Your average joe is sure to be in favor of an AWB, but as soon as we approach the history and logistics of such a ban, several portions of our country become very uncomfortable. Whenever there is a push for a ban, there ends up being a speculative price increase and ramped-up production prior to the law’s implementation which increases the total supply. A ban typically will have a grandfather clauses and eventually sunset or be repealed. Violent crime isn't impacted in the slightest because its all political grandstanding by left-wing politicians who can score points with their constituencies.

The only way to remove assault rifles entirely from the United States is to follow through with the Australian model and have a gun buy-back program. The gun buy-back program removed roughly 1 million guns from circulation in Australia. Yes, there was a decline in homicides. However, you know how many assault rifles are estimated to be in circulation in the United States? Millions more. (A conservative estimate is around 8 or 9 million.) Australia also lacked a powerful gun lobby and firearm culture. I would argue that there is a real fear that after assault rifles are banned, the natural conclusion is to target handguns. This is the fear of the gun faction of our country. You give gun control proponents an inch, and they will take a mile.

The political reality is uncomfortable, and may be deeply sad for some, but its a disappointing fact that we need to accept.

I am in favor of altering the way background checks are conducted for private sales within states. I would like the ATF to play a bigger role monitoring gun sales and violence in this country. Outrage is powerful, but useless without a strong understanding of the issue at hand and the proposed solutions.

Anyone who wants to learn more I highly suggest reading some nonpartisan reports on the 1994 AWB like from the CBO and NSF to get an idea of what would likely happen if a AWB was renewed.