".....the civilian version of the M-16......a relatively cheap and portable tool than can wreak havoc and inflict great harm on a more powerful opponent."
Yuk, yuk. These guys are a hoot! The AR 15 in the hands of a well-armed and knowledgeable citizenry, can indeed, inflict great harm on any fools who think they can over-run this once great and still (relatively) Free Republic.
All the anti gunners tout the damage the sniper's Bushmaster did and equate that damage with the fact it is an assault weapon. But...... the sniper never fired more than single shots, so magazine capacity wasn't an issue nor was it's semi-auto fire ability. And even though it looks evil, none of the victims saw the gun. The damage that was done by the sniper could have been done with any hunting rifle of almost type or any caliber.