what is an assault weapon?

a weapon used to assault people?

start banning "assault weapons", and criminals will use the much cheaper method.... and way more damaging... a shotgun

banning the .50 cal will do nothing as well.. how many drive bys, bank robberies, and mass shootings were commited with a 35 pound rifle? (i do know of 1 possible Wells Fargo Truck heist that may have happened).. how many airplanes have been shot down (thats what they say will happen), with said cartridge on American soil...

why on earth would a caliber even be talked about? is a .50 BMG going to kill you more than a .30-06? or lets go even lower, a .222 Swift?

thats just ridiculous...