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Background Info on So-Called "Assault Weapons"

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Background Info on So-Called National Shooting Sports Foundation® Background Information On Fast Facts So-Called “Assault Weapons” What has erroneously been termed firearm. Automatic “The public’s confusion over fully- an “assault weapon” is a semi- firearms were severely automatic machine guns versus automatic firearm that fires just restricted from civilian semi-automatic assault weapons one bullet with each pull of the ownership under the -- anything that looks like a trigger (versus a fully automatic 1934 National Firearms machine gun is presumed to be a firearm — machine gun — which Act. A so-called “assault machine gun -- can only increase continues to shoot until the trigger weapon” is functionally the chance of public support for is released). Specifically, legislation no different than any restrictions on these weapons.” has incorrectly defined an “assault other “legal” firearm. weapon” as a semi-automatic These guns fire in the firearm that can accept a detachable same manner as any that are meant for war. magazine and has two or more of other semi-automatic FACT: So-called “assault weapons” the following cosmetic features firearm (one shot per are more often than not less (it is these cosmetic features that trigger pull - no spray powerful than other hunting rifles. distinguish the firearm from other firing), they shoot the The term “assault weapon” was “non-assault weapons.”): same ammunition as conjured up by anti-gun legislators • A folding or telescoping stock other guns of the same caliber to scare voters into thinking these and are no more powerful. What firearms are something out of a • A pistol grip differentiates a so-called “assault horror movie. These guns are used • A bayonet mount weapon” from other guns is for many activities. In fact, the • A flash suppressor, or threads to cosmetic; for example, the type of Colt AR-15 and Springfield M1A, attach one stock on the gun, which makes the both labeled “assault weapons,” conventionally operating firearm look are the rifles most often used for • A grenade launcher more like a military firearm. marksmanship competitions in the None of these features figure into The gun-ban lobby understands United States. And their cartridges the criminal misuse of firearms, are standard hunting calibers, useful regardless of their appearance. that the confusion over what is and what is not an “assault weapon” for game up to and including deer. SEPARATING FACT FROM FICTION only benefits them. Consider this Claim: The 1994 “assault weapons There is a tremendous amount statement from Josh Sugarmann of ban” helped to reduce violent crime. of misinformation surrounding the Violence Policy Center: FACT: A recent comprehensive study the issue of so-called “assault “The public’s confusion over fully- by the Centers for Disease Control weapons.” Below are several of automatic machine guns versus — hardly a pro-gun entity — looked the more misleading allegations semi-automatic assault weapons — at the full panoply of gun control related to these firearms followed by anything that looks like a machine measures — including the “assault corresponding statements of fact: gun is presumed to be a machine weapons ban” — and concluded Claim: A commercially-sold “assault gun — can only increase the chance that none could be proven to weapon” is a machine gun and has of public support for restrictions on reduce crime. Homicide statistics no place in civilian hands. these weapons.” continued FACT: A so-called “assault weapon” Claim: Semi-automatic “assault is NOT a machine gun or automatic weapons” are high-powered guns NSSF.ORG demonstrate that the miniscule use of so-called “assault weapons” in crime (less than 1 percent) continued to decrease after the ten-year ban expired in 2004 and their manufacturing and sales resumed. Another study, commissioned by Congress, found “the banned weapons and magazines were never used in more than a modest fraction of all gun murders.” The report also noted that so-called “assault weapons” were “rarely used in gun crimes even before the ban.” Conclusion: Crime control legislation should be based upon solid facts, not emotions or appearance. Semi-automatic firearms are now the most popular type of firearm in America and are used for a wide variety of legitimate purposes, including hunting, small game control, target shooting and personal defense. They should not be banned. 11 Mile Hill Road Newtown, CT 06470-2359 T: 203.426.1320 F: 203.426.1087 nssf.org © 2013 National Shooting Sports Foundation, Inc. All Rights Reserved 12/11 PROMOTE PROTECT PRESERVE.
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