I have been commenting on a number of articles here on the vine, and I have found that a good number of people speak of "semi-automatic" and "assault rifles" without really knowing the definition of those items.  I have found two pictures, please answer the first poll related to the pictures (without peeking), then check the links supplied below.  Once you check the links, please answer the second poll.

 I (and others) have attempted on various articles to correct the misunderstandings of various posters as to what the differences between Full Automatic and Semi-Automatic firearms are.  A number of people think the two are interchangeable, and that all Semi-Automatic firearms should be banned because the are "military style" weapons.

I would urge all of you who would like to make an informed decision on gun control, learn about what you are talking about.  This will go a long way (in my opinion) toward furthering discussion on the issue.

To make the issue perfectly clear, we are not talking about fully automatic weapons, or "machine guns".  Fully automatic weapons are considered class 3 weapons and are strictly regulated in their purchase and possession.  You may only own a machine gun that was manufactured and registered with the BATF before May 19, 1986. Weapons manufactured after that date are restricted for Military and Law Enforcement use only. Economics 101, the law of supply and demand should start coming to mind by now. This is why these weapons are somewhat “pricey”, when compared to current production weapons. “Simply”, the reserves not being available, controlled commodities always make for an excellent investment. The price is only going one place, Up! 

An individual purchasing a “ National Firearms Act Weapon “, NFA weapon or class 3 weapon is required to pay a one time, $200 Federal Excise Tax fee. This fee has been the same, since 1934. It has never changed or has the simple requirement for owning a NFA weapon. These rules and regulation were set forth in 1934, because of the readily availability of machine guns to people like, Bonnie & Clyde, Dillinger, etc.. They permitted the Department of Justice to prosecute criminals under Federal Law. This had a little more "bite" than local laws. To obtain an NFA weapon, you must first select one. The reason is, forms are required to transfer the weapon from seller to buyer, requiring specific information. There are several types of forms to accommodate these transfers. A form “3”, accommodates dealer to dealer transfers (Class 3, in or out of state). A form “4”, accommodates dealer to individual transfers, within the state. Unlicensed individuals may not transfer class 3 weapons directly into their state. An active Class 3 license is required to execute the transfer. If you hold an active standard FFL, you may transfer the weapon in directly, however the law enforcement signature, photographs, and fingerprint cards are still required, as well as the $200 FET. 

Below are the links to each of the firearms pictured above.  Please answer Poll #1 prior to clicking on the links.  Once you click on the links, please answer poll #2.

Image A

Image B

Thanks for stopping by, and I hope what is posted here, both in the article and in the comments helps you to further your understanding of firearms.