The national news blows it on a routine basis when reporting most incidents. Most of the time when they report an "AK-47" or "M-16" used in a crime, it isn't. It may be a semi-auto lookalike, but M-16's and AK's are rare birds.

Most crimes are not committed with fully automatic weapons. Semi autos? Yup. Legally purchased weapons? Somewhat less than 5% of all crimes are committed with legally purchased weapons. (FBI Stat, I don't have time to go looking for the exact % at the moment)

It really doesn't make a difference whether it's a single shot rifle or a machine gun. It's the person, not the tool. I could probably cause more damage with a single shot rifle than many criminals can cause with a fully auto firearm.