Anti-gun forces are quick to dismiss any practical purpose for a semi-automatic rifle, which they disingenuously smear as “assault weapons.” According to the prevailing narrative, they are inherently dangerous and not in everyday use by sportsmen and for self-defense.

Even though much of the opposition is based solely on appearance, states controlled by such zealots are increasingly countermanding the Second Amendment and banning their possession.

But this is a false narrative. 

New research released by the Outdoor Stewards of Conservation Foundation (OSCF) revealed a remarkable number of law-abiding Americans now utilize these AR-style rifles for hunting. This time-honored tradition is passed down through generations and enjoyed by millions, and these modern sporting rifles (MSRs) are increasingly the weapon of choice.

How much so? An impressive 41% of hunters now turn to semi-automatic rifles to pursue their passion, a substantial leap from 25% in 2014.

And OSCF executive director Jim Curcuruto noted that these numbers are expected to rise even further. “The growing use of ARs for hunting is on the rise, which does not surprise me. The survey showed that over half of hunters who do not currently use ARs have expressed interest in using them in the future.”

The study found that the number of sportsmen who rely on these weapons is growing exponentially.

Of AR aficionados who use them for hunting, a full 57% switched to this style of rifle within just the past five years.

Their targets? These hunters are in the field looking for their next big game trophy, as 80% revealed that deer and elk are their prey.

That’s not to mention the large number of smaller prey, particularly predator animals such as coyotes and foxes, which are hunted using AR-style rifles.

Curcuruto was startled to see the explosion of interest in utilizing these popular weapons to continue the fine art of hunting. “I was surprised to see that more than 50 percent of hunters that are not currently using AR-platform rifles to hunt with responded that they are likely to try hunting with these versatile rifles in the future.”

This bodes well for the sport and directly counters the position of anti-gun forces that these weapons have no practical purpose.

The National Rifle Association (NRA) produced a brilliant defense of these popular weapons against the onslaught of anti-gun zealots.

The organization noted that the federal “assault weapon ban” of 1994-2004 actually saw a 19.3% increase in the nation’s murder rate. This was a far cry from the effects on crime touted by prohibition supporters.

As the Second Amendment protects firearms in common use, it is worth noting that the National Shooting Sports Foundation reports that almost 25 million of these MSRs are in circulation.

Is there a correlation between the massive popularity of these firearms and criminal activity? Well, murder and other violent crimes have fallen to lows not seen in years at the exact same time when ownership of these AR-style weapons is at a record high.

The NRA notes that, although detractors are quick to use skewed descriptions of these firearms, they are not fully automatic and thus “weapons of war.” Instead, a separate trigger pull must be made before firing each round, just as with other weapons in common use.

And, on the subject of common use, the Supreme Court in 2008’s District of Columbia v. Heller established that the Second Amendment protects the right to keep and bear “arms ‘in common use at the time’ for purposes like self-defense.”

Could it be more obvious that AR-style sporting rifles are in common use and overwhelmingly popular?

The remarkable surge in the sporting public choosing MSRs for their craft is a sure sign that law-abiding Americans are increasingly making these firearms their weapons of choice.

The Anti Anti-2A Social Club is more than a name—it’s a stand against misinformation, double standards, and the relentless attacks on our rights. It’s for those who are done being quiet and ready to push back against a narrative that seeks to misrepresent and marginalize us.

They say the first step to solving a problem is admitting there is one. But here’s the thing: we’re not trying to “solve” anything. We’re here to embrace our rights, to stand firm, and to protect what’s ours.

This isn’t just another t-shirt; it’s a symbol of defiance and a call to action for everyone who refuses to be silenced. The Anti Anti-2A Social Club T-shirts, hats, and drinkware represent a movement that knows our rights are non-negotiable and proudly defends them.

So click the link below and wear it with pride. Because being part of the Anti Anti-2A Social Club isn’t just a choice—it’s a badge of honor.