this is so amazingly painful

[xise]

no, you are right, xise. Apples to oranges.

Nobody has attempted to answer my question either. Taking hunting rifles and non-automatic pistols out of this, what are the justifications for domestic citizens needing assault weapons and automatic firearms?

I'm not even saying we have to outright ban them. Set up secured gun lockers at all shooting ranges that are qualified to handle those types of guns and make people store them there. I think banning all guns is an overreach and isn't necessary, but I think banning or limiting guns that have no value other than being able to kill more people quicker is something to be explored

I don't know if you are going to have any takers to your question, but some reasons I've heard:

(1) I've met a lot of people who think guns are cool (I kind of still do think they are cool but I'm fascinated by all military hardware, but I still think they should be banned);
(2) They make you feel safe. Many women who aren't power hungry but are fearful have told me that they plan on or have a revolver for "self-defense" because they are helpless females and mace isn't enough.
(3) They make you feel strong. Many guys just like the feeling of power, the feeling of having the power over life and death. A lot of my criminal clients, especially gang members, idolize the gun as a symbol of power, and of life and death.
(4) There are "strict" constructionists who believe that because it's the 2nd Amendment, that ends the argument and we should never change what was set forth in our constitution. Not saying I agree or find this logically consistent, but it is a position I come across. And that we have a right to arm ourselves, for self-defense, and defense against a tyrannical government.

Just some thoughts.