Under the Oklahoma Firearms Act, a handgun is now the same thing as a pistol. The definition of those items changed from any firearm capable of discharging a projectile to any firearm capable of discharging single or multiple projectiles from a single round of ammunition. The pistol/handgun must still be composed of any material that may reasonably be expected to be able to cause lethal injury, with a barrel or barrels less than 16″ inches long, and a combustible propellant charge, but does not include flare guns, underwater fishing guns, or blank pistols. “Handgun” was also added to the Oklahoma Self-Defense Act were it just mentioned a “pistol.”
New Definitions In The Oklahoma Self-Defense Act
“Unconcealed handgun” or “open carry” – a loaded or unloaded pistol or handgun carried upon the person in a holster where the firearm is visible, or carried upon the person using a scabbard, sling, or case designed for carrying firearms.
“Pistol” or “handgun” – any derringer, revolver or semiautomatic firearm that:
- has an overall barrel or barrels length of less than 16″ long,
- is capable of discharging single or multiple projectiles from a single round of ammunition composed of any material that may reasonably be expected to be able to cause lethal injury,
- can be held and fired by the use of one or both hands, and
- uses a combustible propellant charge to propel the projectile or projectiles.
The definition of pistol or handgun for purposes of the Oklahoma Self-Defense Act does not apply to imitation pistols, flare guns, underwater fishing guns, or blank pistols.
SB 36 amended 21 O.S §§ 1289.3 and 1290.2. The changes went into effect November 1, 2017
Sources: SB 36, 21 O.S § 1289.3, & 21 O.S § 1290.2
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