1Designating the Pennsylvania Long Rifle as the official firearm
2of the 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 Long Rifle, a unique firearm that
10was different in principle and outline from any other weapon in
11the world, was developed by skilled gunsmiths in the Moravian
12communities of Christian's Spring, Northampton County, as well
13as by artistic riflemaker Martin Meylin, in Willow Street,
14Lancaster County; and

15WHEREAS, The Pennsylvania Long Rifle was the first truly
16American firearm and, due to its exceptional accuracy and range,

1was considered the greatest achievement in the development of
2firearms during the 18th century; and

3WHEREAS, Playing an important role in the early years of the
4Industrial Revolution in Pennsylvania and New England, the
5Pennsylvania Long Rifle was also instrumental in the American
6fur trade and was carried west and south by frontiersmen as they
7set out to expand the boundaries of the nation; and

8WHEREAS, The Pennsylvania Long Rifle has been lauded for its
9beauty and craftsmanship, as well as the ingenuity of the
10skilled gunsmiths who crafted it; and

11WHEREAS, The color combinations, carvings, engravings and
12graceful slenderness of the Pennsylvania Long Rifle cause it to
13stand alone and remain unchallenged as a primary example of
14early American art; and

15WHEREAS, Future generations deserve the right to appreciate
16the heritage of this long-barreled rifle, born to artistic
17gunsmiths in the communities of the Commonwealth of
18Pennsylvania.

19The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
20hereby enacts as follows:

21Section 1. Official State firearm.

22The Pennsylvania Long Rifle is hereby designated as the
23official firearm of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

24Section 2. Effective date.

25This act shall take effect immediately.