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When flintlock rifles are illegal, only criminals will have flintlock rifles

I know I might piss off some of my more liberal readers on this story, but as I’ve said before, I think the constitution is pretty clear about the right to own guns. Even so, this story is just nuts.

Michael Littlejohn, a resident of Brooklyn NY, purchased a replica of a Revolutionary War flintlock rifle. Now the police are insisting that he register the gun, despite the fact that the applicable law specifically exempts “antique firearms” — which even this replica qualifies as, since it requires the projectile and gunpowder to be loaded separately (as specified by the law). Littlejohn doesn’t plan on ever firing the rifle; he doesn’t even own any gunpowder or bullets.

But the police are being insistent that he apply for a gun permit. Littlejohn would rather fight, noting the irony of the association of the rifle with the American Revolutionary War.

When did we get to the point where the law is whatever the police says it is?

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2 Comments

  1. No, guns are not good for the society. Guns should be banned.

    Friday, July 31, 2009 at 11:28 am | Permalink
  2. starluna wrote:

    NYC is seeing an increase in AK-47s and similar military and military-like assault rifles, and they’re going after a guy with a flintlock?

    I’m a huge fan of gun control, but this is just a waste of resources.

    Saturday, August 1, 2009 at 7:08 pm | Permalink