'Assault Weapons Ban Of 2018' Introduced To House

Image Credit: Range365

Introduced in late February and updated on March 20th, H.R.5087 (Assault Weapons Ban of 2018) will, if passed, amend the federal criminal code to "make it a crime to knowingly import, sell, manufacture, transfer, or possess a semiautomatic assault weapon (SAW) or large capacity ammunition feeding device (LCAFD)."

According to the bill, it will "not apply to a firearm that is: (1) manually operated by bolt, pump, lever, or slide action; (2) permanently inoperable; (3) an antique; or (4) a rifle or shotgun specifically identified by make and model."

Semi-automatic handguns, such as the .45 caliber GLOCK 21SF, would apparently not be affected by this bill as they are considered slide action style firearms. Though, the 'large capacity ammunition feeding device' portion of the legislation is a bit ambiguous and difficult to define without doing further research.

The now-expired Federal Assault Weapons Ban of 1994 limited high-capacity magazines that were capable of holding more than ten rounds. Many semi-automatic pistols manufactured in the U.S., by default, support clips that hold 10 or more rounds. The 1994 ban also contained the language 'large capacity ammunition feeding device' in relation to high-capacity magazines, so the two appear to be synonymous.

According to congress.gov, H.R.5087's latest action was taken on March 20th, 2018. The description of that action is as follows: Referred to the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, Homeland Security, and Investigations.

The bill has a total of 174 cosponsors; all Democrats. 36 are from California, 18 are from New York, 11 are from Florida and 10 are from Illinois. Click here to see them all.