Based on the definition of an assault weapon, which you didn't scroll down the thread to read before popping off, an Assault Weapon is actually a powered down version of the OEM rifle. I assume to reduce collateral damage in an assault.
"Assault weapon" is a propaganda term. Most often, anti-gunners classify firearms as "assault weapons" based based entirely on a firearms appearance (i.e. if it looks "scary" or is "military-style").
An "assault rifle" is specific type of firearm, with a very real definion, which is a matter of documented, historical fact (which is too often ignored by anti-gunners and the liberal media).
For anyone curious about "assault rifles" and their history, I recommend the entry in Wikipedia: Assault Rifle