h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

This is going to sound like more Yank-bashing. I apologise, it isn't.

I recently found out that Bush is in favour of restricting the sale of assault weapons - you will need to be over 16 in order to buy a semi-automatic assault rifle in future. Which means, presumably, that it is currently quite legal for a minor to buy such a weapon.

Is it just me, or is this complete madness?

To buy or own an assault weapon (a military type rifle that will shoot fully automatic) in the United States you must be 21 years old and pay to have and pass a Class 3 firearms background check, which is conducted by the FBI. After paying and passing the background check you are issued a Class 3 firearm permit.

A semi-automatic long weapons (rifle/shotgun) or any long gun can be bought by anyone that is 18 years old and has not been convicted of a felony that prohibits firearms ownership.

Any handgun requires that a person be 21 years old and pass a background check.