Assault weapon

An Assault weapon is one of a wide group of weapons which some consider inappropriate for civilian ownership. This term is political in nature and it's use is highly controversial. Note that this term is NOT the same as an assault rifle, which has an established technical definition and is capable of fully automatic fire.

Characteristics

An assault weapon is a semi-automatic rifle, shotgun, or pistol with a combination of the following characteristics:

"Large" or "High" capacity fixed or detachable magazine, usually defined as holding more than 10 rounds;
Military-style appearance, including semi-automatic replicas of military fully-automatic assault rifles;
Folding or telescoping stock;
Ability to use a grenade launcher, either fixed or detachable;
On rifles and shotguns, those with pistol-type grips;
A bayonet mount;
Threaded barrel capable of accepting a flash suppressor or sound suppressor (aka silencer);
Weapons that include a barrel shroud or other covering that permits the shooter to hold the firearm with the non-trigger hand without being burned;
On pistols, those on which the magazine attaches outside of the pistol grip;
Rifles chambered to fire the .50 BMG cartridge.

Exactly which of these characteristics are used is highly contentious and varies significantly between different jurisdictions. Nearly a dozen states have their own differing assault weapons laws. There was also a federal assault weapons ban which expired in 2004 and has not been renewed.

Use of the term "assault weapons"

The close similarity to the term assault rifle and wide variety of definitions has led to considerable confusion over this term. In addition, inaccurate media reporting and political propaganda have created a common misperception that this term covers many items regulated by the National Firearms Act (NFA) of 1934. For instance, although grenade launchers are covered in many of the assault weapons laws, each individual grenade is controlled, registered, and taxed under the NFA. It is also widely believed that fully-automatic weapons (aka machine-guns) are covered under assualt weapons laws but this is not the case, these too are covered by the NFA. The term "assault weapon" is politically charged and misleading, as anything can be constituted to be an "assault" weapon. For example, a pocket knife can be called an "assault" knife because the term is "assault" is so broad.

Gun rights activists believe that this term is used by the media as a propaganda tool, similiar to the "cop killing" bullets (which have never actually pierced body armor or killed a police officer), and "saturday night specials," for relatively cheap guns found in poor neighborhoods. For this reason, a more neutral and specific term, such as "semi automatic weapon", is appropriate, as the confusion to the similiarity between the terms, "assault weapon", and assault rifle, could make one believe that both are automatic in nature and attach a stigma on the possession of such firearms.

Supporters and Detractors

Gun control advocates such as the Brady Campaign criticize assault weapons and their owners and support legislative attempts to ban them. They hold that Assault weapons are threats to stability and/or public safety, and pose increased risks of serious injury or death to the public. Gun rights advocates such as the National Rifle Association often cite self and civil defense, riot control, collectibility, target shooting, and Second Amendment protection as justifications for continued civilian ownership of such weapons. Although the main justification is the belief that the 2nd Amendment gives its citizens the inalienable rights to own fire arms for protection against the encroachment of a future tyrannical government and the need to keep the state in fear of its citizenry.