Recent statistics indicate that since the expiration of the assault weapons ban, both gun sales and violent crime rates have remained stable, contradicting earlier predictions of chaos and increased violence. Major gun manufacturers report only a slight uptick in sales immediately after the ban ended last September, with many noting that military-style firearms have fallen out of favor among criminals, who now prefer more conventional handguns.
This surprising stability has led to mixed responses from both gun advocates and opponents, with some asserting that the lack of significant change proves the original ban was ineffective. Law enforcement officials and gun control proponents continue to argue the necessity of revising firearm legislation, particularly focusing on high-capacity magazines that remain widely accessible. Researchers emphasize that while assault weapons are involved in a minority of gun crimes, their high-profile nature still impacts the public debate surrounding gun regulation.
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