True History of Assault Rifles

Published on January 26, 2017
Duration: 8:53

This video debunks common political misconceptions surrounding the term 'assault rifle,' tracing its origins to the German StG44. It clarifies that civilian semi-automatic rifles like the AR-15 do not meet the technical definition of a military assault rifle, which requires selective fire capabilities and an intermediate cartridge.

Quick Summary

An assault rifle is a military firearm with an intermediate cartridge, selective-fire capability, and a detachable magazine. Civilian semi-automatic rifles like the AR-15 do not meet this technical definition, despite the politically charged term 'assault weapon' often being applied.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Political Misconceptions About Assault Rifles
  2. 01:36WWI and Early Automatic Weapons
  3. 02:25The Birth of the StG44: First Assault Rifle
  4. 04:02US Development: The AR-15 Story
  5. 05:20The 'Assault Weapon' Label Explained
  6. 07:21Conclusion: Assault Rifle Terminology

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the true definition of an assault rifle?

An assault rifle is technically a military firearm with an intermediate cartridge, selective-fire capability (allowing both semi-automatic and fully automatic fire), and a detachable magazine. The German StG44 is considered the first true assault rifle.

Are civilian AR-15s considered assault rifles?

No, civilian AR-15s are typically semi-automatic and do not meet the technical definition of a military assault rifle, which requires selective fire. The term 'assault weapon' is often used politically to cause confusion.

When was the first assault rifle developed?

The first true assault rifle, the German StG44, was developed during World War II. It utilized an intermediate cartridge and selective fire, marking a significant evolution in infantry weapon design.

Why is the term 'assault weapon' controversial?

The term 'assault weapon' is controversial because it was popularized by anti-gun groups to intentionally confuse the public, conflating legally owned semi-automatic civilian firearms with military fully automatic machine guns.

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