[Melas]

an assault weapon is a small-caliber, select fire lightweight rifle for use by paratroopers/special forces

Just to nitpick, that's 40 years out of date. Regular infantry has been issued assault rifles for decades. It hasn't been limited to special forces since Korea.

[holymoly]

Just to nitpick, that's 40 years out of date. Regular infantry has been issued assault rifles for decades.

To nitpick even further:

"Assault weapon" is a propaganda term, used by anti-gunners to demonize virtually any firearm with a detachable magazine.

RE: H.R. 1022: To reauthorize the assault weapons ban, and for other purposes

"Assault rifle" is a selective-fire weapon, the term coming from the German "Sturmgewehr".

The terms "assault weapon" and "assault rifle" are not interchangeable.

:o)

[AnAmericanMother]

I should have said, "originally designed for" special forces = Sturmgewehr.

My personal opinion is that the battle rifle should be brought back for regular troops. "Spray and pray" has been no substitute for good marksmanship.