Some of the issues raised in this paper pertain to the definition of semi-automatic versions of military-origin small arms as assault weapons, the apparent worldwide public relations offensive to ban semi-automatic firearms, and the claimed suppression of evidence by gun control supporters. This author presents statistics to bolster his arguments that a policy banning assault weapons would violate the civil rights of gun owners and fail to achieved purported crime prevention goals. He calls on the pro-gun side to transform the debate into one in which emotion is pitted against emotion. Specifically, opponents of gun control should gain greater exposure for people who used their guns for self-defense. Pro-gun groups should invite politicians and media representatives to demonstration shoots to educate them about issues related to semi-automatic and automatic weapons. 71 references