In 2017 60 people were killed and 500 wounded by bump stop AR-15 in less than 10 minutes all by a single gunman in Las Vegas. That
was the worst mass shooting in our country's history. According to my search, rifles which use NATO 5.56x45mm ammo ( AR-15 and M-16)
are classified as assault rifles. You indicate there are others but I haven't found any. Another major factor is the ease in which AR-15s are
converted to full automatic. The parts are sold online. You might also consider how a 5.56 round tumbles and fragments when it hits a
human body. Hunting rifles OTOH which may be just as powerful make a clean entry and exit so as not to destroy the flesh of an animal
you might want to eat.
I understand the impact of the mass shooting. My question boils down to the total numbers though.
If you can stop on mass shooting that kills 40, or 100 shootings that kill 1 each, which do we choose? One makes a bigger optic, the other actually saves more lives. Pistols take way more lives, but fewer at a time.
The ar15 can be chambered for 223 or 556. (The m16 is an automatic rifle) The mini 14 can be chambered for both and is not considered an "assault rifle".
I have to ask again, as I didn't see a clear answer. Is it the 556 ammo that makes it an "assault rifle" in your opinion? If I change ammo to the 223, do you still consider it an "assault rifle"?
As for modifying the ar15? I don't do that myself, so I'm not as familiar with that. If you proposed banning modifications that made it full auto, I can't argue too much.
(I am aware of the technicality that allows bump stocks. Whether we agree or disagree on if they should be legal, they are an external mod, not internal)
