...is that they put together a number of common features in a package optimized for close-in combat. Small caliber ammunition and fairly low muzzle velocity allows a shooter to carry a lot of rounds and to maintain control of the gun while firing rapidly using the semi-automatic feature. Supposedly, those smaller bullets are as lethal (if not more so) in close-in shooting as larger caliber, higher velocity bullets.

High capacity clips add to the lethality. As far as I know, most of the other features that define the assault-style weapons are just frou-frou stuff that have all the functionality of a G.I. Joe decal.

The other thing about assault weapons is that they are styled and marketed to appeal to people with unhealthy fantasies of wreaking havoc on other humans.

I wish we could write a law that would stick to ban these weapons, but it's a daunting legal challenge.

It isn't the "ugly black gun", it is the rate of fire provided by a semi automatic that reloads a new round every time the trigger is pulled and the ability to change high capacity magazines in less than a second. The AR platform is capable of a cyclic rate close to 700 rounds per minute. I know, I've done it. Lethality is only limited by the physical strength required to carry spare magazines.

One quibble just so the gun nuts don't dump on your post. The .223 (aka NATO 5.56mm) has a muzzle velocity at or above 3000 feet per second. At that speed even a very light round will have very high kinetic energy at close range. The older WW II vintage rifles have muzzle velocities at or under 2700 feet per second but the heavier round makes up for the lower velocity AND carries the kinetic energy four times farther than the light round. The .223 is designed for urban, close quarters, door to door fighting, the older .30 caliber weapons for trench warfare at 300 + yards.

Sorry to step on your post, but it is the habit of the Gunners to say, "You made a mistake so we can ignore all you've said because you aren't a ballistics expert." Every other thing about your commentary is absolutely dead on.

Don't ban assault weapons, ban semi-automatic guns of all types that have interchangeable magazines. That is what the AG of Massachusetts is attempting under their assault weapons ban; if it acts like an assault weapon it IS an assault weapon. Ban the import, manufacture and the transfer of all such guns. Let the existing inventory waste away in a closet somewhere or be confiscated at a crime scene or during estate probate.