Firearms Classifications: Technically-Accurate vs Legally-Erroneous

[LRRPF52]

As we have studied the technical merits of what constitutes certain firearms classes, then compared those to certain legal definitions set by incompetent politicians who have no subject matter experience with the things they legislate, I realized that we’ve become accustomed to some false terms that have no real correlation to any physical samples in the real world.

The most glaring example of this is what was fabricated out of thin air during the NFA hearings in 1934, namely the “Short Barreled Rifle”.

I argue that there is no such firearm. This isn’t to pretend that the NFA doesn’t exist and doesn’t have consequences, but rather illustrates the folly of incompetence in legislation.

In 1934, rifles had barrel lengths ranging from 24”-33”.

Rifles

Winchester 1873 Rifle, 24” barrel:



Gewehr 98 rifle made from 1898-1918, which had a 29.1” barrel:



Here are 3 Henry Martini Rifles with 33”, 28.75”, and 25” barrels:



Winchester Model 73 Saddle Ring Carbine: