I don’t want to spend a lot of time on this subject, but it was mentioned to me by some friends. I said I would check it out. Initially, I thought this was a joke; but sadly it is not.
A company Wee 1 Tactics has developed a smaller
version of the AR-15… a version designed for kids. It is referred to in their advertisement as
the JR-15. It is 20% smaller than the original, weighs
just 2.3lbs, a single shot, using .22LR ammunition. Its cost is $400+ dollars retail.
The Forrest Gump quotation comes to mind… ‘Stupid is as stupid
does.’ Not sure if this applies to the
manufacturer or to any potential buyers (maybe both). I am sure this manufacturer plans to make a
lot of money. And I am fairly sure there
are a few fathers out there who feel this will be a wonderful gift for their son, or
daughter. Hopefully, there are mothers
out there who will veto the idea.
The image of the JR-15 directly relates, and negatively so, to our times. I am, of course, referring to school
shootings committed by grade schoolers.
Are we not all aware that times have changed and not for the better? School shootings, often involving a young
person, are a national tragedy. Are we
not paying attention?
Yes, our young people (if they express interest) eventually
need to be familiar with the safe handling of guns. I did that with my own son and daughter. But, I didn’t do it with a miniature AR-15
which is, and is marketed as, nothing more than a ‘toy.’ Albeit a potentially dangerous and deadly
toy.
True Nelson