One of the problems with "compromise" (it's not really compromise) on the "assault weapon" issue is the definition of an "assault weapon". As we all know the Washington D.C. definition of machine gun includes essentially all semi-automatic handguns. The N.J. definition includes the Marlin Model 60 .22 LR with tubular magazine.

From Canada comes the lastest example where the Ruger Mini 14 is being attacked by one of my "favorite" bigots:

Gill's firearm "is neither a hunting rifle nor a target shooting gun. It is a military assault weapon," said Wendy Cukier, president of the Coalition for Gun Control.

"One of the things (Ramsay) didn't highlight is there are many more like the CX4 Storm (not on the prohibited list). The Ruger Mini 14 used in the (1989 Polytechnique) massacre is still being sold as a hunting rifle."