Crossword Genius

Gun held by officer if legal (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

rifle

'gun' is the definition.
(I know that rifle is a type of firearm)

'held by officer if legal' is the wordplay.
'held by' indicates a hidden word.
'RIFLE' is hidden within 'officer if legal'.

(Other definitions for rifle that I've seen before include "Strip - firearm" , "Gun - ransack" , "One that has stock" , "Gun; thoroughly search" , "Root" .)

I've seen this clue in The Daily Express.
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