The right of the people to bear muskets shall not be infringed...

When the Constitution was written, this was the process most commonly involved in firing off a second round:

1. Hold the pre-loaded, black powder paper cartridge in your hands. Tear off the end where the powder is located.
2. Roll the paper cartridge carefully in your fingers. This will open the paper cylinder of the cartridge.
3. Pour the black powder out of the cartridge and into the open end of the muzzle.
4. Insert the paper cartridge and bullet into the rifle's muzzle.
5. Pull the ramrod from underneath the barrel of the rifle.
6. Push the paper cartridge and bullet down the barrel of the rifle using the ramrod; push it until it can't be pushed any further. This seats the bullet and wad--which is the paper from the cartridge--on top of the powder in the barrel.
7. Remove the ramrod from the barrel and return it to its original position underneath the barrel.
8. Lift the rifle with both hands. Place the rifle's stock close to the shoulder on the side from which you shoot.
9. Move the hammer on the rifle to the half-cock position.
10. Place a percussion cap on the nipple that is located beneath the hammer. This prepares the rifle for firing.
11. Lift the rifle to your shoulder. The butt of the rifle should sit in the curve of the shoulder and arm of your preferred shooting side. Fully cock the hammer to complete the process needed to fire the rifle.
12. Aim the rifle at your target and squeeze the trigger; pulling the trigger rather than squeezing it can spoil your aim. Squeezing the trigger will cause the hammer to hit the percussion cap, igniting the black powder and firing the rifle. Be prepared for a large cloud of smoke and a sulfurous smell.
13. Remove the rifle from your shoulder and repeat the entire process to fire again.

The AR-15 can fire 30 rounds as fast as you can pull the trigger.

Comments

[Brendan Brady]

Good show, John. Great to "hear" your voice! I hope this horrific incident actually moves the needle a bit on the debate on this issue. It is astonishing how the NRA and its allies have controlled the very language of the discussion, and how dismaying it is that the Supremes had to rule as they did. An appropriate interpretation of the right to bear such arms as the individual could bear in the 18th Century (even ignoring the reference to a regulated militia) with modern reality takes more insight and courage than the majority of justices have right now. Is there a right to bear a shoulder launched SAM? Pray for our country and the many innocent lives that will continue to be lost.

Brendan