with it. I carried an M16 in the service of my country and I've earned the right to own the civilian version and hunt with it as I please. I guess since I'm not a magazine writer I dont know any better.

Please don't hunt in Oregon, we can hunt with our AR15s here.

[M Johnson]

""sport utility rifle"

I prefer the term "Homeland Defense Rifle"

You cannot be against Homeland Defense Rifles witout being against Homeland Defense.

[An American]

Quote:

""I'm with Jim

There’s no rhyme or reason to have civilians with this type of firepower. It’s not something that you could ever possibly justify. It’s insanity and it doesn’t fit in society in any way.""
End Quote

Isn't that what the British said at Lexington Green in 1775?

[P Vargas]

Ooops, Sorry Dave

Sig block is below the post, not above.

[Jerry/Michigan]

I hunt coyotes and fox with my AR15. My rifle is as accurate as most bolt guns and provides a quick followup shot in order to guarantee humane kills. Tell me what is wrong with that? Stop trying to divide shooters and stop decrying legal weapons.

[Tracy]

Sir, I find your comments ignorant and distasteful. Why you would give fuel to the morons that want to take your "sniper rifle" just as badly as my "assault rifle" is beyond me! I hope you will have the good sense to recant your arrogant and misguided remarks.

[John_Wayne777]

Jim, I hate to break this to you, but the bolt action and lever action rifles you seem to like are yesterday's "assault" weapons.

I suppose we should ban using those too?

And while we are at it, what's with all this use of military cartridges and calibers? Time to ban the hunting use of the .223, the .308, the .30-06, the .300 Winchester Magnum....All of which are armor piercing to boot!

The last thing we want is to frighten the public by using high-powered military calibers when killing game!

And one more thing....I have been hunting for a few decades now, and I have seen quite a number of irresponsible hunters and to a man they have all been packing bolt actions and lever actions.

If the weapon itself promotes irresponsible behavior, then obviously the bolt and lever action weapons need to go!

For the children....

[NeverKnowsBest]

subscription canceled

You make me sick.

[MudBug]

I agree, I'm also not comfortable with people like yourself that hunt with these highly accurized "SNIPER" rifles.

Did you know that you can kill a man at 1000 yards with those things? Hell, and they shoot bullets that can cut right through the body armor that our Law Enforcement protectors wear while making our streets safe.

Hunting with them also is not very sporting. Much like they Assault Rifle killers that wander the woods throwing lead every where is not sporting, a man with one of the super accurate "Sniper" rifles in calibers like 22-50, 243, 270, 308 (a known sniper round), 30-06, and 300 win don't even have to stalk their game. They can shoot them from 700 yards away. How is that sporting?

I say we ban everything but the old Kentucky rifle, that will get us back to the roots of the sport without endangering any babies.

[Steve C.]

I'm deeply saddened that a seemingly knowledgable sporting authority would construct such a devisive and destructive tool such as this article. I will undoubtedly ponder for days whether it is Mr. Zumbo, or the editorial staff of Outdoor Life who has their head further up their rear end.

Outdoor Life, you have your work cut out for you to bring me back after this blunder.

[John B]

Short sighted. Narrow minded.

Just plain ignorant.

[JLH3]

I will never read or buy Outdoor Life magazine again. I think it's time they pulled your column. You've obviously reached that Jimmmy the Greek/Howard Cosell age where you say stupid things.

[Fred W]

Dear Mr. Zumbo,

I am terribly disappointed by your latest blog entry entitled "Assault Rifles for Hunters?" By calling for a ban on so-called assault weapons, you have placed himself squarely in the camp of Brady/VPC firearms prohibitionists.

I suspect that you hope to protect the firearms you enjoy using by offering up a sacrifice of firearms that you do not use. Unfortunately, this sort of parochial thinking will backfire. The gun-grabbers will not be satisfied with banning just "assault weapons". Once their appetite is whetted by a successful assault weapons ban, they will use the momentum to redouble their efforts to ban all firearms, including bolt-actions ("sniper rifles"), lever and pump-actions ("repeating rifles"), handguns ("concealable street-crime guns") and even single-shot centerfire rifles ("high-powered, armor-piercing cartridge rifles").

Make no mistake, those who wish to gut our 2nd Amendment rights are serious, and if unchecked they will not stop at any one arbitrarily defined class of firearms. They wish to ban all firearms, including those commonly used in our hunting heritage.

Mr. Zumbo, you decided to make a deal with the devil, one that will harm us all. As short-sighted as I believe your thinking is, you do have a right, as an American, to express your opinion. But I urge you to reconsider your viewpoint, and even if you personally dislike so-called "assault weapons", do not use your position in the media as a bully pulpit to further your harmful agenda.

As others have said, we hang together or hang alone.

[Fred W]

Dear Mr. Zumbo,

I am terribly disappointed by your latest blog entry entitled "Assault Rifles for Hunters?" By calling for a ban on so-called assault weapons, you have placed yourself squarely in the camp of Brady/VPC firearms prohibitionists.

I suspect that you hope to protect the firearms you enjoy using by offering up a sacrifice of firearms that you do not use. Unfortunately, this sort of parochial thinking will backfire. The gun-grabbers will not be satisfied with banning just "assault weapons". Once their appetite is whetted by a successful assault weapons ban, they will use the momentum to redouble their efforts to ban all firearms, including bolt-actions ("sniper rifles"), lever and pump-actions ("repeating rifles"), handguns ("concealable street-crime guns") and even single-shot centerfire rifles ("high-powered, armor-piercing cartridge rifles").

Make no mistake, those who wish to gut our 2nd Amendment rights are serious, and if unchecked they will not stop at any one arbitrarily defined class of firearms. They wish to ban all firearms, including those commonly used in our hunting heritage.

Mr. Zumbo, you decided to make a deal with the devil, one that will harm us all. As short-sighted as I believe your thinking is, you do have a right, as an American, to express your opinion. But I urge you to reconsider your viewpoint, and even if you personally dislike so-called "assault weapons", do not use your position in the media as a bully pulpit to further your harmful agenda.

As others have said, we hang together or hang alone.

[PBIR]

JZ,

With all due respect I feel compelled to point out that you have fallen prey to yellow journalism. The media loves to erroneously label certain rifles "assault rifles" when in fact they merely look like their military counterparts.

True assault rifles are capable of being fired fully automatic. In other words, you press the trigger and the firearm keeps shooting until you release the trigger or the magazine runs dry.

99% of the so-called "assault rifles" we see in America merely look like those weapons. When it comes to functionality they are not fully automatic, they are semi-automatic. In other words, you pull the trigger & send one round downrange. The weapon will not fire again until you release the trigger and pull it a second time.

You tell me, are you going to assault an enemy pillbox with that?

The M16's/M4's our (USA) military uses are chambered in a 5.56 round. This equates to .223 in standard caliber. We used to use .30-06 and then .308, both of which are far more powerful. That's right, at least one of your hunting rifles is probably chambered in a caliber designed for military use, and that round is far more powerful the these so-called "assault rifles".

People, let's not get hung up on looks. All firearms are deadly when misused. A trained man can do more damage with a scoped .308 remington 700 or a 870 shotgun than some nutjob with an ak47 in many instances. Instead let's close ranks and defend the 2nd amendment, and let's work to educate people on firearms. Let's support punishing criminals not firearms owners. Let's get some common sense back in America. Thank you for reading.

[Jimmy Hoffa]

I am offended by you publicly calling my rifles "terrorist rifle". For one thing, you are SOOOO ignorant that you think the "terrorist" use the AR15, try reading a history book for once, the US military uses them, not terrorist. Are you calling our men/women in uniform "TERRORIST"????????
As others have stated, many people (the media) call your bolt gun a "sniper rifle", how do you like that? I used to subscribe to outdoor life, but I for sure will never subscribe or buy one again. I refuse to pay for rubbish written by ignorant people like Jim Zumbo. You are a plague on the american firearms community.

[BFLH]

I suppose you will allow me to depict every AR-15 rifle shooter's exasperation at seeing a "Fudd" appear at the range. You may be familiar with the type: Hunting orange cap, denim or flannel shirt, and carrying an old, rusty, wood-stocked rifle that hasn't seen a cleaning rod in decades.

You see, this character only comes to the range the weekend before opening day, a wad of tobacco lodged firmly in his cheek as he cranks off three rounds at a paper plate stapled hastily at the 50 yard mark. He hits only twice, and poorly, but says "Good enough" and ambles back to his pickup after giving the AR-toting shooter a long, hostile glare.

This man is as much a stereotype as the shooters you so ignorantly and sanctimoniously depict in your self-serving and foolishly written article.

I suppose you aren't familiar with the high-power shooters who compete nationally with these evil rifles, printing groups so small, at such dazzlingly distant targets, that your ancient, bias-crusted eyes would cross as you attempted to reconcile how something so vulgar could achieve a feat you could not on your best day.

Enjoy your rifle while you can. As I'm sure others have posted, it's only a matter of time before they come for your "high-powered scoped sniper rifle".

With this one article, you have done a greater disservice to the shooting community than you could ever have imagined. Its message rivals that of the most rabid anti-gun protester.

I would very much like an email in response, but I doubt you have the courage.

BFLH

[LarryG]

First, you make this dumbass remark:

"I call them "assault" rifles, which may upset some people".

Yeah, it may upset some people because a semiautomatic rifle is not an assault rifle, period. Even some others that have responded have called their semiauto an assault rifle and an M1A would not be considered an assault rifle because it's cartridge does not follow the criteria for the definition of an assault rifle.

An assault rifle must be capable of firing more than one round per trigger squeeze, period, so Mr. Zumbo, you have bought into the anti-gun pukes definitions. Will you buy into their lies when they term all bolt action centerfire rifles as sniper rifles? They have already started that crap, but you won't see that until it is too late.

Besides, I have yet to see the word "hunting" in the Second Amendment. You can now consider yourself lumped in with the likes of Diane Fienstein, Chucky Shumer, Hillary Clinton, and Sarah Brady. Thank you for showing your true colors. We don't need gun owners like you.

[Chuck R.]

Why do people feel the need to own assault type weapons? Law enforcement and military should be the only people allowed to own them. They were designed to kill people not animals.

[A Teenage Firearms Owner]

Mr. Zumbo, as a teenager who enjoys both hunting and your so called "Assault Rifles" you sicken me. Your willingness to sell out your fellow shooters endangers your precious "Hunting Guns" just as much as it endangers my AR-15's and AK's.

As an older shooter your responsiblity shoud be to grow the next generation of shooters instead of divide the shooting community. Instead of giving ammo to gun grabbers like Sarah Brady perhapse you should ask yourself what will happen once the ATF kicks down my door and shoots my dog. What guns will they go after next? Probably your lever actions with 5 round "Clips."

And the no were in the 2nd ammendment do I see any provision for "Hunting Guns." Instead I see provisions for individuals to own "Assault Rifles" to protect this great country. Because your hunting rifles serve no purpose in defending the homeland I will immediatly call my congress critter and ask that they support a resolution to ban dangerous "Hunting Guns" that are not covered by 2nd ammendment. If you are willing to sell me out that I will do the same to you sir. In this fight "We must all hang together or we shall all hang seperately."

I will be informing all of my friends that your so called "Outdoors Magazine" is a worthless rag suited more for the outhouse than my living room. Consider my subscription canceled.

[Bogie]

Some folks just don't like the combination of ergonomics and accuracy that a well-built AR-platform rifle provides.

Now go look up Jim Carmichael, and tell him that Bogie has invited you to shoot a nicely accurate AR-platform rifle. It's not going to win any of the benchrest matches (from where I know Jim...), but it _is_ accurate enough for prairie dog elimination, and it's fun to shoot.

Oh, and my _other_ prairie dog gun is a twenty pound .220 Russian... It's a trifle more interesting, but hey...

[Tuna]

I use a Ar10(308) for hunting it is the same a as any AUTO loading rifle. It is very good shooting weapon. I use a five round magazine( it is law here in Fla.) like most auto loading rifles have. I DONT SPRAY AND PRAY with it. Hell I have passed up alot of game with it. A so called assault rifle is just another gun that just looks different. Tuna

[Ross F.]

Others have already said it all. Some in brief, some in detail. I am with them and against you.

[ar15moto]

It's called a fucking MAGAZINE, not a clip.
Unless you are using a Garand.

[Bigfatts]

You know, I've heard that the gun owner's worst enemy is the gun owner, I never understood that until now. I will not buy another Outdoor Life until some type of retraction or apology is made.

[Ballisticbill]

Mr. Zumbo, you haven't heard of using AR's for varmints? I am disappointed in your lack of firearms knowledge. I have watched your shows from day 1, I will do so no longer. I am not a hardcore "assault weapon" owner but I do own a few AR-15's along with dozens of traditional weapons and to alienate a segment of the hunting community because you don't like it, I find appalling.

http://www.ballisticbill.com/PD%20Video.htm

[Vincent]

I cannot believe anyone thats so in the public eye with reguards to the shooting sports could be so dimwhited. You sir have hurt more than you will ever know. As I shoot high power service rifle AND 2 and 3 gun tactical competitions I find your narrow view or the other shooting sports disturbing. Unlike you sir who parlay in front of the camera a few weeks a year I myself shoot EVERY month. I am an RSO for our local tactical shooting league and we are trying to promote the shooting sports by allowing the use of sporting rifles in our venue. You would best be advised to talk or write about what you know and keep the rest to yourself.

as for Outdoor life magazine--SHAME ON YOU!!!

Remington Arms--keep your discount coupon I'm buying a Savage

[ar15moto]

Anyone else see the big bad hunter using a "high-powered-rifle with a sniper-scope" attached to it in the header picture of this article?

What's a matter fag boy, iron sights and a blunderbuss don't cut it for you?

Where's the sport in using a high-powered-rifle and a sniper-scope to kill an animal from a distance of more than 50 yards?

[PJK]

Zumbo - You are nothing less than a Complete Moron. You are a disgrace.

Take your opinions and stuff them where they belong.

You have forever lost all credibility.

[Paul Vargas]

"Why do people feel the need to own assault type weapons? Law enforcement and military should be the only people allowed to own them. They were designed to kill people not animals.
"

Chuck, the Bolt Action rifle was designed orginally to kill people. The Lever Action Henry, the orginal lever action was designed to kill people.

Most popular Hunting and Handgun Cartridges were designed to kill people originally or derive from one that was.

30-06, .308, 8mm Mauser, .223 Remmington, .357 Magnum, 45-70, 45 ACP and every cartridge derived from those cases such as .270 and .243 which are just about about every non-magnum centerfire cartridge in existence.

Perhaps every firearm except the shotgun was designed to originally to kill people. Do you think that fact is of any cold comfort to those people massacred in that Utah mall shooting last week by that 12 guage Shotgun weilding Bosnia Muslim?

Even the Muzzleloader was designed to kill people too.

Do you have a point or are you simply that ignorant?

Perhaps Chuck, it is the person and not the weapon that makes the killer.

[John Sutton]

I think real sportsmen should distance themselves from the assault rifle crowd. They are going to end up getting all our guns banned. If they can't hunt with a bolt action rifle then they shouldn't be hunting at all.

John

[ar15moto]

Fucking fudd gunners......

[Jeff A.]

Mr. Zumbo,

Quite frankly, your article demonstrates the connection between stupidity and gun bans. You don't like the way they look so you want to ban them. Well, they look the way they do for a very good reason. They are designed to defend home and hearth against evil men, an eminently more noble purpose than hunting which, while fun, is not an inalienable human right. Now, the things which make an AR a good self-defense rifle do not detract from its ability to accurately place rounds down target, which is what one needs for hunting. Quite to the contrary, its ergonomics make it easier to shoot accurately. In addition, the lack of an op rod makes it more accurate than most other semi-automatic designs. Quite simply, a man who uses such a weapon is hardly a terrorist. He has simply accepted that technology progresses and has pragmatically chosen a weapon suited to defense as well as hunting. We used to call that "being smart."

Secondly, your motives for hating modern weapons are completely off base. Trying to discourage these weapons to appease the gun banners simply doesn't work. They are motivated by each victory to go after more and more firearms. Case in point, after the AWB was passed, did they stop? No, they kept trying to restrict more and more semi-autos, and succeeded in several state governments (such as California and New York). In contrast, when we stood together and stopped them from banning handguns back in the 1980s, they gave up on that and went after what they saw as easier targets.

In short, anyone who wants to protect their sport is better served by standing with their fellow gun owners and defending our sacred rights, rather than trying to lick the hands of those who would be our masters.

We would like to thank Mr. Zumbo for his unsolicited support of our agenda. He truly understands that we are only after these senseless killing machines and will NEVER come after his beloved high-powered snipe- err, HUNTING rifle- unless, of course, they were to present a problem, too. We who are for "reasonable" gun control are appreciative of such individuals as Mr. Dumbo, as he does more to further our cause than we could ever hope for. Thanks, Mr. Zumbo!

Sincerely;

Sarah Brady
John Kerry
Ted Kennedy
Diane Feinstein
Nancy Pelosi
Charles Shumer

[ar15moto]

Hey jackass fuckstick Paul Vargas, "assault weapon" is a liberal term.

You a liberal?

[WB*aka*Soylent]

I have personally been forced to take cover from unsafe people running amok in the woods. Not once, but twice in my life has this happened. On several other occasions, while not having to physically take cover I have been witness to volleys of fire that would rival the hardest of fighting in any war. On every one of these occasions, the fire has been from what you term as "sporting firearms" from what you euphamistically call "hunters". I have never had so much as a single round that might remotely be called close from anyone with one of your "terror" weapons. Incidentally, while my AR-15 may *look* like a military issue firearm, it certainly is not. Yet, the "sporterized" mauser bolt action I have chambered in .30-06 that I got in a trade from my father was indeed once upon a time a military issued weapon, and not to the good guys either. Huh. Imagine that.

[Silicon Wolverine]

And the divide between hunters and shooters grows another foot wider. Thanks Jim.

[N. Pelosi]

Way to go Mr. Zumbo! Thank you so very much for falling for...I mean standing up for our cause. Your check is in the mail. See you at the DNC...your front row seat is reserved!

-Nancy :D

[Hillery Clinton]

Sofa King We Todd Ed

[shield20]

Are you shitting me? This anti-gun drivel is from a "gun guy"? VERY surprised to learn my 20" heavy barrel Bushmaster is a terrorist weapon, with no place in the field, at the range, or even in my gun safe. Surprised to learn my SA vesion of the same m4s & M16s I have shot at West Point are actually terrorist weapons. Also surprised to learn from others who should know better that 'there is no place for that type of firepower in the hands of civilians'...Semper Fi Mack! THAT is EXACTLY the type of firepower that should be in OUR hands, and for very good reasons - that is what the Constitution you supposedly took an oath to support and defend is all about. I know I took my oath seriously, and damn well knew & UNDERSTOOD what it meant!

Whether for self defense, common defense, for pursuit of game, for pursuit of happiness and to protect property - OUR right (ALL of ours), OUR choice! Sheesh :(

[White Knight]

@ Mr. Dumbo

You have no idea what you are talking about. When they come for your hunting guns for all I care they can have them. You and your fudds have sold me out so I will return the favor. Fuck you asshole.

@ Outdoor Life

Seeing how you have allowed this worthless crap to be sperad by those who write for you magazine you may consider my subscription canceled. Fuck you.

@ Remington

Seeing how you have bought and payed for this drivel you may take your .17 cal Spitfire and shove it up your ass. My money will no longer go to your products, I'll stick with those who make Evil Black Rifles and know what the shooting sports are all about. Fuck You.

[AndyC]

I'm a hunter and will pretty much discount whatever Zumbo says from now on. You just made Dave Petzal seem intelligent.

There are few bolt guns that are as intrinsically accurate as an AR. It's actually, to me, the ideal coyote gun, mine is outfitted with a flattop and a Nikon scope. Great varmint outfit for $600.

Wow. I've always respected your articles and opinions.
Till now.
You really pissed off a lot of people with that idiotic statement, ahem, article, ahem, tripe.
You've stated an opinion on so called assualt rifles". Now, please allow me my opinion on your "sporting" rifle.
Do you really find pleasure in vaporizing a rodent at 500 yards? Wow, that must be quite a rush. You seem to derive a great deal of satisfaction doing that.
You must take great pride in owning and maintaining a quality piece of equipment and in being more than capable of making a difficult shot at distance.
Now, take that pride in skill and equipment and transfer that over to my area of expertise - owning, hunting and skillfully shooting a military grade firearm, in this case a Bushmaster XM-15 E2S, an AR-15 to you.
This same weapon in select fire version (3 shot burst and full auto in some cases)is carried by thousands of US servicemen and women today. Are you calling them terrorists? Is that where your mindset is at?
That seems to be what your saying.
You should immediatly and without delay apoligize to the US Serviceman, right now. After that, you should resign your position as a so called Sports writer.
Oh, by the way, my subscription to Outdoor life will be cancelled first thing Tuesday morning. I refuse to help pay for a sponsor of your assinine opinions. Gregg K.

Notice the signature is BELOW the post, not above. You guys are commenting about the wrong guys posts!!!!

[aquabump]

Yes, and while we're at it let's ban those high-powered sniper rifles that hunters pass off as sporting firearms. There's no need for that kind of firepower in civilian hands. Subscription to OL canceled.

[Drew]

subscription cancelled

[LarryG]

"Why do people feel the need to own assault type weapons? Law enforcement and military should be the only people allowed to own them. They were designed to kill people not animals."

This remark is as stupid as the original article.

Subscription canceled. If your going to use your posistion to take my possessions than you don't need my money.

Remington,

Take your guns and shove them. I'll buy Colt.

You are an antigun FOOL

[Jim B.]

Et tu Zumbo?

2nd Amendment:
Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears;
I come to bury the 2nd Amendment, not to praise it.
The evil that men do lives after them;
The good is oft interred with their bones: (80)
So let it be with the 2nd Amendment. The noble Zumbo
Hath told you the 2nd was ambitious:
If it were so, it was a grievous fault;
And grievously hath the 2nd answer'd it.
Here, under leave of Zumbo and the rest,-- (85)
For Zumbo is an honourable man;
So are they all, all honorable men,--
Come I to speak in the 2nd's funeral.
It was my friend, faithful and just to me:
But Zumbo says he was ambitious; (90)
And Zumbo is an honourable man.
He hath brought many captives home to Rome,
Whose ransoms did the general coffers fill:
Did this in the 2nd Amendement Caesar seem ambitious?
When that the poor have cried, the 2nd hath wept: (95)
Ambition should be made of sterner stuff:
Yet Zumbo says it was ambitious;
And Zumbo is an honourable man.
You all did see that on the Lupercal
I thrice presented him a kingly crown, (100)
Which he did thrice refuse: was this ambition?
Yet Zumbo says it was ambitious;
And, sure, he is an honourable man.
I speak not to disprove what Zumbo spoke,
But here I am to speak what I do know. (105)
You all did love the 2nd Amendment once,--not without cause:
What cause withholds you, then, to mourn for it?--
O judgment, thou art fled to brutish beasts,
And men have lost their reason!--Bear with me;
My heart is in the coffin there with the 2nd Amendment, (110)
And I must pause till it come back to me.

[Vit]

A suggestion to Outdoor Life and Remington:
Drop Zumbo.

Why the heck do you need to hunt coyotes? Hunt anything? I've never seen the local market out of food.

You sir, are a friend of the terrorist with your beliefs. There is a reason the terrorists stuck those aircraft--the folks were unarmed. "Hunters" have done squat to protect this country or make it great. Patriots, of which you aren't one, made it great. Many patriots are indeed hunters, but obviously not all hunters are patriots.

This is how the future you'd wish would play out:
Ban the black plastic guns.
Ban any semi auto.
Ban any repeater, be it bolt, pump, or lever gun.
All remaining single shot guns are kept at local police monitored gun clubs.
All civilian owned firearms are destroyed.

Division among the gun owners is a tool of the Antis, of which you are one.

Patrick Henry didn't give two squats about your coyote hunting and even though I enjoy hunting, I'd never sell out my understanding of real freedom for a minute of it.

I pity your slave mindset.