The federal ban on assault weapons expired Monday, and
hours after the expiration, some stores began selling the weapons.
Local businesses reported a sales boom after the ban, enacted in 1994,
was lifted. Owners of one Fort Worth store said sales were brisk and
their telephone rang consistently with inquiries about availability of
the weapons. The ban's expiration makes the purchase of the weapons
legal for the public. The ban previously restricted ownership to
military personnel and law enforcement officers. According to a poll
conducted by NBC News and The Wall Street Journal, 78 percent of
respondents favored an extension of the ban.[more 
] and
[more ]
- Half a Million Urge Bush, Congressional Leaders to Renew Assault Weapons Ban [more ]