1Designating the Pennsylvania Rifle as the official firearm of
2the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

3WHEREAS, Pennsylvania's gunmaking tradition has played an
4important role in the development of the United States of
5America; and

6WHEREAS, During Pennsylvania's early history, settlers placed
7chief reliance on their rifles for sustenance, security and
8survival; and

9WHEREAS, The Pennsylvania Rifle, a unique firearm that was
10different in principle and outline from any other weapon in the
11world, was developed by skilled gunsmiths in the Moravian
12community of Christian's Spring, Northampton County, as well as
13by artistic riflemaker Martin Meylin, in Willow Street,
14Lancaster County; and

15WHEREAS, The Pennsylvania Rifle was the first truly American
16firearm and, due to its exceptional accuracy and range, was
17considered the greatest achievement in the development of
18firearms during the 18th century; and

1WHEREAS, Playing an important role in the early years of the
2Industrial Revolution in Pennsylvania and New England, the
3Pennsylvania Rifle was also instrumental in the American fur
4trade and was carried west and south by frontiersmen as they set
5out to expand the boundaries of the nation; and

6WHEREAS, The Pennsylvania Rifle has been lauded for its
7beauty and craftsmanship, as well as the ingenuity of the
8skilled gunsmiths who crafted it; and

9WHEREAS, The color combinations, carvings, engravings and
10graceful slenderness of the Pennsylvania Rifle cause it to stand
11alone and remain unchallenged as a primary example of early
12American art; and

13WHEREAS, Future generations deserve the right to appreciate
14the heritage of this long-barreled rifle, born to artistic
15gunsmiths in the communities of this Commonwealth.

16The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
17hereby enacts as follows:

18Section 1. Official State firearm.

19The Pennsylvania Rifle is hereby designated as the official
20firearm of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

21Section 2. Effective date.

22This act shall take effect immediately.