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>The original FAWB proposals targeted all semi-automatic rifles with detachable clips Yet that was not the definition used in the law. The original FAWB (for

>The original FAWB proposals targeted all semi-automatic rifles with detachable clips Yet that was not the definition used in the law. The original FAWB (for rifles) itself defined an assault weapon as a semi-auto rifle with 2 of - folding or telescoping stock - pistol grip - bayonet mount - flash hider - grenade launcher. This was such a ridiculous list, with about zero to do with lethality, that it was trivial to work around. No one was killing people with grenade launchers or bayonets, for example. Targeting only detachable clips only leads to fast loaders like those used for 6-shooters, i.e., it's not much of a deterrent to quickly reloading weapons. In practice and history, these bans seem more based on scary looking features than empirical lethality. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Federal_Assault_Weapons_Ban https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Federal_Assault_Weapons_Ban

tptacek 6y ago
"The law" was the result of intensive lobbying by groups like the NRA and represents a capitulation from the original position of gun reformers. I don't accept that we're bound by the definitions in that law when we're discussing potential new policy. In fact, rejecting that definition of "assault weapon" is the point of my comment.
- ChrisLomont 6y ago
  > I don't accept that we're bound by the definitions in that law when we're discussing potential new policy Here's a recent Assault Weapons Ban by Diane Feinstein, 2020, not the result of political lobbying. It takes your statement to heart. Do you see any holes in this one being effective? I do. >the result of intensive lobbying by groups like the NRA and represents a capitulation from the original position of gun reformers Every bill will be the result of lobbying and ideas from competing groups, and will result in compromise. That's not such a bad thing. Not every American wants either extreme that political parties can concoct. https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/senate-bill/66 https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/senate-bill/66

tptacek 6y ago

"The law" was the result of intensive lobbying by groups like the NRA and represents a capitulation from the original position of gun reformers. I don't accept that we're bound by the definitions in that law when we're discussing potential new policy. In fact, rejecting that definition of "assault weapon" is the point of my comment.

ChrisLomont 6y ago
> I don't accept that we're bound by the definitions in that law when we're discussing potential new policy Here's a recent Assault Weapons Ban by Diane Feinstein, 2020, not the result of political lobbying. It takes your statement to heart. Do you see any holes in this one being effective? I do. >the result of intensive lobbying by groups like the NRA and represents a capitulation from the original position of gun reformers Every bill will be the result of lobbying and ideas from competing groups, and will result in compromise. That's not such a bad thing. Not every American wants either extreme that political parties can concoct. https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/senate-bill/66 https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/senate-bill/66