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Writer's pictureNate "Jetski" Jeschke

What Is an Assault? Defining the AR-15

Updated: Oct 10

When it comes to defining "assault rifles," many definitions fall short because they overlook the critical component: the word "assault." What is an "assault' and why does it matter?


If I asked what a hunting rifle was but failed to define the hunting part, you might miss its true purpose. A hunting rifle is designed for tracking and shooting game, with specific features like accuracy and caliber that make it effective for that activity. Without defining "hunting," the term could be misleading, just as omitting "assault" would obscure the purpose of an assault rifle.


The most common definitions of assault rifle:

  • A select-fire rifle that uses an intermediate-rifle cartridge and a detachable magazine.

  • A rapid-fire, magazine-fed automatic rifle designed for infantry use.

  • Military firearm that is chambered for ammunition of reduced size or propellant charge and that has the capacity to switch between semiautomatic and fully automatic fire.


Most definitions of assault rifles focus solely on technical features, such as select-fire capability and magazine type. But how do those features define an "assault" or explain for you how this rifle is made for an "assault."



Assault Defined


According to the Army, an assault is a direct attack on a fortified position or objective, typically involving close-quarters combat and a concerted effort to overcome the defender's defenses. This often includes navigating obstacles like trenches, bunkers, and wire to gain control of the area.


In the 1980s, the U.S. Army introduced the phrase "shoot, move, and communicate" to emphasize the essential skills needed for battlefield survival and success. Central to this doctrine was the use of lightweight weapon platforms, enabling soldiers to fire long-range, rapid precision shots while advancing on objectives, reflecting the need for mobility and continuous firepower during assaults. The key term being advancing. A soldier needs to fire accurate and rapid shots while they are moving forward under fire. This tactic is used to suppress the fortified enemy position while the infantry are exposed in the open.


Where does the term "Assault" come from?

The term "assault" in military context originates from tactics developed during World War I, particularly during Germany’s Spring Offensive of 1918. German Storm Troopers pioneered a new assault method where small groups rushed forward under cover, laying down suppressive fire as they advanced. Before this, soldiers were essentially using hunting rifles with bayonets to charge machine gun positions, unable to shoot and move effectively due to the heavy caliber and slow action of their rifles. Storm troopers revolutionized warfare by combining new weapons and tactics to break the stalemate of the Western Front.


This approach shifted from rigid, centralized control to dynamic, decentralized assaults, making "assault" synonymous with rapid, aggressive attacks in modern warfare.


The German term "Sturmgewehr," meaning "storm rifle," was coined during World War II with the introduction of the Sturmgewehr 44 (StG 44), considered the first modern assault rifle. "Sturm" translates to "storm," which, in a military context, is synonymous with an aggressive, forceful attack, similar to an "assault." The term reflects the weapon's intended use in storming enemy positions with overwhelming firepower. Thus, "storm" and "assault" became linked, as both describe direct, rapid attacks on fortified positions, giving rise to the modern concept of the assault rifle.


Does an Assault Rifle have to be Select-Fire?

I don't believe so.


Full-auto fire, while very fun and often associated with assault rifles, isn't a necessary feature for a rifle to be useful in an assault. Full-auto tends to be unsustainable and inaccurate, with excessive recoil making it difficult to control and leading to wasted shots. Semi-auto fire, on the other hand, allows for more precise, controlled shots, conserving ammunition and maintaining suppression for longer periods.


Certain features like select-fire, red dot optic, pistol grip, collapsible stock, and foregrip can enhance a rifle’s effectiveness during an assault by improving control and maneuverability. However, none of these features are strictly necessary for a rifle to serve its purpose in an assault scenario; they simply make the task easier. The real value of an assault rifle lies in its ability to deliver rapid, accurate fire while moving, and this can be more effectively achieved without being fully automatic.



So, What is an Assault Rifle?

Given this context, I propose a more fitting definition of an assault rifle:


Assault Rifle: A rifle designed for use in an assault, meaning it can be fired rapidly, continuously and accurately while the shooter is walking or running. It often includes features like a select-fire, detachable magazine, lightweight frame, and ergonomic grips to enhance control and mobility during combat.


This understanding captures not just the technical specifications but also the intended use and tactical advantage of such firearms in assault scenarios. Recognizing the significance of the word "assault" in defining assault rifles helps us better understand their purpose and capabilities in combat and self-defense scenarios.



Moving Forward

I don't believe Second Amendment proponents should get caught up in the debate over definitions, as these can change over time and be manipulated by those in charge of dictionaries. It's somewhat "fuddy" to argue that an AR-15 isn't an assault rifle just because it lacks full-auto capability. Instead, we should focus on constructing better agreements to defend our rights. While I recognize that "assault rifle" is a loaded political term and that unelected government bureaucrats may attempt to undermine our rights to self-defense and self-determination, this approach isn't the way forward. Our 2nd amendment rights are not just for hunting and self-defense...


The AR-15 excels in self-defense due to its ergonomics, making it easy to handle and operate under stress. Its low recoil allows for accurate shooting while on the move, which is crucial in high-pressure situations. Additionally, its widespread availability means finding parts, accessories, and ammunition is simple, adding to its practicality. Overall, the AR-15's ease of use, combined with its mobility and precision, makes it a strong option for personal defense.

I believe this understanding of ARs and their intended use can greatly enhance our training, making range time more purposeful. Rather than just plinking at pop cans, we should focus on practicing the dynamic movements these rifles were designed for—running and gunning. By training with this in mind, we can fully leverage the capabilities of the AR and improve our skills in more practical, real-world scenarios.


Key Takeaways:

  • The term "assault" in assault rifles is often misunderstood and not adequately defined in many definitions.

  • Standard definitions tend to emphasize technical specifications rather than the weapon's intended purpose in combat.

  • An assault involves direct attacks on fortified positions and overcoming defenses, highlighting the tactical nature of these firearms.

  • A more precise definition of an assault rifle focuses on its ability to deliver rapid fire while moving, rather than solely on its automatic features.

  • The AR-15 exemplifies how a semi-automatic rifle can effectively serve self-defense needs, emphasizing ergonomics, low recoil, and widespread availability, regardless of its classification.



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