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                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: MONDAY, April 12, 1993                   TAG: 9304120284
SECTION: EDITORIAL                    PAGE: A-6   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

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A PRIMER ON GUNS

IT IS EVIDENT from the coverage of the standoff in Waco that many Americans, including several television journalists, do not know what a semi-automatic weapon is. With so much furor surrounding the issue of gun control, every citizen should be aware of some basic definitions.

A semi-automatic weapon is not a "machine gun." When the trigger is pulled on a semi-automatic, only one round is fired. The trigger must be released in order to fire a second round. Many hunting rifles, including those used by the Boy Scouts to teach marksmanship, are semi-automatics. With the exception of a few exotic single-shot competition weapons, all handguns are essentially semi-automatics. This includes the standard-issue police revolver.

An automatic weapon is a "machine gun." It will continually fire as long as the trigger is depressed. These weapons are strictly controlled by the United States government. A Federal Bureau of Investigation background check is required to purchase one. Unauthorized possession of an automatic weapon is a felony.

I would encourage anyone who is unfamiliar with guns to visit their local gun store or shooting range. The salesman will be glad to answer any questions that you may have so that you can develop an informed opinion. DAVID J. DeCORTE CHRISTIANSBURG

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