Oregon’s Misguided Approach to Public Safety

Earlier this month, the Oregon Senate took another troubling step in advancing anti-Second Amendment legislation. The so-called “Community Safety and Firearms Act” seeks to ban what it broadly describes as “rapid-fire” firearms. But let’s be clear: this legislation is just another attempt by the anti-gun lobby to erode your rights, one law at a time. Here at Fortress Firearms Training in Fountain Inn, SC, we take serious issue with this proposal and encourage responsible firearm owners across the country to pay attention.

What Does the Act Actually Propose?

The “Community Safety and Firearms Act,” approved by the Oregon Senate Judiciary Committee, aims to outlaw the manufacture, sale, and possession of semiautomatic rifles capable of firing rapidly. This includes AR-style rifles and other commonly owned firearms among law-abiding citizens. The bill defines “rapid-fire” in a vague and overly broad manner—essentially grouping together any modern sporting rifle under a scary-sounding name to push an agenda.

Proponents of this legislation argue that it’s about reducing gun violence. However, as defenders of the Second Amendment, we must recognize the false promises made by politicians who conflate freedom with danger. This kind of legislation punishes responsible gun owners without addressing the root causes of crime and violence.

Who Does This Affect?

Oregon residents would be hit first, but these ideas often spread like wildfire. Washington and California have adopted similarly extreme measures; now it’s Oregon’s turn, and next it could be South Carolina or any other pro-freedom state.

If this bill becomes law, not only would new AR-style rifles be banned, but existing owners would be forced to comply with burdensome restrictions. The law would require:

• Registration of existing firearms—a move that many see as a step toward eventual confiscation.
• Prohibition on the manufacture and sale of certain firearm models, even those that have been safely owned and used for decades.
• Possible criminal charges against responsible owners simply for retaining legally-owned property.

The Second Amendment Is Not Optional

At Fortress Firearms Training, we teach more than just firearms safety—we educate our clients about their rights, responsibilities, and the critical importance of self-defense. The Second Amendment is not a relic of the past; it is a present-day necessity. In a country where threats to life and liberty are very real, disarming citizens under the guise of “community safety” is not just dishonest—it’s dangerous.

Here in South Carolina, we’ve seen firsthand how properly trained, legally armed citizens make our communities safer. Instead of relying solely on law enforcement, who often can’t respond quickly enough, we empower individuals to protect themselves and their families through responsible gun ownership. Laws like Oregon’s proposed ban would replace that empowerment with dependency and fear.

The Myth of Rapid-Fire Danger

Let’s address this point head-on: the term “rapid-fire” is intentionally misleading. AR-style rifles are semiautomatic—meaning one trigger pull equals one shot. These are not machine guns. The average gun used in competitive shooting, hunting, or home defense is highly unlikely to be used in a crime. Criminals don’t follow laws—they break them. Disarming law-abiding citizens will not stop determined criminals who already disregard the law.

Moreover, according to FBI data, the majority of gun-related homicides involve handguns, not rifles. This fact alone undermines the core rationale presented by supporters of Oregon’s bill. Yet time and time again, these same politicians target rifles simply because they “look scary” to the untrained eye. That’s not legislation—that’s emotion-driven authoritarianism.

Why Responsible Firearms Training Matters

Understanding how to handle a firearm responsibly is a far better solution than banning them altogether. At Fortress Firearms Training, we provide top-tier firearms instruction that focuses not just on marksmanship, but also on the legal and ethical use of force. Real community safety comes from educated, empowered citizens who know their rights and assert them responsibly.

Our courses are designed to help individuals from all walks of life—men, women, first-time gun owners, and seasoned shooters—build confidence in their ability to operate tools of protection. With gun ownership comes responsibility, and that’s a principle we proudly teach every day in Fountain Inn.

A Call to Action for All Patriots

The Oregon Senate is paving the way for more restrictive, federal-level legislation that would impact all Americans. This is why we must stay vigilant. Here’s what you can do:

• Contact your state and federal representatives to express opposition to any new gun-control measures.
• Support organizations that defend Second Amendment rights, including local training centers like Fortress Firearms Training.
• Stay informed about proposed legislation in your state and around the country.
• Educate your family and friends about the importance of responsible gun ownership and the threats posed by misguided laws.

These efforts matter. We must remember that our freedom doesn’t protect itself—we must actively defend it every day.

Conclusion

The “Community Safety and Firearms Act” moving through the Oregon Senate is not about safety—it’s about control. It’s a calculated attack on your God-given right to self-defense, disguised in the language of public service. Everyone who values liberty should be critical of such overreach. At Fortress Firearms Training, we remain committed to preserving the Second Amendment, one student, one classroom, and one citizen at a time.

If you’re serious about defending your family, your community, and your freedom, visit Fortress Firearms Training today. The fight for your rights starts with education, and we’re proud to be on the front lines.