How about them trying to ban something like 12 gauge over unders or 30 06 rifles first, as they are far more lethal at close range than a military style semi auto firearm?
Don’t give’em ideas!
30-06 rifle is not a cartridge for only short range weapons. Depending on what you call "effective range" it will be on the order of 1200 yards. Maximum range of 3200 yards. I would not like to have someone shoot at me with an M1 from a mile away. The definition of lethal depends on lots of variables.