2. The Controversy
• There has been a heated debate lately
over whether or not high capacity
magazines should be legal for U.S.
citizens to own.
• The topics of safety, necessity, power,
and Constitutional Rights are at the
epicenter of the discussion.
3. The Concern
• The shootings in Arizona, Colorado,
Connecticut, and the Washington D.C.
Navy Yard have sparked concern and
paranoia across the nation.
• Many wonder if the killers could have
been stopped earlier if they had lower
capacity magazines.
4. The Viewpoints
• Within the gun control debate, there are
typically two schools of thought in the area of
high capacity magazines.
• These arguments represent the majority of
the dispute among both private citizens, as
well as politicians.
5. Argument 1
• Pro-gun individuals believe that higher magazine capacity is a deterrent
to foreign invasion, and that it helps level the playing field between “We
The People” and the Federal Government to guard against tyranny.
• A higher number of rounds per magazine gives lone concealed carry
operators and home defenders a vital advantage when confronting
multiple attackers.
• Criminals will always have access to black market firearms and
magazines, and that the law-abiding American‟s best defense against
them is to legally own weapons of comparable firepower and ammo
capacity.
• The Right to Keep And Bear Arms was specifically intended for the
purpose of resisting tyranny, and as such implies that Americans
should have a weapons capability equal to or greater than that of the
Federal Government.
• High capacity magazines are a powerful tool for good in the hands of a
law-abiding citizen.
6. Argument 2
• Pro gun-control individuals believe that governmental tyranny and
threat of foreign invasion are not, nor ever will be, an issue; and that
high capacity magazines are unnecessary to own and merely tools for
killing.
• A concealed carry operator or home defender would never need more
than 7-10 rounds to stop an attacker.
• Criminals will take advantage of being able to legally buy magazines,
and will no longer have access to high capacity magazines if banned.
• The Second Amendment was written primarily for the purpose of
hunting with muskets, and The Founding Fathers could not have
imagined that we would have such powerful firearms today.
• High capacity magazines are dangerous, unfit for civilian use and
should be banned.
7. The Facts
• “High capacity” is a completely subjective term, steeped in
opinion and bias.
• Limiting the number of rounds in a firearm‟s magazine does little
to slow down an active shooter firing on unarmed individuals.
• Criminals are classified as such because they have no regard
for the law, and making it against the law to purchase and own
high capacity magazines will not deter them.
• Law enforcement agencies have been trying for decades to take
control of the black market, but despite their best efforts, the
sale and purchase of illegal firearms is alive and well in today‟s
society (Tuccille).
8. The Evidence
• Most anti-gun politicians tend to agree that a high capacity
magazine is one that contains more than 10 rounds, despite the
fact that “10” is an arbitrary number chosen “out of the blue” for
no other reason than personal preference and assumption
(NSSF).
• In a live fire test conducted by Sheriff Ken Campbell of Boone
County, Indiana, it was shown that limiting magazine capacity
has minimal effect in slowing down a proficient shooter (Sheriff).
• While more than a few people have been killed by a single well-
placed bullet, there are plenty of instances where attackers
sustained an absurd number of bullet wounds without seriously
affecting their ability to continue their assault (Farago).
9. Conclusion
• A ban on so-called “high capacity” magazines would not affect
the number and extent of gun crimes, but would rather leave the
“good guy” outgunned and at the mercy of his attacker.
• Regardless of ammo capacity, guns are tools, and as with any
tool, they must be respected and used properly.
• The benefits of of larger capacity magazines far outweigh the
dangers, and in the hands of a skilled operator, they can even
be used to save lives.
• And now…
10.
11. Works Cited
"Another „High-Capacity‟ Magazine Ban Would Not Reduce Crime Rates – Get The
Facts." AmmoLand.com Shooting Sports News. The National Shooting Sports
Foundation, 24 Jan. 2013. Web. 18 Apr. 2014. Back
Farago, Robert. "Why You Need Two Spare Magazines for Your Carry Gun." The Truth
About Guns. N.p., 12 Sept. 2010. Web. 02 Apr. 2014. Back
"NRA News | Sheriff Debunks "High-Capacity" Magazine Theory." NRA News | Sheriff
Debunks "High-Capacity" Magazine Theory. N.p., n.d. Web. 16 Mar. 2014. Back
Tuccille, J. D. "Gun Restrictions Have Always Bred Defiance, Black Markets." Reason.com.
N.p., 22 Dec. 2012. Web. 18 Apr. 2014. Back
