Gun control may be one of the hottest topics in modern America, but it’s been around for quite some time.  This unwavering criticism all started back in the 1930’s with President FDR, who many consider the hero of the Liberal Movement. While this may not have been his most divisive resolution, he was no stranger to some of history’s most catastrophic decisions, which unfortunately, get overlooked. In addition to turning America’s focus onto collectivism and putting the country on the path to becoming a welfare state, Roosevelt was the president who sent over 100,000 Japanese-Americans to internment camps, denied Jews asylum during the Holocaust, snubbed Jesse Owens, and failed to support Republican efforts to classify lynching as a federal crime.

Moving on in history, following the assassination of JFK in 1963, the discussion about gun control really started to heat up. Over the course of the next few decades, a national movement arose where the fear of guns and the ensuing controversy began to affect the firearms industry. After every major mass shooting and terrorist attack, the immediate response from many Americans is to blame firearms. As a result, certain guns have been targeted incessantly by the media, some more than others. In today’s Gunivore Fast Five review, we’re going to examine some of the most controversial guns on the market today. But before we begin, I highly recommend reading my piece debunking The Biggest Myths About Guns.

AK-47

 Considering that most of the gun debate stems from the number of deaths a weapon causes, it’s no surprise that the AK-47 is one of the most despised. This Soviet masterpiece has solidified its place in history by offering top-grade reliability, firepower, and simplicity, all for an affordable price. Overall, there have been over 100 million AKs manufactured, making it the clear best-seller in the world. Because of the AK-47’s economic price-tag and availability, it has been utilized, some way or another, in almost every war and conflict in the last 75 years. Furthermore, the AK is one of the most durable of its kind, able to brave even the harshest conditions in the Middle East. Because of its nearly universal association with war, terrorism, and crime, the AK-47 is clearly one of the most contentious guns in the world.

• Model: Saiga AK-47 AKM

  

• Caliber: 7.62x39mm
• Capacity: 30-Rounds
• Barrel Length: 16.3”
• Overall Length: 35”
• Weight: 7.7 lbs. (Unloaded)
• Sights: Adjustable Iron
• MSRP: Around $900

AR-15

No firearm in history has taken more heat than the AR-15. Originally designed by ArmaLite (where the AR distinction comes from, not “assault or automatic rifle”, which is commonly mistaken) in the 1950’s, then sold to Colt shortly afterwards, the AR-15 is arguably the most trusted platform in the industry. Besides for being the rifle of choice for countless militaries and law enforcement across the globe, the versatile AR-15 is also the weapon of choice for tons of hunters, competition & sport shooters, and those looking for a home-defense gun. I don’t want to get into the debate about AR-15s, but our friends at The Daily Wire have already published their own debunking of the biggest myths about this iconic firearm.

One of the best AR-15s money can buy is the German Heckler and Koch 416. Arguably on the most powerful rifles on the market, the HK416 is intimidating, sexy, insanely accurate, and promises unwavering reliability – all for a hefty price.

• Model: HK416

  

• Caliber: 5.56mm x 45
• Capacity: 30-Rounds
• Barrel Length: 14.5”
• Overall Length: 31.5”
• Weight: 7.7 lbs. (Unloaded)
• Sights: Various
• MSRP: Around $3,000

FN FIVE-SEVEN

While the Belgian FN Five-Seven is not inherently on of the more controversial guns, it has become a major hot-topic due to its high-velocity super intense 5.7x28mm cartridge. This is definitely the kind of gun about which the left-wing politicians claim “has no sporting purpose!” or is a “cop killer!” and “deadly military gun!”. Although some of the 5.7x28mm cartridges are considered somewhat armor-piercing (which is the root of the controversy), FN has released SS195LF and SS196 loads (to law-abiding citizens) which has yet to be classified as armor-piercing by BATFE. Traditional SS190 loads are still as restricted as they’ve always been and the commercially available 5.7x28mm loads have a significantly less impact than your average .44 Magnum round. At the end of the day, I can safely say that like all other controversies about guns, the controversy with the FN Five-Seven lies within a simple misunderstanding.

For a more comprehensive review of this powerhouse semi-automatic pistol, check out our rundown of the Belgian FN Five-Seven.

• Model: FNH Five-Seven USG
• Caliber: 5.7x28mm
• Capacity: 20-Rounds
• Barrel Length: 4.8”
• Overall Length: 8.2”
• Weight: 1.3 lbs. (Unloaded)
• Sights: Fully-Adjustable Rear / Blade Front
• MSRP: $1,074

ADLER A110 RAPID-FIRE

Shotguns tend to avoid attention in the heated gun control debates, but that was not the case with the Adler A110 Rapid-Fire shotgun, especially in Australia. Politicians and citizens alike have spent months debating the legality of this firearm, many claiming it to be a military-grade killing-machine. The biggest argument against the Adler is its firing speed. While boasting a 7+1 capacity, the beautiful A110 can easily fire all 8 shots in less than 8 seconds, in the right hands. Additionally, some argue that its capacity can be adjusted to almost a dozen rounds, making it even more dangerous. The funny thing is that the Adler is a lever-action firearm, one of the oldest styles in the business and even still it can’t evade controversy. Nevertheless, opponents of the fast shotgun claim it has no place in hunting or defense – that is only serves as a danger to the people. However, when compared to some of the industry’s fastest shotguns, the A110 is right on pace with other, less-controversial models. Clearly, there is something underlying at the root of the debate.

• Model: Adler A110

  

• Caliber: 12 Gauge
• Capacity: 7+1
• Barrel Length: 24”
• Overall Length: 45”
• Weight: Around 7 lbs. (Unloaded)
• Sights: Brass Bead Front
• MSRP: $850.00

TOMMY GUN

Although not so common these days, the notorious Thompson M1921 Submachine Gun (A.K.A. Tommy Gun) is one of the most controversial guns to come out of the United States. This classic .45 caliber legend is one of the most recognizable firearms ever invented, thanks to its frequent appearances in movies and television. The Tommy Gun was famous for not only being one of the fastest guns on the market, but also one of the most powerful. Just thinking about its large wooden stock/handguard and its high-capacity drum magazine sends shivers down the spines of left-wing liberals everywhere. To make matters even more complicated, the “Chicago Typewriter” was the gun of choice for American mobsters during the Prohibition-era leading up to WWII, and onwards. This association with criminal activity and its high-speed firing capabilities makes the Tommy Gun one of the most controversial firearms in history.

• Model: Thompson 1927A-1 T1D
• Caliber: .45 ACP
• Capacity: 100-Round Drum Mag
• Barrel Length: 16.5”
• Overall Length: 41”
• Weight: 13 lbs. (Unloaded)
• Sights: Various
• MSRP: Around $1,750

BONUS: HOLLOW POINT AMMO

Of all the controversies about guns, this one has got to be my favorite. The insanity of the left and the preposterous arguments against specific ammunition perfectly sums up their entire agenda. While the majority of them know next to nothing about guns and ammo, they all know that AR-15s are bad, guns are only good for killing, and that hollow point rounds are the worst thing in the world. Besides for the fact there are even places in the U.S. where it’s illegal to own them, the Supreme Court has refused to even hear an appeal that would challenge San Francisco’s ban on the controversial load. The left are content to ignore the fact that hollow points are universally trusted by police and civilians for defense, more than any other round. I would even go as far as to say that they are the ultimate ammo for defense, and definitely the safest. Its opponents get scared because of its power (it is designed to rapidly expand upon contact) but neglect the purpose of said power. Hollow points are the safest choice because they almost completely eliminate any chance of over-penetration. That means that stray bullets are much less likely to strike any unintended targets – what more could you ask for in a bullet?!

check out more of our reviews on Barrett Firearms Manufacturing and Shotguns!

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