The General Assembly hereby finds and declares that the proliferation and use of assault weapons poses a threat to the health, safety, and security of all citizens of this State. The General Assembly has restricted the assault weapons specified in § 1465 of this title based upon finding that each firearm has such a high rate of fire and capacity for firepower that its potential function as a sports or recreational firearm is substantially outweighed by the danger that it can be used to kill and injure human beings. It is the intent of the General Assembly in enacting this chapter to place restrictions on the possession and use of assault weapons. It is not, however, the intent of the General Assembly by this chapter to place restrictions on the use of those weapons which are primarily designed and intended for hunting, target practice, or other legitimate sports or recreational activities.

83 Del. Laws, c. 328, § 1;