These firearms were classified by how they looked and not by how they operate. Cosmetic and ergonomic features like telescoping stocks, bayonet lugs, pistol grips and flash suppressors that give the firearms a military-style appearance were banned even though they are mechanically indistinguishable from traditional sporting rifles.Finally a clear-headed assessment of the issue. I agree that the law is a stalking horse for a long-rifle ban: see, your deer rifle is just like those nasty "assault rifles" and it's gotta go too.