Bill Text: PA SB607 | 2011-2012 | Regular Session | Introduced

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Bill Title: Designating the Pennsylvania Rifle as the official firearm of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Spectrum: Slight Partisan Bill (Republican 11-4)

Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2011-02-18 - Referred to STATE GOVERNMENT [SB607 Detail]

Download: Pennsylvania-2011-SB607-Introduced.html

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PRINTER'S NO. 611
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
SENATE BILL
No. 607 Session of2011
INTRODUCED BY BROWNE, FONTANA, RAFFERTY, YAW, SOLOBAY, D. WHITE, ERICKSON, ALLOWAY, BRUBAKER, BOSCOLA, McILHINNEY, WAUGH, FOLMER, STACK AND MENSCH, FEBRUARY 18, 2011
REFERRED TO STATE GOVERNMENT, FEBRUARY 18, 2011
AN ACT
Designating the Pennsylvania Rifle as the official firearm of
the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
WHEREAS, Pennsylvania's gunmaking tradition has played an
important role in the development of the United States of
America; and
WHEREAS, During Pennsylvania's early history, settlers placed
chief reliance on their rifles for sustenance, security and
survival; and
WHEREAS, The Pennsylvania Rifle, a unique firearm that was
different in principle and outline from any other weapon in the
world, was developed by skilled gunsmiths in the Moravian
community of Christian's Spring, Northampton County, as well as
by artistic riflemaker Martin Meylin, in Willow Street,
Lancaster County; and
WHEREAS, The Pennsylvania Rifle was the first truly American
firearm and, due to its exceptional accuracy and range, was
considered the greatest achievement in the development of
firearms during the 18th century; and
WHEREAS, Playing an important role in the early years of the
Industrial Revolution in Pennsylvania and New England, the
Pennsylvania Rifle was also instrumental in the American fur
trade and was carried west and south by frontiersmen as they set
out to expand the boundaries of the nation; and
WHEREAS, The Pennsylvania Rifle has been lauded for its
beauty and craftsmanship, as well as the ingenuity of the
skilled gunsmiths who crafted it; and
WHEREAS, The color combinations, carvings, engravings and
graceful slenderness of the Pennsylvania Rifle cause it to stand
alone and remain unchallenged as a primary example of early
American art; and
WHEREAS, Future generations deserve the right to appreciate
the heritage of this long-barreled rifle, born to artistic
gunsmiths in the communities of this Commonwealth.
The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
hereby enacts as follows:
Section 1. Official State firearm.
The Pennsylvania Rifle is hereby designated as the official
firearm of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
Section 2. Effective date.
This act shall take effect immediately.
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