re: LA House Rep Steve Scalise Shot in Alexandria, VA

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please tell me this is a joke.

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it was a joke

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So is Obama. Looks don't count; it's how the power that *decent* people weild...affect others. "...by peace he will slay many..."

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Impressive.

You managed to work Obama in here.

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This guy needs talking to also

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Yeah, that guy is now on file and being tracked

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Reports are that he used an M4.

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It is likely a civilian variant of a military weapon, without select (auto or burst) fire capability. We'll know more when we know, but these are fairly inexpensive and widely available now - outside the usual areas (Left Coast, D.C., NYC, much of New England).

If it is actually a military M4 or has select fire capability - it would be on the restricted list and subject to scads of regulations, paperwork, extra taxes, etc.

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Would that point to auto fire, especially given the high number of shots reported (50-60)?

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Not necessarily. A trained rifleman can fire 2 to 3 shots per second, in semiautomatic mode, pretty effectively. Automatic rifles and pistols are largely a gimmick. After the first shot, the rest can go almost anywhere in a cone. But, unlike a real machinegun, you can't effectively beat down a group target with the cone. Just doesn't have the accuracy or rate/volume of fire of a real machinegun. For certain applications, mostly urban fighting and clearing trenches and fortifications, "assault" rifles, submachineguns and machine pistols can be effective in automatic mode for suppressive fire and clearing operations at close range.

50 to 60 shots just means he started with a full magazine, reloaded once and was stopped before he was able to reload a 2nd time.

Nancy Pelosi has doubled up on her Ativan today. Kudos to her for not drooling on herself.

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Thank you! Eyewitness reports are talking about a first single shot followed by a barrage of shots. Would that point to auto fire, especially given the high number of shots reported (50-60)?

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No, a civilian version (ar15 or ar10) can be fired as rapidly as you can pull the trigger. I can probably empty a 30 round mag in 10-11 seconds. Bump triggers can be utilized to allow for a faster rate of fire, but all that does is burn up ammo. A fast rate of fire may be fun to do occasionally, you are better with well aimed careful shots. When you spray and pray you will run out of ammo fast and then you are screwed.

Steve has been out of surgery for about an hour now. He is doing well but has a very long road to recovery. Physical therapy to walk could take up to a year.