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Jack Lawman · 10-14-2004, 10:49 PM

Pardon me, but if I may offer my opinion:

"Assault Rifle" means different things to different people. In the military sense of the word, an "assault rifle" is a battle rifle capable of both semi-automatic and full-automatic fire (at the discretion of the operator). They have the ability to accept detachable, high capacity magazines (20-30+ rounds). They usually have other features such as flash suppressors, bayonet lugs, and collapsible stocks. Variations include the AK-47, M-16, FN/FAL, etc. Assault Rifles are the issue rifle for most of the world's armies.

Here in the US, civilians are permitted to own SEMI_AUTOMATIC ONLY versions of these popular rifles (full-auto ownership is permitted but strictly regulated). People opposed to gun ownership by private citizens in America label these versions as "assault weapons". They liken them to their full-auto counterparts and work to have them greatly restricted or outright banned. In the American lexicon, the term "assault rifle" evokes an unusually high degree of emotion (the nature of which depends on which side of the gun control argument one resides).

Supporters of private firearm ownership believe that assault weapons are nothing more than semi-autos with military style features. People looking to discourage firearms ownership believe assault weapons have no useful purpose (save the slaughter of innocent civilians), are evil, and should be banned.

For a good thread on the gun control debate, try:
LF Right to Keep and Bear Arms Thread

It's pointed if not a bit wandering.

Jack

10-14-2004, 10:49 PM	#3
Jack Lawman User Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Near NYC Posts: 428 Thanks: 30 Thanked 64 Times in 37 Posts	Pardon me, but if I may offer my opinion: "Assault Rifle" means different things to different people. In the military sense of the word, an "assault rifle" is a battle rifle capable of both semi-automatic and full-automatic fire (at the discretion of the operator). They have the ability to accept detachable, high capacity magazines (20-30+ rounds). They usually have other features such as flash suppressors, bayonet lugs, and collapsible stocks. Variations include the AK-47, M-16, FN/FAL, etc. Assault Rifles are the issue rifle for most of the world's armies. Here in the US, civilians are permitted to own SEMI_AUTOMATIC ONLY versions of these popular rifles (full-auto ownership is permitted but strictly regulated). People opposed to gun ownership by private citizens in America label these versions as "assault weapons". They liken them to their full-auto counterparts and work to have them greatly restricted or outright banned. In the American lexicon, the term "assault rifle" evokes an unusually high degree of emotion (the nature of which depends on which side of the gun control argument one resides). Supporters of private firearm ownership believe that assault weapons are nothing more than semi-autos with military style features. People looking to discourage firearms ownership believe assault weapons have no useful purpose (save the slaughter of innocent civilians), are evil, and should be banned. For a good thread on the gun control debate, try: LF Right to Keep and Bear Arms Thread It's pointed if not a bit wandering. Jack __________________ Why do you guys hate black circles so much?