Quote:
Originally Posted by id10t
Remember, the *real* reason behind pistol and rifle definitions (and shotgun and plain old "firearm") are all based on TAX laws and the excise taxes paid at the manufacturer or importer level.
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While that is true, there are also barrel length limitations on what is considered a "pistol" and what is considered a "rifle". Maximum on "pistol", minimum on "rifle".
This becomes important in jurisdictions with different laws regarding the possession and/or carrying of "pistols" vs. "rifles", whether or not a "pistol" can have a "butt stock", and that sort of thing. On the consumer level, they are more interested in skirting these laws than they are in taxation.