Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D., Calif.) laid out the conditions of her proposed assault weapons ban Thursday, saying it would prohibit 158 specifically named military-style firearms.
"The purpose is to dry up the supply of these weapons over time," Feinstein said. "Therefore, there is no sunset on this bill."
Feinstein said the bill prohibits the sale, transfer, manufacture and importation of assault weapons and large capacity ammunition feeding devices that can accept more than ten rounds, but said it would not affect hunting or sporting firearms.
"Instead, the bill protects hunters and sportsmen by protecting 2,200 specifically-named weapons used for hunting or sporting purposes," she said. "They are by make and model exempted from the legislation ... Finally, the bill subjects existing or grandfathered weapons to a background check in the event the weapon is sold or transferred ... We have tried to recognize legal hunting rights. We have tried to recognize legal defense rights. We have tried to recognize the right of a citizen to legally possess a weapon. No weapon is taken from anyone."
A number of Democrats have expressed reservations about the viability of an assault weapons ban, either from a political stand point or on a policy level.
Majority Leader Harry Reid has a lifetime 'B' rating from the NRA and is seen as a potential obstacle for the White House to an assault weapons ban. Mayors Against Illegal Guns, the group financed by Michael Bloomberg, is now making calls in Nevada about Reid's position.
Others, like Sens. Joe Manchin (W.V.), Angus King (Maine), and Heidi Heitkamp (N.D.) have either been noncommittal on an assault weapons ban or have expressed concerns about potential gun legislation.
Via the Daily Caller, here is a full list of the guns Feinstein's legislation would ban:
