Illegal weapons
The right to keep and bear arms is important for maintaining personal protection, but certain weapons are considered more dangerous than useful. Since the passage of the National Firearms Act of 1934, the federal and various state governments have regulated the sale of firearms and the types of weapons citizens may own, carry, or control. Each state has individual restrictions that serve to protect the public against guns that are considered dangerous.
The government determined that certain types of weapons were simply associated with illegality and were not necessary for recreational use or personal protection. Because of this status, and in the name of lawful conduct, certain weapons are considered illegal. The following list shows some of the weapons and destructive devices that are not legal for ordinary citizens to own:
- Short-barreled rifles
- Short-barreled rifles
- Machine guns
- Mortars
- Destructive devices
- Molotov cocktails
- Cane guns
- H & R Pistols
These guns, among others, are illegal unless they meet the standards for “antique” firearms, which includes any firearm manufactured before 1918 in many states. This qualification protects antique trades, which are an important source of income and investment for many people.
The definition of short-barreled firearms generally includes any rifle or shotgun with a barrel length of 18″ or less. These firearms are usually modified for concealment purposes and are therefore considered unsafe for public possession. Concealment is one of the most common characteristics among weapons that were deemed illegal for civilians to own and use.
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