Assault rifles; definitions, evolutionary history and medical consequences.

In summary, the evolutionary history of assault rifles may be of interest to some medical practitioners. It is important to realize that the term "assault rifle" is incorrectly and overused in the lay press. As a rough generalization, the wounds from such weapons may fall in between those of handguns on one side and full-sized rifles on the other. The major caveat is that there can be major variations in the severity of any wound by any weapon and though it may be of some help in analyzing potential damage, knowledge of the inflicting weapon does not replace the need for good, well established principles of wound management.

Duke Scholars

Author Harry Wells Severance Jr. Medicine, Cardiology