School Shootings- Guns

With the subject of school shootings, it is important to be able to differentiate between different types of guns. Beginning with handguns, handguns are a class of firearm that, surprise, surprise, can be used with a single hand. While single handed use is not recommended, the distinction lies in it's ability to function effectively one handed. Moving on to shotguns, they are smooth-bore guns designed to fire shot, which are small, spherical projectiles. Shotguns can come in numerous varieties, like semi automatic and selective fire versions. Shotguns are often put under regulation under a certain barrel length, especially if missing a stock, as they are much easier to conceal. These types are referred to by the ATF as a "weapon made from a shotgun". Rifles are designed to be fired from the shoulder and to fire single projectiles. Assault rifles are rifles which have selective fire capabilities, use an intermediate cartridge smaller than other rifles but larger than a handgun's, has an effective range of over 300 meters, and has a detachable magazine. Deviation from this will change the weapon's classification. Using a full powered rifle cartridge would change its designation to a battle rifle. Not having selective fire capabilities would make it a semi-automatic (or self-loading) rifle. Submachine guns are lightweight firearms chambered for handgun cartridges that are able to fire fully automatic. Overall, firearm classification is difficult, with numerous unhelpful definitions that exist between separate militaries, agencies, and gun owners, so here is a simplified explanation. 


CHAPTER 2. WHAT ARE “FIREARMS” UNDER THE NFA? . 2003

“Firearms.” ATF , ATF

“Firearm Types Defined.” Military Weapons, Military Factory

Conflict

The Troubles was a period of Irish history from the late 60s to early 90s that consisted of Irish Nationalists and Ulster Unionists being in sporadic conflict. 3,500 deaths have been counted from the conflict, and it came to a close with the Good Friday Agreement, which did not have many extreme changes, but ended main hostilities. Tensions between the Catholic and Protestant population of Northern Ireland has been an issue for centuries, beginning in force around the time Protestantism was established in England. Ireland remained Catholic, leading to significant tension between the people of the islands. The Ulster region was forcibly settled by protestant Scots and Englishmen, who became a majority in the region until recent times. When the Republic of Ireland was established, Northern Ireland remained a part of the United Kingdom. When a peaceful protest in Northern Ireland asking for an elimination of job discrimination became the subject of regional interest. This began a cascade of events which coincided with the celebration of the anniversary of the Easter Rising. Eventually, various paramilitary groups on both sides began committing arsons, murders, and bombings. This even continues, albeit significantly less commonly, today. Now, the conflict is in the Reconciliation phase. Violence is uncommon and The Troubles are, with a few exceptions concerning specific days, far from the public's collective mind. However there is absolutely tension that remains, with more extreme individuals on both sides even considering the other an oppressive force.