The origin of the term is not clearly known and is the subject of much debate. Merriam-Webster's online definition is "any of various automatic or semiautomatic firearms especially: assault rifle". defines "assault weapon" as "any of various automatic and semiautomatic military firearms utilizing an intermediate-power cartridge, designed for individual use". Threaded barrel, which can accept muzzle devices such as a flash hider, suppressor, compensator or muzzle brake ĭictionary definitions vary from legal definitions.Bayonet lug, which allows the mounting of a bayonet.A pistol grip that protrudes beneath the action of the weapon.Folding or telescoping (collapsible) stock, which reduces the overall length of the firearm.Semi-automatic firearm capable of accepting a detachable magazine.At that time, the United States Department of Justice said, "In general, assault weapons are semiautomatic firearms with a large magazine of ammunition that were designed and configured for rapid fire and combat use." Ĭommon attributes used in legislative definitions of assault weapons include: A key defining law was the now-defunct Federal Assault Weapons Ban of 1994. Legislative definitions do not include fully automatic weapons, which are regulated separately as Title II weapons under federal law. Some jurisdictions define revolving-cylinder shotguns as assault weapons. Main article: Assault weapons legislation in the United Statesĭrawing from federal and state law definitions, the term assault weapon refers primarily to semi-automatic rifles, pistols, and shotguns that are able to accept detachable magazines and possess one or more other features. After the December 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting, many news organizations ran stories about assault weapons, explaining their varying definitions and presenting varying opinions about whether they should be banned again at the federal level. It is sometimes used interchangeably with the term " assault rifle", which refers to selective fire rifles that use intermediate cartridges. The origin of the term has been attributed to legislators, the firearms industry, gun control groups, and the media. Department of Justice said, "In general, assault weapons are semiautomatic firearms with a large magazine of ammunition that were designed and configured for rapid fire and combat use." The commonly used definitions of assault weapons are under frequent debate, and have changed over time. When the now-defunct Federal Assault Weapons Ban was passed in 1994, the U.S. ![]() Certain firearms are specified by name in some laws that restrict assault weapons. The definition varies among regulating jurisdictions, but usually includes semi-automatic firearms with a detachable magazine, a pistol grip, and sometimes other features, such as a vertical forward grip, flash suppressor, or barrel shroud. In the United States, assault weapon is a controversial term used to define firearms with specified characteristics. The weapon features a pistol grip and a flash suppressor. The Colt AR-15 carbine is a semi-automatic rifle chambered for fixed centerfire ammunition that fires one round each time the trigger is pulled.
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