What is considered a firearm?

Answer 1

The term "firearm" means different things depending on how it is applied. Federal law has contradicting definitions for the term "firearm" Under one definition, a "firearm" is a NFA weapon that requires the payment of a $200 tax. Under another definition, it is something that fires projectiles using a self contained cartridge that is loaded from the breech, and was made after a certain date in the 1890s. For instance, under federal law, some of the Mauser rifles are not "firearms", even though they work basically the same as a modern hunting rifle because they were made in the 1880s. State laws could define "firearm" differently. For instance, I believe some states include muzzle-loading rifles and pistols in the definition of "firearm", whereas the federal government doesn't. Another thing to consider is that the BATFE sometimes reclassifies items that were previously not considered firearms. The Akins Accelerator is a stock that was classified as a "machine gun", ie "firearm". Suppressors, which are muzzle devices that reduce noise pollution created by firearms, but don't fire bullets themselves, are considered "firearms" under federal law. There are pieces of sheet metal that can be inserted into rifles to make them full auto. Those pieces of sheet metal are considered "firearms" by the ATF. In the definition that includes standard sidearms and long arms, the receiver is the part that is considered the "firearm". The rest of the parts are just parts, and for the most part are not regulated. To answer your question in detail, I would have to write a book because of all of the laws, regulations, definitions and classifications. If you want a more specific answer, ask a more specific question.