Enough Nonsense; What is an “Assault Rifle”?

Want to see a proper assault rifle in action (a SIG 540)? Check it out right now:
https://forgottenweapons.vhx.tv/videos/sig-540-range

The technical definition of an "assault rifle" is pretty simple and straightforward. It’s a shoulder-fired rifle with three elements:

* Capable of fully automatic fire
* Uses detachable magazines
* Chambered for an intermediate cartridge

That’s it, and a rifle that meets those criteria can be accurately described as an assault rifle. Unfortunately, this terminology was confused by legislation in the 80s and 90s (and continued incorrect use today) trying to equate scary-looking semiautomatic firearms with military arms under the blanket heading of "assault weapons".