A question about 1898
 

Hi,

I've always wondered: why is the cut-off date for modern vs. "antique" firearms set at 1898 (in the U.S.)? Who picked this date and why? After all, an "antique" Colt .45 from the 1870s can be just as deadly as a "modern" M1911.

Thanks.

Weasel

Weasel505 -

The Mauser Model 1898 rifle action was considered to be the transition point between antique and modern firearms because of its superior engineering design, strength, and reliability. Consequently, 1898 was chosen as the point in time to make a distinction between an "antique" and a "modern" firearm. The model 1898 Mauser rifle action is still being used and manufactured in modern high powered bolt action rifles.

So it is not so much a matter of being "deadly" as it is a matter of engineering design strength, safety, and reliability. The year 1898 was chosen for this reason. As the saying goes: "You have to start somewhere."

Mauser720 - Ron

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antique_guns


I had read years ago that antiques must be over 100 years, however, as a kid in the 1970's most antique dealers I remember considered that if it was made before 1900 it was an antique...

But thats just a feeling.

Ed

PS: "Weasel" its kind of nice to see a real name, rather than total anonymous member…

Me, anymouse?
 

No way.

Bob Kingsley

West Chester, Pennsylvania USA

"Weasel" is just an old nickname.

Thanks for reading. Your and others' expertise on this site is astounding.

Bob

Bob, thanks, I didn't mean to sound like it might have, and we're neighbors, I live south of Allentown :)


Ed

It's interesting that you should mention this...I just printed out my latest username/password list; it's now 7 pages long...I've found that some sites/Forums won't accept my first choices...In my case, "Rich B."...It'll say "Name Already In Use"...So I'll try something offbeat like "platypusP08"...and it says, again "Already In Use"...So then I'll try "mxyzlfpwxa" or similar...And once again, "Already In Use"...Finally, I'll try "Cardeno"...and it'll accept it...

It's like it is programmed to reject the first choices whether they are actually in use or not...

So now I don't bother trying to get my proper name in my username...

No proper first name in their profile and I have trouble trusting the writer in my opinion. On this board, the last name does not show; on Jan's board it does; so If they want information, they can follow simple rules; first name, last initial, and state.

I find it irritating that folks put down "USA" for location, or no location.

Iran (or the like) and they couldn't fit in a BDU for the last 25 years....

I wish the powers that be would just revist the "1898" date and just say that anything over a hundred. So anything made before 1909 would be an antique and next year would be 1910 etc.

I think that would make more sense. Kinda like the 50 year C&R rule.

You don't trust your postino??? :eek:

(My username here is the job I've held for the last 25 years...) :D

If BATF could be more lenient, I hope they could add Luger 1900 and all Broomhandle Large Ring into the antique list. Although they are post 1898, who would commit a crime with those things nowadays.

Antique in South Africa
 

It is classified as a firearm loaded from the front, manufactured before 1 January 1900, or a replica of such firearm. NO LICENCE REQUIRED! (Only a permit to posess the powder)
The past few days I had the opportunity to join a hunting party. Amongst them were two hunters who shot with these replicas. They were successful, and shot 4 animals with 4 shots. It puts down a blue wildebeest without any trouble.
I took a shot with a .5" on the shooting range. Nice kick! The additional benefit is the smokescreen after the shot to get away in the case of the animal charging!
Piet