Reply #41: Not really - they are...a non-issue FACTS

[shield20]

Facts: (per FBI UCR)

- In 1992, approx. only 3.1% of all homicides involved a rifle of ANY type, this includes ALL semi-automatics (no AWB in effect)

- In 1994, approx. only 3.2% of all homicides involved a rifle of ANY type (part of this year AWB 1 was in force)

- In 1996, approx. only 3.4% of all homicides involved a rifle of ANY type...(AWB 1 in force)

- In 1998, approx. only 3.8% of all homicides involved a rifle of ANY type...(AWB 1 in force)

- In 2000 approx. only 3.4% of all homicides involved a rifle of ANY type...(AWB 1 in force)

- In 2002 approx. only 3.05% of all homicides involved a rifle of ANY type…(AWB 1 in force)

- In 2004 approx. only 2.78% of all homicides involved a rifle of ANY type…(AWB 1 expires)

In 2005, after the 1st 10 yr unconstitutional ASW ban ended - i.e. NO semi-auto ban was in effect - only 2.97% of all homicides involved rifles of ANY type. This figure is amazingly consistent, AND LOW, despite the fact that overall crime rates were up. Notice the FACTS that show how the AWB BAN MADE NO DIFFERENCE in the percentage of homicides caused by rifles, or in crime rates. One COULD even argue just the opposite, but it is important to note then crime in general rose and fell along similar time period:
From 1984 to 1993, murder and crime rates rose consistently in the US, while the number of guns in America increased. AND from 1994 to 2004, murder rates and crime rates DECREASED*, while the number of guns in America, including so-called "assault rifles" still increased.

*murder rates - 1985 - 7.9 per 100,000; 1993 - 9.5 per 100,000; 2004 - 5.5 per 100,00

Guns in general ain't the problem, and especially not semi-suto rifles.