• thanksforallthefish@literature.cafe
    link
    fedilink
    arrow-up
    9
    ·
    19 hours ago

    What in hell is an “assault pistol” please ?

    I think we all stopped charging the enemy waving a pistol during WW1 didnt we ? This feels like something from a Blackadder episode.

    It’s referenced in the newsweek article. I read the wiki which says Hawaii have defined it, but the wiki links dont actually go to a definition.

    The vast majority of pistols sold are semi auto, and they all have a pistol grip which, as I understand it are 2 of the main characteristics used to define assault weapon in the US

    Confused foreigner.

    • nthavoc@lemmy.today
      link
      fedilink
      English
      arrow-up
      5
      arrow-down
      1
      ·
      17 hours ago

      The confusion is why the assault weapons ban in the 90’s failed. They did not specify semi-automatic handgun, revolver, or pistol grip short barrel shotgun. You are correct. “Assault pistol” is extremely vague. In my opinion, politicians do this to appease the NRA and the gun nuts while completely disregarding what responsible gun owners are asking for. Most responsible gun owners want the loopholes closed. The politicians can just shrug and say “Well we tried!” Or use it as an excuse to kick incumbents out that didn’t kiss the ring.

      Most of this theater is at the federal level. The state level is what will make the difference which is why I encourage people to check the firearms sections of their laws.

    • magic_smoke@lemmy.blahaj.zone
      link
      fedilink
      English
      arrow-up
      3
      arrow-down
      2
      ·
      19 hours ago

      Each state has their own definition of what an assault rifle is, and that’s what decidedes what’s banned. (Bans are by state, and most have no ban.)

      For some its a pistol grip, a detachable mag, and one of like 3 other features. Two or more of those and its an assault rifle.

      Pistols are regulated seperately.

      • the_crotch@sh.itjust.works
        link
        fedilink
        arrow-up
        5
        arrow-down
        1
        ·
        15 hours ago

        None of what you said is true. Assault rifles were effectively banned for civilians by the national firearms act in 1934, and reinforced by the firearm owners protection act in 1986.

        You seem to be confusing “assault rifle”, which has a legal definition and are illegal nationally, with “assault weapon” which is a poorly defined term (it’s basically a “scary looking gun” ban) and no longer illegal federally since the 1994 AWB expired in 2004.

      • lemming741@lemmy.world
        link
        fedilink
        English
        arrow-up
        1
        ·
        17 hours ago

        What’s funny/sad/confusing about that is AR pistols. It basically comes down to the stock.

        That is to say- manufacturers will have a product ready to skirt any ban in the hours after a bill is signed.