Not an Assault Weapon: Dallas Police murderer used an SKS semi-automatic rifle

We also know that when people are armed with powerful weapons, unfortunately it makes attacks like these more deadly and more tragic. And in the days ahead, we’re going to have to consider those realities as well.
-- President Obama July 8, 2016

Yet again, President Obama is pushing for gun control laws wouldn't have stopped the attack that is being used to motivate the new law.

Micah Xavier Johnson, the man who killed 5 police officers and wounded 7 others, used a SKS semi-automatic rifle.  The SKS is a gun that was designed 73 years ago.  It is essentially a deer hunting rifle in terms of its inside guns and the caliber of its bullets (.30 caliber).  This gun wasn't classified as an assault weapon under the Federal assault weapon ban.  The President's call to renew the ban wouldn't have affected the gun used in this shooting.  Given that this gun is functionally identical to all other .30 caliber semi-automatic rifles, one would have to ban all semi-automatic .30 caliber rifles.

Given all the discussion about magazine sizes, "SKS rifles generally have a 10 round fixed magazine that can be loaded via stripper clips. Larger capacity fixed magazines with questionable reliability are available as well. Some SKS aficionadas can load the gun with stripper clips with the same speed as loading a detachable magazine into an AR-15 or AK-47.  It does take practice, however."

These guns sell for about $400.