Uncle Bill is correct, and I would speculate further that even five years down the road this won't mean anything.
As far as drinking goes, my Dad lectured me about it when I was your age and someday you will probably be counseling a younger fellow against it yourself. It is the natural tendency for many geezers to pound on that stump, but we are right.
It sounds like you want an M1 specifically, and since your Dad is in agreement you will have one if your interest maintains. I'll bet you have read about them for hours and will read many hours more. While you are at it, do an internet search for "slamfire" and see what comes up. This problem is real with the gun you have in mind, and happened to my Springfield Armory product. It can be avoided though, and if your search is unproductive contact (or better yet join) the NRA. They will be happy to advise and you should listen to what they have to say about slamfires before firing a single round through any gas operated military gun. Also, they will point you in the right direction for training and competition with that rifle.
It is unlikely that your school is any more paranoid about on-campus violence than any other school these days. The police and sheriff's depts. around here are spending most of their training budgets practicing how to interdict people shooting up schools. It is a huge concern and school administrators better act like they are concerned about it or they will be lynched by the parents.
As a free American, you have the right to say just about anything you want, but sometimes context must dictate one's choice of words. School is no place for discussion of the M1 these days, but that is the way it goes. Alot of jobs are the same way - certain topics are forbidden. When you get that M1, you will probably figure out there are a few things the "boys" don't want to hear about on the firing line either, but you will adjust.
As far as drinking goes, my Dad lectured me about it when I was your age and someday you will probably be counseling a younger fellow against it yourself. It is the natural tendency for many geezers to pound on that stump, but we are right.
It sounds like you want an M1 specifically, and since your Dad is in agreement you will have one if your interest maintains. I'll bet you have read about them for hours and will read many hours more. While you are at it, do an internet search for "slamfire" and see what comes up. This problem is real with the gun you have in mind, and happened to my Springfield Armory product. It can be avoided though, and if your search is unproductive contact (or better yet join) the NRA. They will be happy to advise and you should listen to what they have to say about slamfires before firing a single round through any gas operated military gun. Also, they will point you in the right direction for training and competition with that rifle.
It is unlikely that your school is any more paranoid about on-campus violence than any other school these days. The police and sheriff's depts. around here are spending most of their training budgets practicing how to interdict people shooting up schools. It is a huge concern and school administrators better act like they are concerned about it or they will be lynched by the parents.
As a free American, you have the right to say just about anything you want, but sometimes context must dictate one's choice of words. School is no place for discussion of the M1 these days, but that is the way it goes. Alot of jobs are the same way - certain topics are forbidden. When you get that M1, you will probably figure out there are a few things the "boys" don't want to hear about on the firing line either, but you will adjust.
People tell me I am a little eccentric as well.
I want my red dirt and my ute back! 