“handgun,” does not appear to be
In 20th Century dictionaries encyclopedias, movies, TV programs nor books. NY State has a Pistol Permit licensing setup but not a “handgun” Permit.
“Handgun” is a made up word for pistol? A hand gun is any firearm you can hold in your hand and fire. I can fire a hand cannon, a hand mortar, a rocket launcher, an AR-15, a grenade launcher with one hand. “Handgun” does not appear in Webster’s 1887 Dictionary, but “pistol” does.
I never heard that word handgun ever when I was growing up. It’s a word invented by the commies. Once you start using commie definitions you have surrendered all your freedoms. I am dumb but I ain’t stupid. I asked
An attorney to find out when this term first appeared in legal papers.
Did you ever hear the word "revolver" when you were growing up? What word would you suggest be used when referring to both "pistols" and "revolvers?"
Regards,