Sgt, it's been happening for 100 years if the stories I've heard from some old timers chewing the fat at shooting ranges are to be believed. I once had a Columbus Ohio Cop back in the 70's tell me that he'd once broken the barrel off a model 19 over the head of a drunk, which was why his current gun had a brass butt plate on it. Of course, some of those range tales have to be taken with an understanding that there may be a "bit" of exageration going on.

The reason why we all hear about it now is simply due to the internet. Basically, stuff happens, it always has and always will.