That ban, implemented in 1994, expired in 2004 although several state-level bans remain. The think tank argues that, while certain ‘military-style rifles’ still are questionable, the smart money is on pushing for increased background checks, assault weapon permits and other measures to target the potential gun criminal, rather than seek an outright prohibition.

“Twenty years after the successful passage of the federal assault weapons ban and 10 years after its expiration, the push for a federal ban on these guns seems stuck in neutral,” concludes the think tank’s report.

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