Handgun classification...

[Bill M.]

Hi, I'm new to the PAFOA. I have a question about how handguns are classified and where to find this information... I've read in some these forums, and elsewhere, things like “the BATF classifies the XDM as a single action or the Glock as a DOA”. I've looked on the ATF website under publications and can't find anything like this. Does the BATF make this information public and if so where could I get a copy??? Thanks, Bill

[HiredGoon]

Hello! Not exactly what you're looking for, but may be of interest.

http://www.handguninfo.com/Archive/w...com/xddasa.htm

[Adam M Geer]

Originally Posted by Bill M.

Hi, I'm new to the PAFOA. I have a question about how handguns are classified and where to find this information... I've read in some these forums, and elsewhere, things like “the BATF classifies the XDM as a single action or the Glock as a DOA”. I've looked on the ATF website under publications and can't find anything like this. Does the BATF make this information public and if so where could I get a copy??? Thanks, Bill

Welcome to the Forum Bill! I dont know what to tell you... But I am sure you will get your answer here in a bit....

[mojo]

Didn't know that the ATF classified handguns like that. I don't see how a Glock can be a DOA though. I would consider it more of a SOA if I had to choose one.

[Xringshooter]

The BATFE classifies things this way:

Long arm (rifle or shotgun)

Handgun (revolvers and pistols)

Other (receivers, frames, and other firearms that are not either handguns or long guns, and NFA firearms)

That's it, according to the BATFE

Everything else is "classified" by the way the trigger mechanism works;

1911 style is a SA pistol
Ruger Blackhawk is a SA revolver
Ruger GP100 is considered a DA revolver (but it can be a SA also)
S&W 5906 is a DA/SA pistol
Glocks, I believe, are considered DA because of the way the striker works
Some newer pistols are considered SA/DA because you cock them and if the round doesn't go off you can pull the trigger again to cock and release the hammer
Other pistols are DAO because you have to pull the trigger to cock and release the hammer for every shot.

[Bill M.]

Hi Again, and thanks for all of the replies... I'd like respond to one of them. Ron stated in his post “The BATFE classifies things this way .... Everything else is "classified" by the way the trigger mechanism works”. Ron, I agree with you. I've had discussions like this around my house. But, if I had to prove to someone that a specific handgun has a specific action type or any other specification for that matter, where would I find literature to back up my statement?
I recently read an article online written by Massad Ayoob (“Can semantics get you killed,” American Handgunner, Nov-Dec, 2002). In it he even commented on the “BATF [ruling] the Glock to be double action only”.
“HiredGoon” also sent a link to “HandGunInfo.com” (good article by the way). It also quotes the BATF as saying a “Law Enforcement Agency might buy a "less safe" pistol simply because the ATF ruled it DA.
So, going back to my original question, If the BATF makes this info public, I sure would like to get a copy...
Thanks again to all...
Bill