If anyone cares, the rifle below is able to fire the same cartridge as the AR-15 at the same rate of fire with the same muzzle velocity etc. It doesn't look nearly as scary though. And yes, it can accept very large capacity magazines, just like an AR-15.

The Germans may have started it, but Kalashnikov brought it to the masses.
The Federal Assault Weapons Ban was inartful, to say the least. The phrase assault weapon is rightfully mocked. The law did, however, limit the proliferation of many rifles that are the spiritual descendants of Kalashnikov's revolution--such ownership has exploded since the law expired. That may be good, it may be bad. Again, right or wrong, weapons ownership (both rifles
and handguns) has changed dramatically in this country. The citizenry's arsenal is more powerful than it used to be, though fewer people, proportionately, are armed.
I think this has made a difference in how the police approach their work. Frankly, I'd be surprised if it didn't.