The big difference is that the military and law enforcement are subject to competency checks and compliance with rules of engagement - how may of your millions of civilians have to comply with that?
Equally, spraying a bunch of rounds down range at the weekend is no indicator of competence or safety - much like practicing instrument flying in VMC and expecting yourself to be ready for IIMC.
Even a PPLH holder is expected to show some level of competence before being let loose solo !
Maybe those hunters have served, maybe not - you don't know either but apparently you are correct and not me.
I'm quite capable of making my own assessment of a weapon thanks - the AR 15 is 'easy to shoot' as it happens but not as devastating as an AK47
Out of interest, are these guys going for single shot kills?
crab--these are all good discussion topics. I'm happy to discuss further if you want to move to jetblast, but I don't want to continue to diverge this topic. Just let me know...