The Federal Assault Weapons Ban

The Federal Assault Weapons Ban, enacted from 1994 to 2004, was a law that prohibited the manufacturing, sale, and possession of certain semi-automatic firearms designated as "assault weapons," along with high-capacity ammunition magazines. The goal was to reduce gun violence and mass shootings by restricting weapons often associated with such incidents. The ban listed specific models and features, but it did not prohibit all assault-style guns or guns already owned before the law's expiration. Its effectiveness and scope remain subjects of debate, with supporters citing safety benefits and opponents arguing it limited lawful firearm use without significantly reducing crime.