I agree that the bayonet lug is all but useless but my point is that, when it comes to "assault weapons", it is all or nothing. We could argue that the typical civilian doesn't need a pistol grip stock, 30-round mag, and so on and just allow the AR-15 to be outright banned. After all, what does it do that a more friendly-looking Mini-14 couldn't do?

Of course, if and when a ban comes most of our children and grandchildren will just look back and say "we didn't need those anyway", while other will pay whatever taxes it takes to own one. Case in point: automatic weapons. It is hard to believe that 80 years ago one could walk into a hardware store and buy a new Thompson smg. When the NFA went through (for what many of us consider good reasons given the use of such weapons by criminals) there were probably those who disagreed with it. Same with the 1968 GCA and the 1986 FOPA. On the subject of assault weapons, though, can you remember when it was possible to buy a brand new HK91 for under $1000? Me neither, but I have come across ads for them in early 1980s publications. Try even finding an HK-produced one now--Century amalgamations go for more.

Anyway, the media and most Americans are ignorant when it comes to guns and their use. I recall a recent Facebook message that was making its rounds concerning the Fort Hood massacre. It stated that Hasan committed his act surrounded by armed Soldiers. In fact, besides the Military Police, most Soldiers handle their issued weapons only a few times a month, mostly for maintenance. It would be like somehow getting into a correctional facility and gunning down COs; beyond a certain point none of them carry firearms, but the illusion is that they are well-armed to handle their prisoners.