To the Editor:

I just finished reading the opinion piece by Gina Hamilton in the Dec. 19 edition of The Times Record (“The dollars and sense of an assault weapons ban,” page A6) and am quite disappointed in the amount of false information.

I will not comment on the economic fallout but will clarify some facts:

— Bushmaster is a brand name, not a model. The model AR15 is manufactured by many different companies including Bushmaster, ArmaLite, Colt, Smith and Wesson, Rock River Arms and Windham Weaponry.

— AR 15 does not stand for “auto reloading.” It stands for ArmaLite model 15.

— The statement “virtually useless for hunting” is not true of the AR-15 rifles, which are widely used in hunting applications all the time, especially for predator hunting. What you should know is that the AR-style rifle can be bought in many different calibers for different size game. The .223 caliber is not the only caliber.

— The AR15 was developed long before the weapons ban that expired in 2004.

Who cares if “the people who use them… tend to go to shooting ranges and rip up paper targets” — ? How is enjoying target shooting affecting anyone?

As far as stores taking them off shelves, I think that’s a smart public relations move. I’m sure sales in other depatments will go up for them.

I realize it’s your opinion as to what might be included in a new gun ban, but stating that it would ban certain types is premature. Auto reloading rifles and handguns cover a large group of firearms. Many people hunt with handguns.

In my opinion, this is the problem with the media today: too quick to write or report a story in order to be the first one and not getting all the facts first.

I’m not a “gun nut” but I do enjoy the sporting heritage here in Maine.

Troy Wallace
Phippsburg