It’s in quotes because the left often asks this.  “Assault weapon” is in embedded quotes because it’s a false term they use.  But putting that aside, what’s the premise behind the question and what is its source?  The left is attempting to establish entitlement to ownership based on need and make the owner justify his ownership.  In this case it’s a firearm they hate, but it can be extended to anything once the premise is established as a legitimate one.  It’s not legitimate in this country, or morally legitimate anywhere.

The source is Marxism, to each according to his needs.  Most of what people own isn’t really needed, including the conspicuous consumption of the left.  Algore’s private jets, the Obama’s Hawaiian vacations, with Michelle riding on a separate jet.  You can buy a lot of guns with what that costs–if you can find any–even at current prices.  Jets and vacations aren’t needed, so using the left’s reasoning, they shouldn’t have them.  It doesn’t work that way because they’re the privileged class, of course.

So how to answer a leftist?  Simply tell him to MYOFB.  Rights aren’t based on needs in this country.  Refer him to the constitution and tell him that so far, it takes precedence over his Marxist premises.