In a post I saw on the Book of Faces, it was suggested by a veteran that instead of referring to assault weapons, we should be referring to them as semi-automatics, since that is a function that both pistols and rifles that have been used in these crimes have in common. An assault weapons ban would be easier to circumvent due to the ambiguity that exists when defining what an assault weapon is, but if you refer to semi-autos then you grab both of them and in theory it would be harder to circumvent by changing superficial characteristics.
"This is Master Obi-Wan Kenobi. I regret to report that both our Jedi Order and the Republic, have fallen with a dark shadow of the Empire rising to take their place. This message is a warning and a reminder for any surviving Jedi. Trust in The Force. Do not return to the Temple... that time has past. And our future is uncertain. We will each be challenged. Our trust. Our faith. Our friendships. But we must persevere. And in time, a new hope will emerge. May the Force be with you, always."