What Actually Defines an Assault Rifle, and Who Invented Them?

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This video is #sponsored by Wondrium.

Sources:

Hogg, Ian, The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Ammunition, Chartwell Books, NJ, 1985

[matthewfinkenbinder]

The single most unbiased video on "assault rifles" and "assault weapons" I have seen. Well done as usual.

[xezekial]

As an American gun connoisseur, I am absolutely floored by the level of detail that went into this video. Well done, Simon.

[burnttoast]

"Assault weapon is a different thing and is a mostly political term"
Thank you. By its technical definition, 'assault weapon' can mean almost any firearm depending on what the politician's agenda is.
Edit: You guys realize that legally speaking, "assault weapon" applies specifically to firearms in reference to the Assault Weapons Ban, yes?

[ShadowDragonXXI]

I read the title and my first thought was "Oh Simon, not you too." I've never been more glad to be wrong. Thank you for taking the high road and sticking to the historical facts as opposed to diving into the political muck. Your channel has long been my daily dose of non-politicized education to keep me sane in this insane world, and for that I cannot thank you enough.

[fellsbane]

It is a rare thing for a channel not typically associated with firearms or politics to produce such in-depth and accurate information on the subject. It truly is a testament to this channel’s value and quality that you have done so.

[sean]

I respect that you just gave us the cold hard facts and not your political opinion on guns

[markrichards]

Simon, that was an excellent and factual presentation.

[chrisran]

Thank you for making and accurate description of an assault rifle. I'm so used to hearing political mischaracterizations, so this was refreshing.

[jayhansen]

I like how even though Simon is British, he understands the ridiculous demonization of the AR-15 lol

[galley]

I watched this wondering how Simon would handle this topic. I was blown away with how well the topic was covered. Great Video!

[Whiskerz]

Extremely accurate video. Well done.

Source: I’m a gunsmith for a major firearms manufacturer with 15+ years experience.

[ThetrueJester]

The detail that went into this video, the impartial delivery of facts, and the attention to historical accuracy are why I love all kf your channels Simon. Steady on you legend!

[thecasualnerf]

You never fail to impress me with the amount of care and detail that goes into these videos. Great work on being impartial and presenting the facts to let everyone come to their own conclusions

[johnalexander]

That was surprisingly accurate and unbiased. Well done, -Ian- Simon.

[Kaiserland]

As someone quite knowledgeable about firearms, I approve this presentation. The most important thing you brought up was that assault rifle is an actual term with a strict definition, and "assault weapon" is a ridiculous term that was made for political purposes. Thank you for dropping only the facts, Factboi!

[Terry]

Took it right to the edge then backed off. "I'm not going there." I don't blame you. Ha!

[JoclynM]

Remarkably fair and fact based without a political slant either way. THANK YOU!!! So refreshing.

[anthonybrowning]

Knowledgeable, fact based, objective review of the topic. Well done.

[rob]

"Knowing is half the battle." Nice Gi Joe reference.

[pyssysankar]

Very good and informative video. Mr Kalashnikov himself said that he took inspiration from rotating bolt of M-1 Garand. First prototypes were short stoke gas piston guns like sks, but he changed it to long stroke gas piston for ease of manufacturing.
Couple of corrections to video:
AR-5 and AR-7 are do not have folding stocks. You are able to remove those stocks with thumbscrew and put rest of the gun inside the stock. That way the gun can fit inside pilots survoval package with very limited space.
Armalite made rifles, pistols and shotguns naming All of them AR-xx so "AR" comes just from "ARmalite" (for example AR-17 is shotgun and AR-24 is pistol).
Everything else is right on the money.