The Assault Weapon Ban: What It Banned and Its Impact

Recently, the Federal Assault Weapons Ban (AWB) expired in the United States. This legislation, which was in effect from 1994 to 2004, aimed to restrict certain types of firearms. Understanding what it banned is crucial to the ongoing debate on gun control.

Evolution of the Ban in the 1980s

In the 1980s, firearms magazines like Guns Ammo started focusing on a new breed of firearms available to the public. These magazines were fueled by popular action movies and the desire for citizens to own the same types of weapons seen in these films—ranging from the heroes to the villains. This phenomenon led to a surge in the market for these so-called 'assault weapons,' which were essentially the cool, modern firearms of the time.

Strategic Shift by Gun Control Advocates

The anti-gun lobbies had been fighting against handguns since the 1970s, but realized they could not win this battle. One of their most prominent groups, the Brady Campaign, was founded in 1974 as the National Council to Control Handguns. As the years passed, the Brady Campaign became known as Handgun Control Inc., and then as the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence. It had a sister group, the Center to Prevent Handgun Violence, which was renamed the Brady Center to Prevent Gun Violence. During this time, these organizations decided to focus on banning weapons other than handguns.

Enactment of the Federal Assault Weapons Ban (AWB)

In 1994, the federal government passed the AWB as a compromise. The bill aimed to ban new manufacture of certain firearms based almost exclusively on cosmetic features. The specific definition of an 'assault weapon' included semi-automatic rifles with detachable magazines and two or more of the following features:

Folding or telescoping stock Pistol grip Bayonet mount Flash hider or threaded barrel designed to accommodate one Grenade launcher

For semi-automatic pistols with detachable magazines, the ban included two or more of the following:

Magazine that attaches outside the pistol grip Threaded barrel to attach a barrel extender, flash suppressor, hand grip, or suppressor Barrel shroud safety feature that prevents burns to the operator Weight of 50 ounces (1.42kg) or more when the pistol is unloaded Semi-automatic version of a fully automatic firearm

For semi-automatic shotguns, the criteria included two or more of the following:

Folding or telescoping stock Pistol grip Fixed magazine capacity over 5 rounds Detachable magazine

Notably, the law included a sunset provision, meaning it was set to expire after a certain period.

Impact and Conclusion

While the Federal Assault Weapons Ban was in effect, it aimed to curb the manufacture and sale of certain firearms deemed dangerous. However, its impact on public safety is a matter of debate. As the ban expired, the conversation around gun control continues to evolve, influenced by various factors including the need for balance between individual rights and public safety.

For more information on this topic, visit reputable news sources or research organizations dedicated to gun policy.