[rintense]

To protect myself in my home. But if I can do that with a rifle, or a handgun, why would I need an assault weapon- presuming none of the scenarios listed in the replies above hold true.

I know there are a lot of assumptions. But that's why I am asking questions.

[ApesForEvolution]

Ruby Ridge, Waco, etc...

[dinodino]

Actually, for home defense, you'd probably do well to skip the rifle and use a scattergun. As for banning "assault weapons:" it's sort of like banning cars that are painted green--it just doesn't make any sense.

[Henrietta]

You shouldn't use a rifle for home defense, as it is likely to send a bullet through a wall, posing a threat to your neighbors. If you want a long gun for home defense, use a shotgun. Handguns are good home defense weapons, because they are unlikely to pose a risk to neighbors because they are not as likely to penetrate walls as is a rifle.

Why an "assault weapon." Keep in mind: A true assault weapon is one capable of selective fire, meaning that it can be switched to fire one shot at a time, in three round bursts, or in full-auto mode, meaning that bullets come out of the gun as long as you hold down the trigger. These sorts of weapons are considered machine guns and have been restricted since 1934.

Now, an "assault weapon" (note the quotes!) is a gun that looks scary, and has a full-capacity (like 30 rounds, but varies, depending on the gun.) They may have certain ergonomic features, like: a flash-hider (good in combat, when you don't want the enemy to see your position), a folding stock (good for compactness) a bayonet mount (good for when you need a bayonet in CQB, perhaps), a pistol grip (more ergonomic than a straight stock) etc. They don't function any differently than a deer rifle, they just are "military style" semi-auto (self-loading) rifles.

We need to have the same type of weapons that our military has, in case we are called upon to defend our country or defend ourselves from our own government. The military uses these type of rifles for a reason: because they are better, lighter, easier to use, etc. Believe me, you'd be much more comfortable shooting an "assualt rifle" than you would be shooting your typical deer rifle.

Hope this helps.

[Teacher317]

why would I need an assault weapon?

1. Because I want one, and other citizens are allowed to own them and use them (police officers, federal officers, military personnel, federal agents). Given the fact that I've had more training, more practice and have better gun-handling habits than most of the police that I'm friends with, it really seems incongruous that they can use a tool that I cannot. (Just last month I quietly admonished at an officer who was fingering his trigger while sitting in a restaurant.)

2. Because the very premise of the 2nd Amendment is that the populace should always and forever be able to rebuff a standing army (either foreign or domestic). To do so, we have to make up for our lack of training and organization. We do that by out-numbering them 20-1 (45 million hunters would have little problem with 3 million Chinese), and by having the same basic weapon for our footsoldiers as they have for theirs. They carry assault weapons. Ergo, we should have them as well.

3. Because our family members may have a weapon that they grew rather fond of (in war, in the police force, as federal officials, etc), and they wish to pass them on to their loved ones. Why on earth should some bureaucrat be allowed tell you what personal belongings you may or may not pass on to your children???

Are those 3 a good start?