>>514111599
>they seem to coincide with political pushes on gun control.

Huge push in the years leading up to the '94 AWB (assault weapons ban). There were a couple high profile shootings (Stockton Schoolyard & Luby's) tailor made for the narrative. All TV & cable news pushing "Stop the madness". Further, anyone that owned an "assault weapon" was insane, and/or racist bigot homophobe. Had an opposite effect though. Pushback so strong 10 year sunset added and production still OK on AR15 pattern rifles without flash hider, bayonet lug, etc. One was the mail and call in response. Overwhelmed House & Senate reps. They had no idea, had been assured this bill a cakewalk and supported by citizens. Had not counted on tens of millions of gun owners telling them to fuck off. Second was staggering uptake in gun & ammo sales before ban enacted. Dems on TV absolutely freaking out over it, "Why would they do this? Are they going to overthrow our democracy?". I knew some lukewarm 2A people then that woke up.