What is assault weapon?
A 96 page PDF deciphering just that:
http://ag.ca.gov/firearms/forms/pdf/awguide.pdf
Category 3. Generic Characteristics
As of January 1, 2000, Senate Bill 23 (Chapter 129, Statutes of 1999) provided that firearms that have characteristics
falling under any of the categories listed in Penal Code section 12276.1 are assault weapons. These
assault weapons were controlled as of January 1, 2000, and must have been registered as assault weapons with
the Department of Justice on or before December 31, 2000. However, a person arrested for possession of an
unregistered Category 3 assault weapon on or before December 31, 2001 could have registered it under conditions
specified in Penal Code section 12280(c) pursuant to reducing the charge to an infraction. On and after
January 1, 2002, the only legal option for Category 3 assault weapons that are not registered is to surrender
them to law enforcement pursuant to Penal Code section 12288. An exception for peace officers is addressed on next page.
Vick