Since this is all I've been hearing lately, I'm tired of debating people on facebook and whatnot, so I want to lay it out here

I am Pro-Gun.  All guns.  'assault rifles' high-powered bolt guns, pistols, you name it.  The 'assault rifles' that are sold off of the shelf now are no different than any other semi automatic hunting rifle.   This part cannot be said enough.  Civilian manufacture of REAL assault and full auto stopped in 1986.  the assault rifles we have now, including the ones used in mass shootings, are nothing more than a standard hunting semi-auto with a body kit of sorts.  They are not deadlier, they do not shoot faster, they just look different.
They are not 'high'powered' like the media would have you believe. A bit of history first:
During WWII, many standard battle rifles were in the .30 caliber.  .308, 30-06, .30-30 etc.  those are the standard hunting rounds you find today for deer, elk and other mid sized game.  the AR-15 shoots a .223.
The reason the military went this route, is mainly due to the FACT that most engagements and skirmishes during war happened WITHIN 400 yards.  a .30 caliber full power hunting round is much too powerful for that range.  it is essentially a waste.  They moved to the smaller .223(or 5.56 NATO, they are the same size) because a soldier could carry more, and still be able to fight within that 400 yard range.

An AR-15 round (smallest, far left) next to some standard game rounds)

(.223, .308, .30-06, .375Ruger, .458 WinMag)

If you tried to go deer hunting with an AR-15, you would get in trouble.  not because of the reason many would think, but because the round is TOO UNDERPOWERED to humanely drop a deer or an elk.  In short, an AR-15 is too damn small.  its really good for paper, and squirrels.  yes, they can kill humans, and they do, but lets face it.  Humans are somewhat weak compared to everything else in the animal kingdom.  it doesn't take much to take us out.

Why are we always focusing on the firearm during a mass shooting.  Why not the shooter's state of mind? What about better mental health, a better buying process for guns?  The form in California actually asks you if you: are addicted to illegal drugs, have been comitted/mental health issues, are not allowed to own a gun, etc.  Just check the 'NO' box and you're good to go.  THAT needs to be changed.  Also, wishful thinking I know, but to have background/mental health checks on ALL household members would be nice, but I know thats not going to happen, with HIPPA, privacy laws and all.

The Pro-Gun and Anti-Gun group needs to stop bickering with each other and find a common solution.  Each side will only deal with their own extreme.  All guns, or no guns.  What about in between? There's got to be a way to make mostly everybody happy.