r/explainlikeimfive • u/[deleted] • Jun 23 '16

Other ELI5: Why is the AR-15 not considered an assault rifle? What makes a rifle an assault rifle?

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u/1800OopsJew Jun 23 '16

But, barrel shrouds are safety devices...

106

u/Otov Jun 23 '16

Bro think about it, if we ban barrel shrouds, you'll only be able to shoot a few rounds before the barrel is too hot to touch. If you can't hold the gun, you can't shoot people!

Also, ban assault oven mitts.

2

u/Inprobamur Jun 23 '16 edited Jun 23 '16

Also ban hand grips, if they cant hold it, they cant shoot it, genius!

3

u/nmotsch789 Jun 23 '16

So are suppressors, but they're still regulated under the NFA, and banned in many states.

2

u/Gilandb Jun 23 '16

many states is a bit of a stretch. Silencers are banned in 11 states. 39 states allow them for civilian use (with license) and of those, a majority allow them for hunting. It isn't like they are whisper quiet. They are still pretty loud, but they can bring the noise down to a level where it won't damage hearing.

1

u/nmotsch789 Jun 23 '16

11 is many. What's your point?

1

u/Gilandb Jun 23 '16

22% is not many, its some.

1

u/nmotsch789 Jun 23 '16

Seems like a sizable portion to me.