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Old June 14, 2010, 02:26 AM   #7
knight0334
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Join Date: January 1, 2006
Location: Brookville, PA
Posts: 442
Quote:
Note that, by definition, a revolver is NOT a pistol. Derringers and single shot Thompsons are.

Pistols and revolvers, while different, are both handguns. Revolvers, however, are not pistols and pistols are not revolvers. The only exception to this rule are pepperboxes.

One can look at a 100+ year old patent and draw any conclusion one wishes to, but the legal definition is quite clear and a 19th century mistake by a semiliterate blacksmith doesn't change that. Colt may have designed an interesting handgun (many folks contend that he stole the design) but no one claims that he was a legal scholar or that he was knowledgable about the correct useage of the English language.


You have to remember, you need to use the original meaning of words - otherwise we are no better than those that wish to have the word "people" mean the body of the citizens as a whole instead of individuals, or the "militia" to mean only the "National Guard". As for Colt using term, it was proper then as it is now.

The original meaning has nothing to do with integral chambers, of which is a modern and mutilated definition. That original definition is circa 1450 or so and is just gun designed to be held and fired with a single hand. Do some digging, you'll find the definition. A revolver is a revolving pistol.
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