An asssult riffe is somewhat of a misnomer, IMHO. Look at a Ruger Mini 14 or Mini 30. Basically the same capabilities as a semi-automatic AR style rifle or semi-automatic AK-47, but doesn't have reputation that military style arms do.

Truth be known, in my part of the country, it's the gang bangers you have to watch ( no race intended in that). They go out of their way to steal or divert weaponry and ordnance from the US military...I'm not talking ammo, either.