The term is technically defined by the following characteristics of the firearm in question: 1. Firing an intermediate-sized cartridge [neither a pistol cartridge nor a full-size rifle cartridge] 2. Having the ability to be fired from the shoulder. 3. Having a detachable magazine. 4. Having select-fire capability [able to be fired in a full-automatic mode (the weapon fires until the operator releases the trigger or the weapon runs out of ammunition) or in a semi-automatic mode (each pull of the trigger fires one cartridge.)] The Nazi STG 44 is generally considered to be the first true assault weapon / rifle, although the most popular variety in the world would have to be the Kalashnikov. Any weapon that does not meet all four of the above criteria as a minimum [I do not include pistol grips, because it is possible to have an assault weapon without one] is not an assault weapon / rifle.

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