In 1994, Congress defined "Assault Weapons" as those semi-automatic firearms with certain military style features resembling fully automatic machine guns. Semi-autos are not fully automatic, they are not machine guns. All semi-autos manufactured today comply with the restrictions of this law. The "ban" due to expire in September 2004, limited firearms to no more than one of these cosmetic features, which do not affect the operation of the firearm. Flash hiders for the muzzle, bayonet lugs capable of mounting a military bayonet and adjustable length stocks are "banned" cosmetic features gun manufacturers removed to comply with the law. The compliant firearms shoot just as fast and accurately as the operator determines, fire the same ammunition and mechanically operate just like "banned" firearms. "Banned" firearms originally manufactured with "assault weapon" features remain legal to own, to shoot, to buy and to sell under federal law.
It is important to remember that no semi-automatic rifle, pistol or shotgun -- no firearm at all for that matter -- can be sold at retail without the buyer passing a background check conducted of police records by the FBI, and that includes such sales at gun shows as well as gun shops. No other product sold in America is this regulated, and to operate in business gun dealers, wholesalers and firearm manufacturers all must be licensed by the federal government as well as meet all applicable state and local requirements.
A Long History
American John Browning's first semi-automatic rifle design was developed in the years following the Civil War, about the same time modern photography was being born. Before radio and television were invented, semi-auto rifles, shotguns and pistols were commercially available to the public, through the Sears catalog, among other places. At the turn of the last century, Browning patented the very popular Auto-5 shotgun design, whose centennial was celebrated with a specially engraved commemorative firearm.
President Roosevelt hunted with one -- not Franklin, but Theodore Roosevelt.
Modern semi-automatic firearms employ the same established technology of their predecessors. Quite simply, the force of expanding gas from a fired cartridge loads the next bullet to be fired. The trigger must be pulled each time a shot is fired, just as with a revolver. Civilian or "military style," the firearms work the same way.
Firearms capable of firing a single shot accurately at distances of 150 yards or more have been in civilian hands in America since before there was a United States. Some 80 million Americans are likely to have such a firearm safely stored in the home. Approximately 4 in 10 American homes contain at least one gun, and each year 40 million enjoy the recreational use of such products in a safe, legal, and responsible way.
Many Lawful Uses
Olympic competitors use semi-automatic handguns, and duck hunters routinely use semi-auto shotguns. America's finest marksmen use semi-automatic rifles.
Semi-autos were used for sport for many decades before the U.S. military, in the days preceding World War II, ever adopted its first semi-auto rifle, the M-1 Garand. Today, the "military style" Garand, its successor, the M-1A, and AR-15 style semi-autos are shot recreationally each weekend around the country by competitors in registered matches.
Localize the Story
Clubs and associations in your community are likely sponsoring target competition where military-style semi-automatic firearms -- such as those "banned" by the 1994 Crime Bill -- are used for sporting purposes. Find them by selecting "High Power Rifle" events from the monthly schedules organized by state at http://www.tsra.com/NRA_Sub.htm.
