re: Why do civilians own "assault weapons"?

Ignore the immature, defensive, idiotic responses.

I do not own an "assualt" type rifle but could see the appeal of owning one. Some get them for recreational shooting, some have them for self/home defense, some like the power trip it gives them. They are very popular and there are more out there than you would think. You won't find one law abiding citizen using them for illegal activity. That's the greatest part.

Controling these weapons is punishing the good majority for actions of a small percentage of the bad.