Bob F.just to prove my point perely as a Pakistani,we had a tremendous problem regarding assault rifles especially after the last Afghan war(with the soviets)when my country was flooded with all sorts of assault weapons mainly AR15'S and AK47'S.The govt.banned these weapons and also all automatic rifles including the .223 cal.There was a marked improvement in as much that the crime rate declined and gun toting guards of politicians were seen carrying pump action shot guns rather than AK's.Even now the penalty of having an assault rifle is severe and we don't see them any more in civilian hands.
However as far as your country is concerned you dont have this problem and so banning any weapon is a denial of your basic rights which i understand.I was mainly looking at the merits and demerits of this weapon as a defensive weapon and my comment about banning them was uncalled for and as such i apologise for ruffling any feathers.