In a press conference, authorities described alleged would-be Trump assassin Ryan Routh’s firearm as an “AK-47-style rifle.” Since then, most media outlets reporting the incident have repeated that information. However, after viewing images of the evidence confiscated by law enforcement, it appears the gun was misidentified.
What type of gun did the alleged failed Trump shooter have?
While Palm Beach Sheriff Ric Bradshaw identified the weapon the alleged failed assassin carried as an “AK-47-style rifle” in a press conference (around the 1:50 mark), it’s unlikely that’s the case. After viewing images of the firearm, many online gun communities, an expert consulting The Washington Post, and myself are in agreement that it’s an SKS-type rifle, not an AK-47 (or one of its many derivatives).
While the image of the rifle is a bit blurry, it looks to be a “sporterised” SKS with a 30-round magazine. It’s impossible to tell the gun’s origin without examining it more closely. However, there’s a good chance it could be one of the Chinese derivatives of the Russian original, like the Type 56, that was imported into the U.S. by Norinco before Congress imposed the arms embargo against China in the early 1990s.
So, why would Routh use this weapon instead of an AR-15 or a rifle that’s actually designed for long-distance shooting? We know he was broke, and you can get an SKS for around $400-500. Considering this particular example is less desirable because of its polymer aftermarket stock, he might have gotten it (scope included) for even less.
Readers might wonder why this is important; a gun is a gun, right? Well, the type of firearm Routh was carrying is a fact that’s very important for law enforcement to get right, at the very least. Additionally, there’s been much debate over whether “assault rifles” or “assault weapons” like the AR-15 and AK-47 should be banned, and this incident shouldn’t be used as ammo if it doesn’t fit the bill.
