THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA

HOUSE BILL

INTRODUCED BY GROVE, BEAR, BOYD, CALTAGIRONE, CLYMER, COHEN, CREIGHTON, CUTLER, DALEY, DAY, EVERETT, FARRY, FLECK, GEIST, GEORGE, GIBBONS, GOODMAN, HARHART, HENNESSEY, HESS, HUTCHINSON, KAUFFMAN, MAHONEY, MAJOR, MARSHALL, MILLARD, MILLER, MOUL, MURT, PEIFER, PETRARCA, PICKETT, PYLE, QUINN, RAPP, READSHAW, REICHLEY, ROCK, SCAVELLO, STABACK, STEVENSON, TALLMAN, VULAKOVICH AND BENNINGHOFF, MARCH 14, 2011

REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON STATE GOVERNMENT, MARCH 14, 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

communities 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 the Commonwealth of

Pennsylvania.

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.