A great step toward the solution could be learned from this thread: (mostly) thoughtful, intelligent dialogue between people of all areas of the political spectrum who are willing to engage the issue.

Yeah, "assault weapon" is really a useless term. I have an "assault shotgun" simply because it has camouflage (Remington 870) and is the preferred shotgun of most police departments and swat teams. In reality it's just a pump action 12 gauge that holds 5 shells with the plug removed and is a great home protection and/or bird hunting weapon.