Federal Assault Weapons were banned in 1994 but that ban expired in 2004.

[Kajun Gal]

[Calista241]

1. If i recall correctly, W Bush said he's sign a renewal of the ban if Congress passed it. n/t

[DetroitLegalBeagle]

3. He did

But he did so with full knowledge that such a bill would never reach his desk.

[Egnever]

2. and mass shootings have been on the rise ever since.

[Motownman78]

4. The weapons were not banned

Just manufacture of "assault" weapons. Also, magazines made before 1994 were un-affected by the ban.

[X_Digger]

5. Actually, they weren't banned

http://mcadams.posc.mu.edu/blog/assault_final2004.pdf