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Pennsylvania to classify PUMP-ACTION RIFLES as "Assault Weapons" (idiot legislators alert!)
AW ban sunset website forums ^ | 27 March 2004 | Pennsylvania legislators

Posted on 03/28/2004 9:25:33 AM PST by Long Cut

Prepare to have your blood pressure rise. Is there no end to the idiocy of those who live in abject fear of guns?

Wh, oh why, does no national leader call this for the nonsense that it is?


TOPICS: Constitution/Conservatism; Miscellaneous; News/Current Events; US: Pennsylvania; Unclassified
KEYWORDS: assaultweapons; awb; bang; banglist; gungrabbers; guns; stupidity
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To: Lancey Howard
I hope you're right, in the short term. However, the fact that complete fools like these get elected and continue this nonsense is unacceptable in the LONG term. They still force us to expend time and effort to fight them at every corner.
21 posted on 03/28/2004 10:15:30 AM PST by Long Cut ("Man, don't hit me with those negative waves SOOoo early in the morning." - Oddball)
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To: Long Cut
According to the Second Amendment -- the Federal Government should be encouraging and sponsoring general public ownership and expert use of assault weapons. That is the clearest and most honest interpretation of that first clause.
22 posted on 03/28/2004 10:16:45 AM PST by bvw
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To: Long Cut
                                                      PRINTER'S NO. 3471

THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA


HOUSE BILL

No. 2451 Session of 2004


        INTRODUCED BY FRANKEL, THOMAS, BISHOP, COHEN, CURRY, D. EVANS,
           HORSEY, JAMES, JOSEPHS, KIRKLAND, LEACH, MELIO, PISTELLA,
           ROEBUCK, ROONEY, STETLER, STURLA, WASHINGTON, WATERS, WEBER,
           WHEATLEY, WILLIAMS AND YOUNGBLOOD, MARCH 17, 2004

        REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON JUDICIARY, MARCH 17, 2004

                                     AN ACT

     1  Amending Title 18 (Crimes and Offenses) of the Pennsylvania
     2     Consolidated Statutes, providing for prohibition and
     3     registration of certain assault weapons; and imposing
     4     penalties.

     5     The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
     6  hereby enacts as follows:
     7     Section 1.  Chapter 61 of Title 18 of the Pennsylvania
     8  Consolidated Statutes is amended by adding a subchapter to read:
     9                           SUBCHAPTER B.1
    10                        ASSAULT WEAPONS BAN
    11  Sec.
    12  6151.  Definitions.
    13  6152.  Manufacture, possession and transfer of assault
    14         weapons.
    15  6153.  Possession of assault weapon components.
    16  6154.  Registration of assault weapons.
    17  6155.  Fees.
    18  § 6151.  Definitions.

     1     The following words and phrases when used in this subchapter
     2  shall have the meanings given to them in this section unless the
     3  context clearly indicates otherwise:
     4     "Assault weapon."  The term includes the following:
     5         (1)  Any semiautomatic pistol or semiautomatic or pump-
     6     action rifle that is capable of accepting a detachable
     7     magazine and that also possesses any of the following:
     8             (i)  If the firearm is a rifle, a pistol grip located
     9         at the rear of the trigger.
    10             (ii)  If the firearm is a rifle, a stock in any
    11         configuration, including, but not limited to, a thumbhole
    12         stock, a folding stock or a telescoping stock, that
    13         allows the bearer of the firearm to grasp the firearm
    14         with the trigger hand such that the web of the trigger
    15         hand, between the thumb and forefinger, can be placed
    16         below the top of the external portion of the trigger
    17         during firing.
    18             (iii)  If the firearm is a pistol, a shoulder stock
    19         of any type or configuration, including, but not limited
    20         to, a folding stock or a telescoping stock.
    21             (iv)  A barrel shroud.
    22             (v)  A muzzle break or muzzle compensator.
    23             (vi)  Any feature capable of functioning as a
    24         protruding grip that can be held by the hand that is not
    25         the trigger hand.
    26         (2)  Any pistol that is capable of accepting a detachable
    27     magazine at any location outside of the pistol grip.
    28         (3)  Any semiautomatic pistol or any semiautomatic,
    29     center-fire rifle with a fixed magazine that has the capacity
    30     to accept more than ten rounds of ammunition.
    20040H2451B3471                  - 2 -     

     1         (4)  Any shotgun capable of accepting a detachable
     2     magazine.
     3         (5)  Any shotgun with a revolving cylinder.
     4         (6)  Any conversion kit or other combination of parts
     5     from which a firearm described in paragraphs 1 through 5, can
     6     be assembled if the parts are in the possession or under the
     7     control of any person.
     8     "Barrel shroud."  A covering, other than a slide, that is
     9  attached to or that substantially or completely encircles the
    10  barrel of a firearm and that allows the bearer of the firearm to
    11  hold the barrel with the nonshooting hand while firing the
    12  firearm, without burning that hand. The term does not include an
    13  extension of the stock along the bottom of the barrel that does
    14  not substantially or completely encircle the barrel.
    15     Commissioner."  The Commissioner of the Pennsylvania State
    16  Police.
    17     "Conversion kit."  Any part or combination of parts designed
    18  and intended for use in converting a firearm into an assault
    19  weapon.
    20     "Detachable magazine."  A magazine the function of which is
    21  to deliver one or more ammunition cartridges into the firing
    22  chamber of a firearm and which can be removed from the firearm
    23  without the use of any tool, including a bullet or ammunition
    24  cartridge.
    25     "Muzzle brake."  A device attached to the muzzle of a weapon
    26  that utilizes escaping gas to reduce recoil.
    27     "Muzzle compensator."  A device attached to the muzzle of a
    28  weapon that utilizes escaping gas to control muzzle movement.
    29  § 6152.  Manufacture, possession and transfer of assault
    30         weapons.
    20040H2451B3471                  - 3 -     

     1     (a)  Offense defined.--No person shall manufacture, possess,
     2  purchase, sell or otherwise transfer any assault weapon, or any
     3  assault weapon conversion kit, except as provided under
     4  subsection (b).
     5     (b)  Exceptions.--Subsection (a) shall not apply to any of
     6  the following:
     7         (1)  The possession of an unloaded assault weapon for the
     8     purpose of permanently relinquishing it to a law enforcement
     9     agency in this Commonwealth pursuant to regulations adopted
    10     for such purpose by the commissioner. Any assault weapon
    11     relinquished pursuant to this subsection shall be destroyed.
    12         (2)  The transfer of any assault weapon by a licensed
    13     manufacturer or dealer to a law enforcement agency in this
    14     Commonwealth for use by that agency or its employees for law
    15     enforcement purposes.
    16         (3)  The possession of an assault weapon that was legally
    17     possessed on the effective date of this act, if the person
    18     legally possessing the assault weapon has complied with all
    19     of the requirements of section 6154 (relating to registration
    20     of assault weapons).
    21         (4)  The possession of an assault weapon that has been
    22     permanently disabled so that it is incapable of discharging a
    23     projectile.
    24     (c)  Public nuisance.--Any assault weapon or assault weapon
    25  conversion kit, the manufacture, possession, purchase, sale or
    26  other transfer of which is prohibited under subsection (a), is a
    27  public nuisance.
    28     (d)  Penalty.--Any person who violates subsection (a) commits
    29  a felony of the first degree.
    30  § 6153.  Possession of assault weapon components.
    20040H2451B3471                  - 4 -     

     1     (a)  Offense defined.--No person shall possess or have under
     2  the person's control both of the following at the same time,
     3  except as provided under subsection (b):
     4         (1)  a semiautomatic or pump-action rifle or
     5     semiautomatic pistol capable of accepting a detachable
     6     magazine; and
     7         (2)  any magazine capable of use with that firearm that
     8     contains more than ten rounds of ammunition.
     9     (b)  Exceptions.--Subsection (a) shall not apply to any
    10  person while lawfully doing either of the following:
    11         (1)  engaging in shooting at a duly licensed, lawfully
    12     operated shooting range; or
    13         (2)  participating in a sporting event officially
    14     sanctioned by a club or organization established in whole or
    15     in part for the purpose of sponsoring sport shooting events.
    16     (c)  Penalty.--Any person who violates subsection (a) commits
    17  a felony of the first degree.
    18  § 6154.  Registration of assault weapons.
    19     (a)  Grandfathered assault weapons.--A person may continue to
    20  possess an assault weapon that the person legally possessed on
    21  the effective date of this subchapter, if the person does all of
    22  the following:
    23         (1)  Within 90 days following the effective date of this
    24     subchapter, submits to a background check identical to the
    25     background check conducted in connection with the purchase of
    26     a firearm from a licensed gun dealer.
    27         (2)  Unless the person is prohibited by law from
    28     possessing a firearm, immediately registers the assault
    29     weapon with the Pennsylvania State Police pursuant to
    30     regulations adopted for such purpose by the commissioner.
    20040H2451B3471                  - 5 -     

     1         (3)  Safely and securely stores the assault weapon
     2     pursuant to regulations adopted for such purpose by the
     3     commissioner.
     4         (4)  Annually renews both the registration and the
     5     background check.
     6         (5)  Possesses the assault weapon only on property owned
     7     or immediately controlled by the person, while engaged in the
     8     legal use of the assault weapon at a duly licensed firing
     9     range or while traveling to or from either of these locations
    10     for the purpose of engaging in the legal use of the assault
    11     weapon, provided that the assault weapon is stored unloaded
    12     and in a separate locked container during transport.
    13     (b)  Inherited assault weapons.--Notwithstanding any other
    14  provision of this subchapter, any person who, after the
    15  effective date of this subchapter, acquires title to an assault
    16  weapon by inheritance, bequest or succession shall, within 30
    17  days of acquiring title, do one of the following:
    18         (1)  comply with all of the requirements of subsection
    19     (a);
    20         (2)  dispose of the assault weapon pursuant to section
    21     6152(b)(1) (relating to manufacture, possession and transfer
    22     of assault weapons); or
    23         (3)  permanently disable the assault weapon so that it is
    24     incapable of discharging a projectile.
    25     (c)  Compliance check.--The Pennsylvania State Police may, no
    26  more than once per year, conduct an inspection to ensure
    27  compliance with this subsection.
    28     (d)  Penalty.--Any person who violates subsection (a) or (b)
    29  commits a felony of the third degree.
    30  § 6155.  Fees.
    20040H2451B3471                  - 6 -     

     1     The Pennsylvania State Police may charge a fee for each
     2  registration and for each registration renewal under section
     3  6154 (relating to registration of assault weapons). Such fee
     4  shall not exceed the costs incurred by the Pennsylvania State
     5  Police in administering the registration program established
     6  under section 6154.
     7     Section 2.  This act shall take effect in 60 days.
















    L2L18AJM/20040H2451B3471         - 7 -

23 posted on 03/28/2004 10:17:56 AM PST by abner (FREE THE MIRANDA MEMOS! http://www.intelmemo.com or http://www.wintersoldier.com)
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To: bvw
According to the Second Amendment -- the Federal Government should be encouraging and sponsoring general public ownership and expert use of assault weapons. That is the clearest and most honest interpretation of that first clause.

I agree. At one time qualified Israeli citizens could check UZIs out of local armories ( so I've been told; I understand that may no longer be the case ) and I'd welcome a similar system here.

24 posted on 03/28/2004 10:20:02 AM PST by backhoe (The 1990's? The Decade of Fraud(s)... the 00's? The Decade of Lunatics...)
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To: Long Cut
Even if we're all unarmed THAT day, it'll at least make them think.
LOL! We would have to be unarmed. As far as I know it is illegal to carry any dehabilitating substance in D.C.
Could you imagine that day though?
With all the liberal press coverage the Feds would have half of the stateside military there. Complete with Cobra Gunships overhead and all.
The irony is (knowing the gunowners that I know at least), it would be the most peaceful, respectful march ever!
25 posted on 03/28/2004 10:20:46 AM PST by GrandEagle
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To: Long Cut
I agree with you, but these are the kind os scumbags they elect in the parasite nests (cities) all over the country. The key is to keep the pressure on those representatives who represent us, the normal, working, traditional American families.
26 posted on 03/28/2004 10:21:35 AM PST by Lancey Howard
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To: abner
Scary. not only does it ban most any gun that they want to, but it also has licensing and registration thrown in for good measure.
27 posted on 03/28/2004 10:22:02 AM PST by Long Cut ("Man, don't hit me with those negative waves SOOoo early in the morning." - Oddball)
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To: GrandEagle
Sure. We could probably get a few celebrities and country singers to show up, too. I know for a fact that Toby Kieth and Hank Jr., along with Charlie Daniels would be happy to put on a show for freedom.
28 posted on 03/28/2004 10:24:20 AM PST by Long Cut ("Man, don't hit me with those negative waves SOOoo early in the morning." - Oddball)
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To: Lancey Howard
There may be a handful of scumbag Democrats from Philly and the other parasite nests (cities) who bring this kind of stuff up from time to time, but the kind of legislation you are talking about will never pass in Pennsylvania.

Keep in mind that PA went for Gore, and we have a Dem governor. The danger is real

29 posted on 03/28/2004 10:24:41 AM PST by SauronOfMordor (That which does not kill me had better be able to run away damn fast.)
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To: GrandEagle
the Left seems to be able to conjure marches and demos every day of the week at whim. Why can't we, especially since we are so well organized and informed?
30 posted on 03/28/2004 10:25:59 AM PST by Long Cut ("Man, don't hit me with those negative waves SOOoo early in the morning." - Oddball)
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To: SauronOfMordor
Even if this nonsense has no chance of passing, it is still insulting and dangerous. Legislators who engage in thisa useless idiocy should recieve a LOUD broadside, EVERY TIME they do it, else they'll think they eventually will succeed.

They also need to know that those who supportgun ownership and the 2nd are far more numerous than those few well-financd groups who do not.

31 posted on 03/28/2004 10:29:20 AM PST by Long Cut ("Man, don't hit me with those negative waves SOOoo early in the morning." - Oddball)
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To: Long Cut
Toby Kieth and Hank Jr., along with Charlie Daniels Yep! and ..... his name escapes me. Who is the 70's rock star out west. Owns a huge farm. Big NRA guy.
i must be getting old...
Anyway, I'd take off work myself to show up. I'll bet we (unlike other "million" whoever marches) could get a million firearms owners without much effort at all!
32 posted on 03/28/2004 10:29:34 AM PST by GrandEagle
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To: backhoe
The Swiss, too. Clearly the "assualt rifle" IS the modern militia weapon of choice. If anything, it should enjoy special privilege accorded to its widespread ownership.
33 posted on 03/28/2004 10:30:37 AM PST by bvw
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To: Travis McGee
"Stroke of the pen, law of the land. Kinda cool!"

"A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed."

That's the law of the land, the rest is just legislative and executive branch blathering under color of law.

34 posted on 03/28/2004 10:30:57 AM PST by El Gato (Federal Judges can twist the Constitution into anything.. Or so they think.)
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To: GrandEagle
You're thinking of Ted Nugent. He IS a big rights-supporter, both of hunting AND shooting.

We could also get Tom Selleck and Aaron Tippin. And the President could sew up anywhere from 4-10 million votes just by showing up, far more than he'd ever lose.

35 posted on 03/28/2004 10:33:19 AM PST by Long Cut ("Man, don't hit me with those negative waves SOOoo early in the morning." - Oddball)
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To: GrandEagle
You may mean Uncle Ted, the Nudge, the Motor City Mad Man, aka Ted Nudgent.
36 posted on 03/28/2004 10:33:53 AM PST by Rifleman
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To: Long Cut
Ted Nugent
THAT'S the GUY!
37 posted on 03/28/2004 10:34:40 AM PST by GrandEagle
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To: bvw
I'd favor a law stating that the standard service rifle of the military is EXEMPT from ANY bans except for those convicted of violent crimes or mentally insane.

It would tie nicely in with he 2nd.

38 posted on 03/28/2004 10:35:18 AM PST by Long Cut ("Man, don't hit me with those negative waves SOOoo early in the morning." - Oddball)
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To: Rifleman
Aaahum. That is spelled the Nuge and Nugent, I think.

Now, where did I put the coffee beans?
39 posted on 03/28/2004 10:36:19 AM PST by Rifleman
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To: Long Cut
Incrementalism at it's very best. Get ready, the worst is yet to come. Ever read freeper Travis McGee's book "Enemies Foreign and Domestic?" Coming soon to a roadblock near YOU!
40 posted on 03/28/2004 10:38:08 AM PST by ExSoldier (When the going gets tough, the tough go cyclic.)
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