Crime Legislation : The Target: Assault Guns

Legislation pending in Congress would ban the manufacture, sale and possession of the most deadly firearms legally available in the United States today: semi-automatic assault weapons.

Law enforcement agencies have fought for years to outlaw the weapons, including AK-47 rifles, Uzi submachine guns and “street sweeper” shotguns--all of which can inflict tremendous damage in a short time. Semi-automatic weapons fire as fast as the trigger can be pulled because no action is required between shots to load new cartridges into the chamber.

The Senate approved anti-crime legislation in November, on a 56-43 vote, that includes provisions sponsored by Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) to ban 19 types of assault weapons and any “copycat” models that have at least two characteristics similar to the original guns.

To ease concerns of hunters and sports gun enthusiasts, the legislation protects more than 670 specific hunting and recreational weapons.

The legislation is now on hold awaiting action in the House, where its prospects are uncertain because a significant number of lawmakers there are opposed and the gun lobby is pressing to convert others.

What would be legal

* Antique weapons, semi-automatic rifles or shotguns that cannot accept a detachable magazine that holds more than five rounds.

* Semi-automatic firearms purchased before the law took effect

* More than 670 specific hunting and recreational weapons that rely on bolt, pump, lever or slide mechanisms to load each new cartridge into the firing chamber.

What would be banned

* 19 kinds of semi-automatic assault weapons made or sold after the ban.

* The manufacture, sale or possession of any drum, magazine or clip that feeds more than 10 rounds of ammunition.

Feinstein’s Hit List

Among the 19 semi-automatic weapons that would be banned under the legislation:

STEYR A.U.G. RIFLE

* Price: $895

* Designed for use from vehicles

* 30-round magazine, with 42-round magazine optional

* Can be converted to suit left- or right-handed shooters

STREET SWEEPER

* Price: $895

* Revolving cylinder shotgun fires 12 shotgun shells in less than 15 seconds

* Designed as police of military riot gun

* Light weight allows it to be fired with one hand like a pistol

GALIL

* Price: $1,000

* Used in mosque massacre that killed some 30 Palestinians

* Accepts grenade attachment

* 50-round magazine is standard

AK-47

* Price: $500

* Most widely used assault weapon in the world

* Optional collapsible stock to make it more concealable

* 30-round magazine standard, but larger capacity magazines available

Sources: Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms; U.S. Senate; Times Washington Bureau