Sorry, can't point to the exact source, but try these here:

[url]http://155.217.58.58/rtddltextv.html[/url]

[url]http://www.tradoc.army.mil[/url]

taken from,
what do you tell them when they ask: "why does anyone need military style guns""
a panphlet produced by springfield armory in the mid 80's

"The defense departments description of an assualt rifle to wit:
assualt rifles  are short,compact, select fire weapons that fire a cartridge intermediate in power between submachinegun (pistol)and rifle cartridges"

im glad i kept mine  I just wish they would print it again

The term "assualt weapon" is a fabricated term invented by the scum bag anti-gunners/news media to scare the non-gun oriented masses. The AW term also includes some shotguns and pistols.  I believe that knowledgeable people such as Jane's use the term "assualt rifle."  There is a big difference in the difinition when you go from state to state. The anti-gunners put whatever firearms into this category since they invented the term.