Anaya Nolan
The legal requirements for rifles and pistols differ significantly. One of the most fundamental differences between a rifle and a pistol is their size and intended use. Rifles are long guns designed to be braced against the shoulder and optimized for long-range accuracy and power. Pistols, on the other hand, are more compact and easier to carry, but their ballistics are not as advanced as those of rifles. The National Firearms Act of 1934 (NFA) in the US, for example, defines a short-barreled rifle (SBR) as any rifle with a shoulder stock and a barrel length of less than 16 inches. This classification comes with specific legal requirements, such as filling out ATF Form 4 and paying a $200 NFA Tax Stamp. Pistols, meanwhile, have fewer customization options and more standardized action types across brands and models. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for responsible gun ownership and compliance with local laws.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Federal definition | There is no federal definition of a "long gun" |
| State definitions | Vary by state, e.g. in Texas, there are no laws regulating long guns, but they specify minimum lengths for rifles and shotguns; in California, a long gun is anything that is not a handgun or machine gun; in Connecticut, it's anything other than a pistol or revolver; in Georgia, a long gun must have a barrel of at least 18 inches and an overall length of 26 inches |
| Minimum barrel length | Varies by jurisdiction, e.g. the National Firearms Act sets a minimum length of 16 inches for rifle barrels and 18 inches for shotgun barrels; Canada sets a minimum fireable length of 26 inches for long guns with detachable or folding stocks |
| Minimum overall length | Varies by jurisdiction, e.g. Canada and the United States set a minimum length of 26 inches for long guns with detachable or folding stocks |
| Age restrictions | Varies by state, e.g. in Texas, it is prohibited to make a long gun accessible to a person under 17 years of age; however, there is no federal age requirement for possessing a long gun |
| Ease of use | Pistols are lighter and easier to conceal and transport, but long guns are easier to hold steady when aiming and have more precise aiming due to the longer distance between the rear and front sights |
| Mass | Long guns typically have greater mass, enabling them to absorb more recoil |
| Examples | Shotguns, carbines, submachine guns, assault rifles, sniper rifles, machine guns |
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What You'll Learn
Minimum barrel length laws
The minimum barrel length for firearms is subject to various laws in many jurisdictions. While the federal government of the United States does not define what constitutes a "long gun", the National Firearms Act (NFA) sets a minimum length of 16 inches (41 cm) for rifle barrels and 18 inches (46 cm) for shotgun barrels. However, the NFA does not differentiate between "long guns" and other firearms in terms of legal definitions. The classification of a firearm is determined by the receiver, which can result in a firearm being classified as a long-barrelled handgun or a short-barrelled rifle, each with its own legal implications.
In the United States, the minimum length for long guns with detachable or folding stocks is 26 inches (66 cm) with the stock in the extended position. This is in line with the ATF's (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives) definition, which states that a rifle is subject to the NFA if it has a barrel length of less than 16 inches. Additionally, a rifle with an overall length of less than 26 inches is also subject to the NFA.
State laws in the United States may have different definitions for long guns. For example, Georgia law defines a long gun as having a barrel of at least 18 inches and an overall length of 26 inches. In Texas, rifles must be at least 16 inches long, and shotguns must be 18 inches long if they are not registered with the ATF. California defines long guns as any firearm that is not a handgun or machine gun, while Connecticut considers it as any firearm other than a pistol or revolver.
The distinction between long guns and pistols lies in their design and usage. Long guns are typically fired with two hands and braced against the shoulder, providing better stability and precision when aiming. Pistols, on the other hand, can be fired with one hand and are lighter and easier to conceal and transport. However, pistols are subject to legal restrictions on barrel length, with a maximum limit of 16 inches for the barrel and restrictions on attachments and modifications. Additionally, modifying a pistol by swapping out the barrel, attaching a stock, or mounting a foregrip is considered a felony under ATF regulations.
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Age restrictions
Federal law prohibits licensed dealers from selling or delivering handguns to individuals under 21 and sets a minimum age of 18 for the purchase of long guns from licensed dealers. However, the law does not impose age restrictions on the possession of long guns, allowing individuals under 18 to own them. This distinction is justified by the differing characteristics of the guns; handguns are easier to conceal and are more likely to be used in crimes, whereas long guns have non-combative uses, such as hunting.
The age restrictions for handguns aim to prevent young adults from accessing these weapons, as they are at an elevated risk of attempting suicide and engaging in violent behaviours. By setting a higher minimum age for handgun purchases, the law seeks to reduce gun violence and unintentional shootings among this age group.
While federal law provides a framework, individual states have the autonomy to implement their own age restrictions, with some enforcing stricter gun laws. Twenty states and the District of Columbia have set their own minimum age laws, ranging from 14 in Montana to 21 in Illinois. However, in 30 states, there are no age restrictions on the possession of long guns, and some states have no age limits for handguns or long guns.
The variation in state laws highlights the complex nature of gun control in the United States, with ongoing debates surrounding the appropriate age restrictions for firearm ownership. While minimum age laws aim to protect young people and the public, the availability of firearms from sources other than licensed dealers, such as family and friends, may reduce the effectiveness of these restrictions.
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Background checks and waiting periods
Background checks are a crucial aspect of firearm purchases, and they are required for all firearm acquisitions under the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS). These checks typically take just a few minutes to complete, but in approximately 9% of cases, supplementary reviews are necessary, which can extend the process. Federal law permits the FBI up to three days to conduct these additional reviews, and if the buyer is under 21, NICS has ten days to determine eligibility if a potentially disqualifying juvenile record is identified.
The NICS background check system replaced the waiting period mandated by the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act of 1993, which came into effect in 1994. This Act imposed a five-day waiting period for handgun purchases in states without robust background check procedures. While the waiting period mandated by the Brady Bill no longer exists, some argue for its reintroduction, citing the need for more time for background investigations and a "cooling-off" period. However, there is no evidence to support these claims, and waiting periods do not change the background check process or prevent criminals from obtaining firearms.
Despite this, several states have implemented their own waiting periods for firearm purchases. As of January 1, 2024, six states and the District of Columbia impose a waiting period for all firearm purchases, while four other states have waiting periods for specific firearm classes. These waiting periods can range from three days to ten days and are intended to provide law enforcement agencies with additional time to conduct thorough background checks.
The effectiveness of waiting periods in reducing gun-related suicides and homicides is debated. Some studies suggest that waiting periods lower suicide rates, particularly among individuals over 55, and decrease gun homicides by approximately 17%. However, other research indicates no significant difference in homicide and suicide rates between states with and without waiting periods.
Background checks themselves are not without issues. In 2022, over 4,000 firearms were transferred to prohibited persons due to delays in NICS background checks exceeding three business days. Additionally, prohibited persons who attempt to buy firearms from dealers are rarely prosecuted, and "default proceed" sales allow ineligible individuals to acquire firearms.
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Concealment and transport
The main difference between long guns and pistols is their size, with pistols being smaller and easier to conceal and transport. Long guns are typically held with two hands and braced against the shoulder, whereas pistols can be fired with one hand. This makes pistols more convenient for carrying and concealing on one's person.
Long guns have longer barrels, which provide a longer distance between the front and rear sights, allowing for more precise aiming. The longer barrel also increases the overall mass of the firearm, enabling it to absorb more recoil. These advantages come at the cost of portability and ease of concealment.
The legal definitions of "long gun" and "pistol" vary across different jurisdictions. In the United States, there is no federal definition or regulation of "long guns" as a specific category of firearms. However, individual states have their own definitions and regulations. For example, Georgia law defines a long gun as having a barrel of at least 18 inches and an overall length of 26 inches or more. Texas law sets a minimum length of 16 inches for rifles and 18 inches for shotguns.
The lack of a clear federal definition of "long gun" in the United States can lead to legal complexities. For instance, modifying a shotgun by cutting down the barrel to 12 inches and removing the buttstock may result in it being classified as an NFA "firearm", which falls under different regulatory requirements. Similarly, the ATF definition of a shotgun includes the presence of a stock, so removing the stock and only keeping a pistol grip could change the classification and legal requirements for the firearm.
Despite the lack of a clear federal definition, Texas and federal laws allow qualified individuals to possess and purchase long guns. Texas law specifically prohibits making long guns accessible to individuals under the age of 17, although there are exceptions for supervised hunting or sporting activities and lawful self-defense. In contrast, there are no federal age requirements for possessing a long gun.
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Shooting technique
A long gun is generally held with two hands and braced against the shoulder, whereas a pistol can be fired with one hand. The longer barrel of a long gun provides a longer distance between the front and rear sights, allowing for more precise aiming. The greater mass of a long gun enables it to absorb more recoil.
Long Gun
The longer barrel of a long gun provides a natural advantage in shooting technique, as it allows for more precise aiming. The key is to brace the gun against the shoulder, using both hands, to hold the firearm steadily. This stability, combined with the longer barrel, enables more accurate shooting.
Pistol
Shooting a pistol accurately requires a different technique. Pistols are typically fired with one hand, so the stability is inherently lower. To compensate, the shooter must focus on their stance, grip, and trigger management.
To shoot accurately, the pistol shooter must align the sights correctly on the target and move the trigger smoothly to the rear without disturbing the sights. Developing this skill takes practice, and drills such as the Dot Torture drill can help improve accuracy.
For long-range pistol shooting, it is essential to master close-range shooting first. This includes mastering the fundamentals of stance, grip, sight alignment, sight picture, and trigger management.
Additionally, pistol shooters should focus on developing their concentration and mental toughness. Shooting over long distances requires patience and the ability to stay focused under pressure. Practicing smooth trigger pulls, controlling breathing, and using optics can also improve long-range accuracy.
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Frequently asked questions
A long gun is a firearm that is designed to be held with two hands and braced against the shoulder, whereas a pistol can be fired with one hand and does not need to be supported in the same way.
Long guns are larger and longer, with longer barrels and stocks, making them heavier and less manoeuvrable than pistols.
Pistols are more compact and easier to carry, whereas long guns are more stable and accurate over longer distances.
Yes, in many jurisdictions, handguns are more strictly regulated than long guns. There are often additional background checks, waiting periods, and licensing requirements for purchasing a pistol.
Yes, in most places, you must be older to purchase a pistol than a long gun. For example, in Texas, federal law prohibits the sale of pistols to anyone under 18 years of age, but there is no minimum age for the transfer or private sale of long guns.
