Just for fun, do a quick search on the definition of “sports car.” You’re sure to find, “More words have been written on the definition of a sports car than on any other kind of vehicle,” as G.N. Georgano writes in “A History of Sports Cars.” Enthusiasts like to debate details.

Sometimes, though, people quibble over details and definitions to distract us from the larger, more important issue.

We commonly see this in discussions about assault rifles. It’s likely more words have been written about the definition of “assault rifle” than any other type of gun. But in this case, a definition is just a distraction.

Just like cars, each category of gun is designed for a specific purpose. While you could use any gun for target shooting or hunting, there are intentional design differences between sniper, hunting, target, and assault rifles.

What makes assault rifles, like the AR-15/M-16, distinct from hunting or target rifles? They’re designed to inflict the most amount of damage in close quarters combat.

In its article, “History of the M16 Rifle,” the website Gunivore describes what the military wanted from the AR-15/M-16:

“A lightweight assault rifle which could be operated easily, which could compensate for the lack of accuracy on the shooter’s part, and which would allow many more rounds per minute, and improve success at short-range battles.”

As a veteran, I can assure you how well the design works.

Don’t get distracted by definitions. Classrooms should not be combat zones.

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