assault rifles gettting some more play time. Been a busy two years!

[krispos42]

41. There is a level of ergonomics more suitable for tactical situations than others

That is very true. However, these things are attached onto the basic rifle mechanism, which is the focus of defining what an "assault rifle" is.

Yeah, the non-glare black finish is tactical-looking... but it's also desirable to have a non-glare finish when hunting. And considering how elements-proof those finishes typically are, it's also a good practical thing regardless of intended use. A rifle proof against dew, rain, powder residue, fingerprints, and human sweat is a pretty good idea.

Yeah, the pistol grip is non-traditional... but as soon as rifle stocks stopped carved from a single long piece of wood, they began added pistol grips. It's more comfortable, I guess, although I prefer traditional grips for some reason.

Yeah, flashlights and lasers are tactical... but it's generally considered a good think to be able to aim well and see what you're shooting at. Hunters generally can't uses flashlights and lasers for hunting, but if you're engaged in self-defense, with human lives on the line, being able to see clearly and shoot straight is a good, important thing. And what is the law going to do, outlaw the attachment points for lasers and lights?

Telescoping/folding stocks... born from military use, telescoping stocks allow hunters and shooters to maintain the same shooting position regardless of the layers of clothing worn or the size of the person shooting the rifle. Even fixed-stock rifles and shotguns sold nowadays usually have a mechanism to adjust the length-of-pull of the gun by adding shims to the recoil pad. And folding stocks make storage easier, although people often don't like them because they don't have the recoil absorption that a fixed stock does.