It is estimated there are at least 4 million assault weapons in our country, however there are also many definitions of assault weapons. Some people classify assault weapons according to military specifications. To others, all high-powered auto-loading weapons with large capacity magazines are assault weapons. Still others believe an assault weapon is any gun that is not a hunting rifle, shotgun or handgun. Many people have difficulty envisioning practical uses for assault weapons. Since the 1980s however, selling militarized firearms to civilians has been the gun industry’s main marketing strategy. Called “modern sporting rifles” by manufacturers, these weapons are the fastest growing segment of the rifle–manufacturing industry, boasting a growth rate of 27%. Although assault weapons have been used in many horrific mass-shootings, they are only used in about 20% of all gun crime.

Supporters claim assault-style weapons are no more or less dangerous than most hunting rifles. Opponents say a semi-automatic weapon is capable of causing much greater carnage than a single-shot hunting rifle.

Pending Legislation: S.736 - Assault Weapons Ban of 2021
Sponsor: Sen. Dianne Feinstein (CA)
Status: Senate Committee on the Judiciary
Chair: Sen. Dick Durbin (IL)