4 ms·
TIL the legal definition of “firearm” includes the stipulation that the projectile be propelled by “explosives”[0]. ATF probably would need to go to Congress to
by didgeoridoo 5y ago
TIL the legal definition of “firearm” includes the stipulation that the projectile be propelled by “explosives”[0]. ATF probably would need to go to Congress to get the relevant section of law updated to be more tech-agnostic (maybe based on muzzle energy?)
[0]: https://www.atf.gov/firearms/firearms-guides-importation-verification-firearms-ammunition-gun-control-act-definitions https://www.atf.gov/firearms/firearms-guides-importation-ver...
- syedkarim 5y agoIf muzzle energy was used in the definition of a firearm, then high-powered air rifles would get reclassified as firearms.
- detaro 5y agosure, why not?
- bavell 5y agoWhere's the "fire"?
- deleted 5y ago[deleted]
- ceejayoz 5y agoYou are firing a projectile. The battery pack probably puts off a good amount of heat. If "flipping a light switch" is close enough to fire for Orthodox Jews, it's probably close enough for the ATF.
- serf 5y ago> You are firing a projectile. it's a stupid pedantry-thing to mention, but arms were arms until the gunpowder explicitly added the fire. bows were never considered firearms, even if they too were missile/projectile weapons that 'fired' ammo. fire in firearm refers to the combustion/heat/ fire of gunpowder usage.
- detaro 5y agosearch-replace the word for some other term in all the laws at the same time if you feel that's important, although legal terms not 100% mapping with other definitions is not exactly unusual. Or read it as "projectile-firing weapon".