Springfield Armory didn't intend their rifles go to civilians either, but Teddy Roosevelt thought different.
In 1904 he pushed for and got congress to create the National Board for the promotion of civilian Marksmanship, creating the Division of Civilian Marksmanship, and the National Matches were the Army was required to sell surplus military rifles to US Citizens and train them in their use.
This program was expanded in 1996 where the operation was turned over to the civilians to manage, changing the name to the Civilian Marksmanship Program. Funded by sales of surplus military arms. The Army is still required to conduct their Small Arms Firing Schools instructing citizens in the use of Military arms, currently used by the military.
So I wouldn't put a lot of stock in what Mr Stoner intended. Its what Roosevelt and Congress wants since they make the laws.
In 1904 he pushed for and got congress to create the National Board for the promotion of civilian Marksmanship, creating the Division of Civilian Marksmanship, and the National Matches were the Army was required to sell surplus military rifles to US Citizens and train them in their use.
This program was expanded in 1996 where the operation was turned over to the civilians to manage, changing the name to the Civilian Marksmanship Program. Funded by sales of surplus military arms. The Army is still required to conduct their Small Arms Firing Schools instructing citizens in the use of Military arms, currently used by the military.
So I wouldn't put a lot of stock in what Mr Stoner intended. Its what Roosevelt and Congress wants since they make the laws.