A Century of Browning v Sullivan

Many here no doubt know that this year marks the 100th anniversary of John Browning's famous 1911 model semi-auto pistol, which has spawned may derivative designs, including Plaxico Burriss' famous Glock.

Interestingly, Plaxico was convicted under New York's (equally) well-known, if not infamous, (Big Tim) Sullivan Act, whch became law in September, 1911.

http://graphics8.nytimes.com/packages/pdf/nyregion/2011/bar-hidden-weapons.pdf

Of course we now know that this was Big Tim's way of ensuring that only "his" men had guns and the rival gangs did not.

I thought it interesting that Utah has adopted the 1911 pistol as its State Handgun to honor John Browning. New York has apparently not seen fit to honor Big Tim for his contribution to the social order that exists. Big Tim's assertion that other states would follow his lead hasn't gained much traction either, in spite of Blumberg's efforts. One opponent to his bill did get it right, though when he stated that criminals wouldn't be bothered to obtain a carry permit.

xd shooter said:

Of course we now know that this was Big Tim's way of ensuring that only "his" men had guns and the rival gangs did not.

Click to expand...

Yeah, but it stands as a shining example of how law only applies to the law abiding. The italian mafioso, who this law was aimed at, properly ignored it and left the irish gangs bleeding to death in the streets.