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, BENNINGHOFF, GILLESPIE, SACCONE AND HAHN, MARCH 14, 2011

AS REPORTED FROM COMMITTEE ON STATE GOVERNMENT, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, AS AMENDED, MARCH 13, 2012   

AN ACT

Designating the Pennsylvania Long Rifle as the official firearm

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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 Long Rifle, a unique firearm that

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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 Long Rifle was the first truly

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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 Long Rifle was also instrumental in the American

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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 Long Rifle has been lauded for its

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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 Long Rifle cause it to

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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 Long Rifle is hereby designated as the

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official firearm of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Section 2.  Effective date.

This act shall take effect immediately.