Protests expected at 'Build Your Own AR-15' class in Marshall

MARSHALL - Protesters are expected at a Tuesday "Build Your Own AR-15" program held at a veterans post.

But program organizers said any protests would be misguided.

"I would like for them to come in and listen to what this man has to say, and this man can educate them on the process and dispel the rumors," said Bill Thick, Jr., commander of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4073 at 800 E. Michigan Ave. in Marshall.

Beginning at 6 p.m., Chris Walden, a Battle Creek gunsmith and firearms instructor, will host the first of several three-hour sessions on gun safety and how to build a semi-automatic AR-15 rifle.

It is the third year that the program has been held at the VFW Post but this year word spread on social media and is creating some attention. The post is renting space for the classes.

W. Jeffrey Wilson, a resident of Marengo Township and a psychology professor at Albion College, said he plans a quiet protest and is asking others to join him.

"I will be there to stand silent vigil and ask people to join me," Wilson said Monday. "My main objection is that there are too many weapons in circulation and these have been the weapons of choice in mass shootings.

"I recognize they are legal and have the right to do it, it's just that we have enough weapons," he said.

Program organizers said Monday what they are doing is legal and promotes gun safety and responsible gun ownership.

Thick said information is wrong that the program is designed to create "ghost" guns that are not registered or that participants are not required to have background checks.

Walden said all participants must be 21 or older, Michigan residents and must undergo a federal firearms background check. He said the receiver, or gun mechanism, is registered with a serial number as required by law.

Then the owner can add their own choices of stocks, barrels, colors and other custom parts.

Walden said each participant will pay $75 for the class and spend at least $800 for the completed rifle. The three-hour classes will be held monthly.

About 40 people have registered although social media posts suggest as many as 300 are at least interested, Thick said.

Walden said most who attend the class already are gun owners who want to learn more about weapons and are ready to invest time and money.

In the first class two years ago, 100 people started and 46 completed building their rifle.

"And you have to clear the legal hurdles before you get it," said Alex Kahn, chaplain of the post. "The bad guys do not go through this process."

Walden said the class will be "good middle-class Americans who want to learn more about firearms. They are curious about this weapon. We want them to know about their firearm and how to clean and maintain and safely store them and how to properly use them."

While anti-gun groups note that the rifle has been used in several mass shootings, Walden said the AR-15, named the Armalite Rifle for the company which built it, is used for some hunting but also for shooting competitions and target practice.

"Folks enjoy shooting as a sport and a hobby," Walden said. "How would basketball games be without basketballs? Shooting is a good, fun thing to do. Some people go to the casino and have fun, and some go out and drink and have fun, and some people read a book and have fun. Some enjoy shooting, and that is fun for them."

However, Kahn said he and many others stress the U.S. Constitution not only gives citizens the right to have guns but a duty.

"It is about self protection and protection against tyranny. We took an oath to uphold and defend the constitution against enemies both foreign and domestic."

Thick said he encourages people to speak up as they are allowed to do by the first amendment.

"I wish they would speak the facts," he said. "But I support their right to run their mouths and I support our right to build rifles."

Contact Trace Christenson at 269-966-0685 or tchrist@battlecreekenquirer.com. Follow him on Twitter: @TSChristenson