Hoeffel says he wants rules for antique guns
The Democrat offered statistics on their use in crimes. He will propose bringing them under federal regulation.

By Matt Archbold

INQUIRER SUBURBAN STAFF
In response to a federal study on the number of antique or antique-replica firearms used in crimes, Democratic U.S. Rep. Joseph M. Hoeffel said yesterday that he would introduce legislation to include all working firearms under current federal gun restrictions.

Hoeffel made the announcement yesterday, just days after receiving a report he requested from the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms showing that nationwide, 775 antique firearms were used in violent crimes, including 15 homicides, during the last three years.

“These results prove we have a serious problem that requires a serious, sensible solution,” Hoeffel said.

Hoeffel requested the study shortly after the June shootings at Norristown State Hospital. Dennis Czajkowksi, a former employee, allegedly used an 1856 Colt Revolver replica during the two-day hostage standoff. He has been charged with killing one nurse and injuring another.

The still-undrafted legislation would bring working antique firearms in line with current gun laws assuring background checks, prohibiting possession by felons and minors, and making the guns subject to tracing, reporting and record-keeping requirements.

“The fact that 15 families were torn apart by homicides involving antique guns indicates to me that these firearms should be included under our federal gun laws,” Hoeffel said.

U.S. Rep. Steny Hoyer (D., Md.), who accompanied Hoeffel at the news conference, cited a letter from the ATF stating that now, “felons, unlawful drug users and other prohibited persons may lawfully possess antique firearms, as well as ammunition for antique firearms.”

At the news conference, Hoyer said, “The overwhelming number of . . . owners, purchasers and sellers of antique guns are citizens interested in collecting, seeing, and knowing the history of a particular weapon.”

But he said that the legislation, however controversial, should be implemented to prevent those who would misuse the antiques as weapons in a crime.

Hoeffel said he believed he had a “common sense” proposal but admitted that he could have a difficult time making it law.

“It is possible that any gun-safety proposal could get caught up in that traditional liberal versus conservative fight over gun control. If that happens to this proposal, it will go nowhere,” he said.

Gerhard Windbiel, 57, of Schwenksville, sells antique guns at trade shows throughout the area. He said Hoeffel’s legislation, if passed, would likely drive him out of business.

Windbiel said federally mandated background checks and registrations would considerably boost the cost of trading and selling antique guns. “It would kill collecting,” he said.

He called the proposed legislation “ludicrous” because collectors are more interested in preserving history than committing crimes.