More media gun inaccuracies
This time, it’s from the pro gun side. An error is still an error:
The liberal case for an extension of the assault weapons ban is undermined by one small but significant detail: the term “assault” as used in the law is a something of a misnomer. Technically, assault weapons are machine guns that can be fired either automatically (multiple shots per pull of the trigger) or semi-automatically (a single shot per trigger pull). Federal law already regulates these weapons.
I’m not sure which technically you’re referring to. Technically for a gun hobbyist and the military, assault weapons are machine guns (or automatics). Technically, under the 1994 Assault Weapons ban, assault weapons are semi-automatics that have two or more of a flash hider, threaded barrel capable of accepting a flash hider, bayonet lug, pistol grip, grenade launcher or folding stock.
The article does list some of the media hysteria surrounding the ban.
Update: It occurs to me that he may be referring to a single rifle that fires automatically or semi-automatically (i.e., one rifle with a selector switch). In which case, he’s not wrong. However, based on the wording, I can’t be certain.
Update 2: I’ve decided my reading comprehension is lacking and he is actually correct. Penalty flag withdrawn, repeat first down.
August 9th, 2004 at 9:43 am
He’s wrong no matter what, because he said assault weapon, which is the made-up VPC term.
A selective-fire rifle chambered in an intermediate-cartridge is an assault rifle.
August 9th, 2004 at 12:40 pm
I’m pretty sure he is technically wrong about the term “machine gun,” though. If I’m not mistaken, most (all?) real assault rifles are submachine guns.
August 9th, 2004 at 12:55 pm
Actually, IIRC an assault rifle is the result of germans merging the concepts submachine gun and battle rifles (i.e., it’s auto and not semi as battle rifles were, it fires a medium powered round instead of a light round as subguns do or heavy round that battle rifles do).
August 9th, 2004 at 1:24 pm
Yup, that’s my understanding. And, I believe, the term “assault rifle” is a translation of the German sturmgewehr.
XRLQ, I thought a submachine gun fired a pistol cartridge, but I might be mistaken.