No exact figures are available on the number of assault weapons in civilian hands or on the number of violent incidents involving assault weapons. Nonetheless, police, government, and handgun restriction organizations agree that the sale and misuse of assault weapons have escalated dramatically during the 1980's. Because of their ease of purchase, effectiveness, convertibility, and mystique, assault weapons have become increasingly popular among people involved in the drug trade. In addition, certain paramilitary organizations use assault weapons, including the Posse Comitatus, the Aryan Nations, and the Order. Many assault weapons, such as the AR-15A2, the M100P carbine, the Ruger Mini-14, the Street Sweeper, and the UZI carbine, can be purchased as standard long guns by virtually anyone who is willing to lie on the purchase form. The marketing of assault weapons is largely due to the slump in handgun sales that has occurred since 1982. Problems created by assault weapon look-alikes, such as air and toy guns, are discussed. The growth in publications dedicated to the nonsporting use of firearms is examined, as well as assault weapon accessories, paramilitary training camps and combat schools, and the debate over assault weapon control. Assault weapons of choice and specific firearm categories are described in appendixes. 149 footnotes