The small town of Westford is considering a ban on the possession of assault weapons, machine guns, and large-capacity firearms and ammunition, igniting a local debate normally reserved for state or national politics.

The measure, if it survives a review by Westford selectmen, would go before Town Meeting, which begins March 23. No other town has tried such a ban, according to the state attorney general’s office, which has to approve new or revised bylaws.