Biden: 'You don't need an AR-15' when a shotgun will do
WASHINGTON (AP) - Vice President Joe Biden said Tuesday that Americans don't need semi-automatic weapons to protect their homes because a couple of blasts from a shotgun will scare off intruders.
"Buy a shotgun, buy a shotgun," the vice president encouraged those worried about defending themselves. He was speaking in an online video as part of a Facebook town hall hosted by Parents Magazine on the administration's strategy for reducing gun violence, which he has led at the direction of President Barack Obama.
Biden said he keeps two shotguns and shells locked up at home and he's told his wife, Jill, to use them if she needs protection. He presumably was speaking about before he became vice president, a position that gives the couple full-time Secret Service protection.
"I said, 'Jill, if there's ever a problem, just walk out on the balcony ... take that double-barrel shotgun and fire two blasts outside the house,'" Biden said. "You don't need an AR-15. It's harder to aim, it's harder to use and in fact, you don't need 30 rounds to protect yourself."
Biden's answer came in response to a question posted by a Facebook user about whether the administration's proposal to ban military-style assault weapons and high-capacity magazines would make law-abiding citizens more of a target of criminals since they wouldn't have a sufficient way of protecting themselves. Biden bristled at the question, saying he's never heard such sentiments in the pages of Parents Magazine.
"But I'm delighted to answer them," he added quickly.
Biden said he learned his lessons on gun safety from his father, who was a hunter. He said as a child, he wasn't even allowed to point a cap gun at other children while playing cops and robbers. He said most gun owners are very responsible, but parents should make sure guns are locked up to keep children safe, just like pool gates and liquor cabinets.
He also said he doesn't think the Second Amendment's right to bear arms should be changed. He said limits on the use of assault weapons and high-capacity magazines is compatible with that right.
"Buy a shotgun, buy a shotgun," the vice president encouraged those worried about defending themselves. He was speaking in an online video as part of a Facebook town hall hosted by Parents Magazine on the administration's strategy for reducing gun violence, which he has led at the direction of President Barack Obama.
Biden said he keeps two shotguns and shells locked up at home and he's told his wife, Jill, to use them if she needs protection. He presumably was speaking about before he became vice president, a position that gives the couple full-time Secret Service protection.
"I said, 'Jill, if there's ever a problem, just walk out on the balcony ... take that double-barrel shotgun and fire two blasts outside the house,'" Biden said. "You don't need an AR-15. It's harder to aim, it's harder to use and in fact, you don't need 30 rounds to protect yourself."
Biden's answer came in response to a question posted by a Facebook user about whether the administration's proposal to ban military-style assault weapons and high-capacity magazines would make law-abiding citizens more of a target of criminals since they wouldn't have a sufficient way of protecting themselves. Biden bristled at the question, saying he's never heard such sentiments in the pages of Parents Magazine.
"But I'm delighted to answer them," he added quickly.
Biden said he learned his lessons on gun safety from his father, who was a hunter. He said as a child, he wasn't even allowed to point a cap gun at other children while playing cops and robbers. He said most gun owners are very responsible, but parents should make sure guns are locked up to keep children safe, just like pool gates and liquor cabinets.
He also said he doesn't think the Second Amendment's right to bear arms should be changed. He said limits on the use of assault weapons and high-capacity magazines is compatible with that right.
Wow, nice comments Cody Clark and Jerry Kent. You two reminded me why I keep my mouth shut in these kind of discussions. A personal attack doesn't contribute to the discussion, it is just mean. Winchester has 64 grain 223 for the Bushmaster that makes it a gun capable of deer hunting. A Bushmaster Ar 15 has very little kick, making it easier for people who don't weigh a lot to hunt. Just saying.
Shotgun range 50-60 yards, Ar-15 range 300 + yards.. Any questions?
A shotgun might do, but a AR-15 will do it better. An AR-15 is easier for smaller framed person to handle than a 12 gauge shotgun too.
Make sure you use that same arguement /logic when it comes to abortion issues. It is the womans right!!!!!!!! Would I advocate that anyone I know, to have an abortion....NO ..... But it is their right to make choices about thier own bodies.
I dont care about mr. Bidens opinion.....its my right to decide. Would I own one? No! But I will make that choice...not my government!!!!
He knows the difference. He is just doing his political crap, because if they say the same thing enough times, regular people that don't think a bit for themselves will get on board with the same idea he is promoting. And it is working, because I have run into some very stupid people lately that "repeat" exactly the same thing that is said on the media almost word for word. They can't even debate gun control with any logic....that is how the government manipulates the stupid masses.
Those guns were banned from '94-'04. The Supreme Court didn't find the law unconstitutional.
Its about having the right to choose and he is wanting to take our rights away! What a prick
"The right to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed". I'll decide for myself what type of firearms I own.
^ exactly its not about pea shooter, shot gun, or AR-Anything. It's about our rights to own what ever kind of gun we want.
This issue isn't even about guns, it's about government control
The point he is missing is that it should be MY choice.
guys this man you wanted as a vice president what an idiot!
Rather you run someone over with a BMW or a Ford Escort, you're still gonna go to prison, so why not go for the gold? Restricting guns won't accomplish much; with the recent exception, with assault weapon related crimes, the weapons are largely purchased on the black market. A legal ban would only apply to those who follow the law. Leaving law abiding citizens armed with shotguns against AR-15s.
Disagree
He is an idiot.
Yeh If you want to blow something away with AR15, a shotgun will do. Whether it be a person, or thing a shotgun will do the job. That was Bidens point. Kathi.....your argument has way too many AR 15 holes in it for it not to be totally pointless!!
I agree a shotgun would do better than an AR 15.
You don't need a BMW when you can have a ford escort.......
Kathi... you dont hunt deer with an AR-15 either so your statement is kinda pointless.
I think its no matter of use or needs. The argument is about our constitutional right to own one if we want to.
I don't think that's exactly what it says in the constitution.
Shotguns good only for birds. Disagree and yes he is an idiot.
Strongly disagree. Ever hunt deer with a shotgun?
IDIOT!!!!