Pete Shields, the head hoplophobe at the "Brady" gun control outfit, invented the term. His intent was twofold: 1) It sounds scary, and is similar to the real term "assault rifle" (or sturgewehr). 2) It is a new term, and can be defined any way he and his cronies want it defined.
I suspected it came from something/someone like that. Thanks.
Just bought a shotgun that I’m worried Maryland or the Feds could ultimately classify as an assault weapon. Mossberg 500 Tactical with pistol grip kit - hardly meant for hunting. I find it telling that the Brady crowd advocates restricting weapons purely designed for home defense. Democrats always think it’s reassuring to say ‘we won’t take away your hunting and sport shooting guns.’ I am not a hunter. I live in the city and simply want the right and the ability to protect my life, family and property from armed criminals.