History & Philosophy

Fast Reloading of Guns in the 19th Century 0
- Gun Companies & Sports, History & Philosophy
- June 5, 2023
Originally published on Reason.com This post describes the speediest means of reloading firearms in the 19th century. The main focus is not the ammunition capacity of any particular type of arm, but rather how quickly various arms could be reloaded after the initial ammunition was spent. As the post also explains, although the 19th century was,
READ MORE
The Founders Were Well Aware of Continuing Advances in Arms Technology 0
- Gun Companies & Sports, History & Philosophy
- May 26, 2023
Originally published on Reason.com During the 19th century, firearms improved more than in any other century. As of 1800, most firearms were single-shot muzzleloading blackpowder flintlocks. By end of the century, semiautomatic pistols using detachable magazines with modern gunpowder and metallic cartridges were available. Would the Founders be surprised by the improvements in ability to exercise
READ MORE
The Legal History of Bans on Firearms and Bowie Knives before 1900 0
- History & Philosophy, Prohibition of Arms
- November 20, 2022
Originally published on Reason.com Bowie knives are back in constitutional law news these days, after a very long absence. The U.S. Supreme Court’s Bruen decision instructs lower courts to look to U.S. legal history to see what sorts of restrictions on Second Amendment rights are consistent with the mainstream American legal tradition. According to the Court,
READ MORE

Bowie Knife Statutes 1837-1899 0
- History & Philosophy, Prohibition of Arms
- November 20, 2022
Originally published on Reason.com This post describes and analyzes nineteenth century state statutes on Bowie knives. It is a companion to my post The legal history of bans on firearms and Bowie knives before 1900, which described case law. As detailed in that article, the term “Bowie knife” because popular for knife marketing in America and
READ MORE
A Glossary of Militia Law Terms 0
- History & Philosophy
- April 27, 2022
Originally published on Reason.com In the colonial period and the Early Republic, laws required members of the public to possess certain arms and accoutrements. This post provides a glossary of all such items that are mentioned in any mandatory arming statute from the settlement of Virginia in 1607 through 1800. This post is based on David
READ MORE
“The Right to Bear Arms” by Stephen Halbrook: Book Review 0
- History & Philosophy
- May 1, 2021
Originally published on Reason.com The U.S. Supreme Court has granted certiorari to hear a major case on the right to bear arms, New York State Rifle & Pistol Association Inc. v. Corlett. By happy coincidence, the best book on the legal history of the right has just been published: Stephen P. Halbrook, The Right to Bear
READ MORE