Under the old ban, you could still buy the weapons, they just couldn't have more than one of the following characteristics: Detachable magazine, Flash suppressor, Folding or collapsible stock, and a bayonet(I could be leaving out a few).
The law was so stupid, if not just ignorant. They were basically writing the law to change what the guns looked like. None of the above characteristics functionally change the weapons with regard to usability. If anything, the 1994 ban increased the performance of AR15s. Instead of a flash suppressor, you would have a muzzle break, which helps steady the weapon while rapidly firing. Instead of having a shaky folding or collapsible stock, you had a sturdy long stock, which helps accuracy. With regard to the bayonet, who cares, but I would MUCH rather be stabbed than shot.
Anyone that might be looking into quickly buying an AR before the ban may want to look into some of these:
Buying one of those is legally the same as buying the entire weapon, because it holds the all important serial number(you still have to do paperwork on it). They are far less expensive than buying a whole gun, and would allow one to focus on other things like ammo and high capacity mags.
You assume that they’ll pass the same thing again.
Try this on for size:
1) You may not own a semi-automatic centerfire rifle which can accept a detachable magazine. 5 years in prison for each count, to be served consecutively.
2) You may not own a detachable magazine of greater than 5 rounds capacity. 5 years in prison for each count, to be served consecutively.
3) No grandfathering.
4) No sunset clause.
Think it can’t be done? Take a look at NJ law - I lived under it for about 10 years, until I got out. Though it wasn’t QUITE that onerous, a few minor tweaks would make it so. The antis have learned their lessons from the ‘94 fiasco - we won’t have it so easy this next time.
We had better lean HARD on the Republican Senators and Republican Senate leadership to filibuster ANY gun legislation. They need to get MILLIONS of calls, faxes, emails and letters. Hint - snailmail letters carry more weight. Melting the phone lines carries a lot of weight.
Use the tools of our Republic while we can - because if we don’t, the entire nation is in for a VERY rough time.