An assault weapon is a firearm that satisfies a certain set of conditions designed by one of several laws. The term is political in nature and its 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 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;
• Any rifle chambered to fire the .50 BMG cartridge. (In California)

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.

Common misconceptions of the term "assault weapon"

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.

Perhaps the largest misuse of the term is to call a machine-gun an "assault weapon". The National Firearms Act of 1934 specifically addresses these types of firearms, and the private ownership and usage of machine-guns are extremely regulated.

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.

See also: assault rifle, assault weapons ban, National Firearms Act