Unpacking the Fully Automatic Capability of Assault Rifles

Assault rifles, often perceived through the lens of marketing or media portrayal, have a unique capability that sets them apart from other firearms. This article aims to clarify the true nature of fully automatic assault rifles and explore their legal and practical contexts.

Fully Automatic Capability Explained

The term 'assault rifle' is frequently misunderstood and misused in marketing and media. These weapons are generally defined by their design and intended purpose. Real assault rifles, whether on the civilian market or in military use, possess distinct characteristics that differentiate them from other firearms. According to the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center:

Real assault rifles must either have a fully automatic fire capability, firing until empty or in bursts of 3 or 5 shots with each pull of the trigger. They can also fire in semi-automatic mode, where only one shot is fired with each pull of the trigger until the magazine is empty. This distinction is crucial to understand.

Legal and Practical Contexts

In the civilian market, it is almost impossible to obtain a true assault rifle due to stringent laws and regulations. For a civilian to legally obtain a fully automatic assault rifle, several conditions must be met:

The rifle must have been manufactured before 1986. A $200 tax must be paid to the National Firearms Tax. The prospective purchaser must pass a thorough federal background check and detailed investigation.

Due to the rarity of such rifles on the market, the cost is typically well over $10,000, reflecting both the supply and demand dynamics and the administrative costs involved.

Who Uses Fully Automatic Rifles?

The fully automatic capability of assault rifles is not just a logistical exercise; it is a critical factor in their use by specific groups. Assault rifles are predominantly used by law enforcement and the military, primarily because of their versatility and firepower. The difference between military and civilian assault rifles is largely about the legal and practical contexts:

Police and Military Usage: These groups are legally allowed to use fully automatic firearms in their line of duty, providing them with the firepower needed for various missions. Modern Civilian Rifles: Designed for sporting and sport shooting, modern civilian rifles typically have limited automatic capabilities, firing only one shot per pull of the trigger in semi-automatic mode.

Myth-Busting the Assualt Rifle Term

Many firearms, regardless of their appearance, are not fully automatic assault rifles. For example, the Ruger 10/22, a .22 caliber rifle usually marketed with a wooden stock, can be modified to have a black synthetic stock and fancy optic or foregrip. However, it remains a Ruger 10/22 and not an assault rifle. This demonstrates that the term 'assault rifle' should not be applied to any firearm without meeting the legal and practical criteria mentioned earlier.

Dont be misled by the marketing of firearms. Just because a rifle looks black and synthetic and 'looks scary' does not make it an assault rifle. It is important to understand the legal and practical distinctions between different types of firearms.

Conclusion

The fully automatic capability of assault rifles is a legal and practical reality for military and law enforcement use. However, the term 'assault rifle' is often misused, leading to confusion and misinformation. By understanding the criteria for fully automatic capabilities, we can make better-informed decisions about firearm regulations and usage.

Stay informed and stay safe.