I don't believe for a second this administration is calling it quits on one of their pet projects. They all admitted that they strongly favor re-instating the ban; except this time they'd like to make it permanent. I think they they are smart enough to try other methods; taxing ammunition or the componets so heavily that it soon becomes too expensive to shoot. I also heard that Obama was talking about ratifying a "treaty with mexico" to ban assult weapons. And a treaty wouldn't require a senate vote. Maybe this is all conspiracy theory, but I really do believe that the fight isn't over.