>>>>That movie, "Heat" is the best argument I've ever seen why ordinary citizens should not be allowed to own assault rifles.
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>>>It's a movie, Al. I agree ordinary citizens should not be allowed to own assault rifles. Whatever assault rifles are exactly. It seems to be one of those phrases that can mean whatever you want it to mean.
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>>Well, sure, I think we're agreed it's a movie.
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>>I'm referring to the scene where (IIRC) de Niro, Kilmer & Co. shoot their way out of a police cordon (after a heist?). Again IIRC they used either M-16s or AR-15s - I don't think anyone would argue that those are assault rifles.
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>It was not a believable scene,

Hmm, my impression of that scene was it was an expert, ex-military "crew" armed with assault rifles vs. a cordon of cops with their sidearms (specifically not SWAT). For rate of fire and penetrating power it was no contest. Unrealistic? I don't have military experience, I can't judge. Do you have direct experience so you can judge? I know Tracy has military experience - Tracy, what did you think?

>nor do I think it was intended to be.

?? Whether the scene actually was or not, I think it's safe to say the makers of the movie wanted it to be believable.

>Whatever the guns were, we agree they should not be generally available.

Right.