<P> Seven states have assault weapon bans with different definitions and characteristics . </P> <Ul> <Li> California defines assault weapons by name, by "series" (AK or AR - 15), and by characteristic . A shotgun with a revolving cylinder is also defined as an assault weapon . </Li> <Li> Connecticut defines assault weapons as selective - fire firearms (including assault rifles capable of fully automatic or burst fire); semi-automatic firearms specified by name; and semi-automatic firearms with specific characteristics . </Li> <Li> Hawaii defines and bans assault pistols . </Li> <Li> Maryland defines and bans assault pistols . It regulates 45 other assault weapons listed by make and / or model including copies, regardless of manufacturer . </Li> <Li> Massachusetts defines assault weapons as semi-automatic firearms with the same definition provisions from the expired federal ban of 1994 . </Li> <Li> New York had an assault weapons ban prior to 2013, but on January 16 of that year it passed the SAFE Act, which created a stricter definition of assault weapons and banned them immediately . The NY SAFE Act defines assault weapons as semi-automatic pistols and rifles with detachable magazines and one military - style feature, and semi-automatic shotguns with one military - style feature . </Li> <Li> Virginia defines certain firearms as assault weapons and regulates their sale and use . </Li> </Ul> <Li> California defines assault weapons by name, by "series" (AK or AR - 15), and by characteristic . A shotgun with a revolving cylinder is also defined as an assault weapon . </Li> <Li> Connecticut defines assault weapons as selective - fire firearms (including assault rifles capable of fully automatic or burst fire); semi-automatic firearms specified by name; and semi-automatic firearms with specific characteristics . </Li>

Does the us military use the term assault rifle