It's a made up term. Law has delineated that how fast a user can pull the trigger is irrelevant. The difference is semi-automatic rate of fire or full auto rate

It's a made up term. Law has delineated that how fast a user can pull the trigger is irrelevant. The difference is semi-automatic rate of fire or full auto rate of fire. One requires the trigger to reset before each shot fired (Semi) and one has a trigger that mechanically allows multiple rounds to expel from the weapon with one pull. It's cut and dry. The NFA act of 1934 (which many believe is unconstitutional and should be overturned post BRUEN), was the only law written to establish this rule. The 1986 FOPA was written to stop the sale of post 86 machine guns from MFG and Sale (prior weapons are still legally able to be sold). Again modern claims of assault weapon are used to conjure up an image rather than provide any factual definition in line with the above comment. At the end of the day there is nothing for "people who want to die on the hill of being pedantic" have to admit. The laws are clear, emotionally charged words have no bearing and are being used to muddy discussions around a clearly defined set of laws.