Assault Weapons Ban of 1994

The Assault Weapons Ban of 1994 was a U.S. federal law that prohibited the manufacture, transfer, and sale of certain semi-automatic firearms and large-capacity ammunition magazines. It aimed to reduce gun violence by restricting access to weapons deemed especially dangerous, often used in mass shootings. The ban included specific models and features like pistol grips and folding stocks. It was in effect for ten years and was not renewed in 2004, leading to ongoing debates about gun control, public safety, and Second Amendment rights.