http://www.bradycampaign.org/facts/faqs/?page=awb
Q: What is the difference between semi-automatic hunting rifles and semi-automatic assault weapons?
A: Sporting rifles and assault weapons are two distinct classes of firearms. While semi-automatic hunting rifles are designed to be fired from the shoulder and depend upon the accuracy of a precisely aimed projectile, semi-automatic assault weapons are designed to maximize lethal effects through a rapid rate of fire. Assault weapons are designed to be spray-fired from the hip, and because of their design, a shooter can maintain control of the weapon even while firing many rounds in rapid succession.
Apparently thiss person never hip fired any gun, as 'control' is something that will not come to the forefront of your mind if you have.
The ban is nothing more than a way for slimebags like Clinton to seem anti-gun. Wat the ban really does is not allow a few kinds of guns to be manufactured, and a few features to be banned (flash suppressors, etc).
You have always been able to buy an assault rifle, as they were never made illegal. The ban did nothing more than prevent newer ones from being made. You can still buy a pre-ban TEC9, Steyr Aug, or AR-15 at any gun show. So if some dolt feels safer because of this ban it's only due to the fact that they are ill-informed or mildly retarded.
By the way, if you made ownership of all of these illegal tomorrow, guess who would still have them? (Hint: criminals)