Letters: Gun zealots playing word games

Richard Luther wants to quibble over the definition of “assault” when paired with the word “rifle” (“‘Assault rifle?’ Not by a long shot,” July 1).

But while the basic AR-15 may be sold as a one-pull, one-round rifle, you can go on the Internet to find videos and written descriptions of how to make it a fully automatic assault weapon perfectly capable of mass slaughter.

Mr. Luther, like so many who believe everyone needs to own all kinds of high-powered weapons, wants to spin the definition to suit his needs.

However, most people are very informed and educated on the reality of the Second Amendment. It is the zealots, with their macho swagger and need to visibly carry their big assault weapons to make up for other shortcomings, who are scary.