What is an Assault Rifle: Why the Confusion & What it Really Means to You
"Assault rifle." These two words alone spark intense emotions and confusion. When I first began learning about firearms in 1988, I found myself navigating a minefield of terminology—with "assault rifle" being particularly perplexing. Yet my journey to understanding these weapons went far beyond textbooks. During my 12 years in the Army Reserves, I developed an intimate knowledge of rifles like the M16 and M4. I qualified with them, maintained them, and gained deep, practical insight into their capabilities and limitations. This hands-on experience gave me a unique perspective that transcends the heated rhetoric surrounding "assault rifles."
If you're feeling confused, you're in good company. New gun owners, especially those focused on home defense, often struggle to make sense of the technical jargon, misinformation, and occasional fearmongering. This article cuts through the noise to clarify what "assault rifles" truly are, what they aren't, and why these distinctions matter. My goal is to share the clarity I've gained through years of real-world experience, helping you make well-informed decisions about firearms.
What is an Assault Rifle?
It's important to remember that the term "assault rifle" can be subject to varying interpretations and legal definitions, especially in political and legal circles, but we’ll start with a clear, technical definition. A true assault rifle is a select-fire rifle that can fire in fully automatic mode (like a machine gun) or burst mode (three-round bursts), using an intermediate-power cartridge. These are the essential characteristics that define an assault rifle. Most civilian-owned rifles commonly called "assault rifles" are actually semi-automatic rifles, which fire only one round per trigger pull. While they may looksimilar to assault rifles due to certain cosmetic features, their internal mechanisms and firing capabilities are fundamentally different. This distinction is crucial.
Legal Definition of Assault Rifle
The legal definition of an "assault weapon" (as used by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives – the ATF) differs significantly from the technical definition used by firearms experts. The ATF and various states define "assault weapons" based on specific features: pistol grips, detachable magazines, flash suppressors, bayonet lugs, grenade launcher mounts, and folding or telescoping stocks. These features are largely cosmetic and don't necessarily affect the firearm's function or firing rate. The legal definition is broader, focuses on specific features, and varies significantly by state. Always verify the laws in your location, as what's legal in one state may be prohibited in another.
Another issue is that the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms has a hard time defining what an "assault weapon" is. In 2023, ATF Director Steve Dettelbach was criticized for not being able to define "assault weapon." During a House Appropriations subcommittee hearing, Rep. Jake Ellzey questioned Dettelbach about the definition. Dettelbach responded that Congress would have to define it and that he is not a firearms expert.1
Are Assault Rifles Legal?
True assault rifles (select-fire) are heavily regulated under the National Firearms Act (NFA) of 1934, requiring special licensing, registration, and a substantial tax stamp. They're effectively banned for civilian ownership in most cases. Obtaining a machine gun license involves a complex, expensive process with extensive background checks. Semi-automatic rifles commonly called "assault rifles" are generally legal in most states, though some states restrict or ban certain features or specific models. Know your local and state laws—ignorance of the law is no excuse.
What is an AR-15?
The AR-15 is one of America's most popular and frequently misunderstood rifles. "AR" stands for ArmaLite Rifle, the company that originally designed it, not "assault rifle." It's a semi-automatic rifle whose popularity stems from its modularity—you can easily customize it with different stocks, grips, sights, handguards, and other accessories. This versatility makes it popular among sport shooters, hunters, and those seeking a home defense firearm.
The AR-15's history traces back to the late 1950s when the U.S. military sought a lightweight, reliable rifle to replace the M14. ArmaLite, a division of Fairchild Aircraft, developed the AR-15, which was initially adopted by the military as the M16 in 1964.
While it's often discussed in conversations about "assault rifles," it's important to note that the vast majority of AR-15s sold to civilians are not true assault rifles—they're semi-automatic rifles that share aesthetic features with their military counterparts. For a deeper dive into the AR platform and its variants, check out my article Types of Assault Rifles: A Visual Guide.
Why “Top 10 Assault Rifles” Lists Are Crap
You've likely seen numerous "top 10 assault rifle" lists online. Frankly, most aren't worth the digital paper they're written on. Without a centralized, public database tracking firearm sales across manufacturers, creating an accurate, objective "top 10" list based on sales figures is impossible.
Moreover, "best" is highly subjective. What works perfectly for one person might be completely wrong for another, depending on their needs, intended use, and preferences.
Instead of focusing on arbitrary rankings, it's more valuable to understand the features, functions, and applications of popular semi-automatic rifles often called "assault rifles." These include various AR-15 and AK-47 variants (in semi-auto configurations). Their popularity stems from several factors: reliability, modularity, widespread parts availability, and proven performance in various shooting disciplines.
For a deeper dive into different types of rifles and their characteristics, see my article Types of Assault Rifles: A Visual Guide.
Conclusion
Understanding the difference between a true assault rifle and a semi-automatic rifle merely called an "assault rifle" is essential for responsible gun ownership. While terminology can be confusing, focusing on technical definitions, legal requirements, and actual firearm function helps you make informed decisions and engage in fact-based discussions about gun policy. Remember that continuous learning, safe handling practices, and responsible ownership are paramount. If you're new to firearms, I recommend reading my article Gun Safety in the Home: A Guide for Every Gun Owner. Keep learning, practice safe handling, and be a responsible, informed member of the firearms community.
Resources and Further Learning
To develop a well-rounded understanding of firearms, consult various reputable sources. Here are some helpful organizations and resources:
National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF): https://www.nssf.org/ - The NSSF is a trade association for the firearms industry, providing information on firearm safety, education, and industry news.
Gun Owners of America (GOA): https://gunowners.org/ - GOA is a gun rights advocacy group that provides information on legislation and Second Amendment issues.
Local Gun Ranges and Clubs: Your local gun range or shooting club offers invaluable hands-on learning, training, and connections with experienced shooters. They often provide information about local laws and regulations.
Firearms Training Courses: Consider taking a firearms safety course or advanced training from a certified instructor. This provides the practical skills and knowledge needed for safe, responsible firearm handling.
Please take a few minutes and look at What is a Carbine: A Practical Guide for Home Defense and Sports Shooters. We break down what a carbine is, and if they're right for home defense.
1. Committee on The Judiciary. "Assessing the Impact of “Assault Weapons” Bans." Hearing, April 26, 2023. https://docs.house.gov/meetings/JU/JU00/20230426/115794/HHRG-118-JU00-20230426-SD004.pdf.