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In reply to the discussion: Do not think about arguing [View all]ManiacJoe
(10,136 posts)That is an silly, artificial phrase used to describe a bunch of rifles based on their cosmetic looks and specific model numbers. The name was purposely chosen to make people think of assault rifles (machine guns). There is no version of any definition of "assault weapons" that includes assault rifles.
The correct, real world phrase to describe "assault weapons" is "semi-automatic carbine", which also has a single definition based on functionality not looks.
There is a single, real world definition of assault rifle. And no "assault weapon" meets that definition.
Wikipedia has a great description of assault rifles:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assault_rifle
The most common definitions of "assault weapon" talk about stalk shapes, grip shapes, flash hiders, bayonet lugs, magazine sizes, barrel threads. None of that stuff matters to the functionality of the gun any more than the color of the gun.
Your idea of what "assault weapons" are is completely wrong given the common definition of the phrase. Yes, your ideas are reasonable when the two words are taken separately. Again, confusion was the exact purpose of the phrase.
Words have meanings. If you want to have clear communications, you need to use the correct words to express your ideas, and you need to use the words correctly. Otherwise, folks will not understand what you are saying, and you will may be offended when they try to correct you.
It is not necessary to use the technical words in a conversation about guns. But for whatever reason(s) that is where most people want to go even when they don't understand the words they are trying to use.