I was arguing over on a general forum why "eviler looking" weapons shouldn't be banned.

-used in less than 1% of gun crime
-easier to use/learn/maintain
-Not allowing law abiding citizens to get some firearms... while criminals will continue to get whatever they want is retarded.
-it's a freedom granted in our country

etc...

and realized that I put a lot of my argument behind the fact that assault weapons are rarely used in crime. does anyone know where to get statistics for when "evil weapons" have been used for good?

I dont know of any police source that tracks when firearms are used for defensive purposes..minus maybe looking at justified homicides and what was used.  Thats far from accurate though

I think accurate stats will be very hard to find.

My guess is that when confronted by a homeowner or other law biding citizen with an AR or the like, a bad guy will flee faster than Lootucious with a case of heineken. Most likely these type of events aren't reported. Why bother? In that scenario Lootucious and his buddies will not be coming back when there are other softer targets available.

Why bother?

- gives the LEOs a way of tracking crime shifts. Lets us see developing patterns quicker

Quoted: Why bother? - gives the LEOs a way of tracking crime shifts. Lets us see developing patterns quicker

Good point. However, I am not sure I would let the investigating officers know that I defended my home with an AR... I would probably say that I used my 10/22 and 38 revolver instead.

We probably wouldnt record what you specifically used anyways.  Hell, most guys would probably be content if you said a 22 caliber rifle.