Muzzleloaders are weapons. Due to this, it can be difficult for someone who has a prior conviction to own any sort of weapon legally.
There are specific specifications for every state. But weapon rules and regulations are covered under federal laws. This means that those who have a felony conviction may not be able to own any firearms at all.
Firearms are something that you may want to own for hunting, or even to protect yourself inside your own home. There are other ways that you are able to do this besides owning firearms.
Learn more…
Is a Muzzleloader a Firearm?
Those who want to learn more about the firearms out there, but also find out if they even qualify as a firearm is in luck.
Muzzleloader firearms were more common in the 19th century and they are black powder guns, and many of these guns were manufactured back in 1898.
The law that bans felons from owning firearms was enacted in 1968, and since the black powder firearms were manufactured prior to this date and are considered a collectible or antique; they are not considered a weapon or firearm.
This federal law does not state that felons are unable to own an antique firearm. This includes muzzleloaders that were manufactured before this time.
These antiques are hard to find in the United States, and a lot of the parts and pieces that are needed are hard to get your hands on, due to the fact that they are no longer being made.
It is important to know that the firearm that you own is actually an antique and that you know what it looks like when it was made, and more. This is because if you’re caught with anything other than an antique firearm, you can likely serve prison time.
Those who are convicted felons can only own items that are not considered to be a weapon. These are “collectibles.” The firearm should be manufactured in the 1800s, they should be loaded through the muzzle of the gun, and they should be converted to shoot through this area, as well.
What does this mean for a felon?
What is Black Powder Firearms?
There are many different black powder firearms that are available. Knowing them is important if you’re choosing a firearm to own. If you are a felon, then owning one of these can be done. It has to be manufactured prior to a certain date, though.
The types of black powder firearms available include, but are not limited to:
- A Black Powder Shotgun
- Black Powder Pistols
- Black Powder Revolvers
- A Black Powder Rifle
All of these use black powder and can usually be considered an antique depending on how much black powder is used within them, and the bodies on them.
If you’re unsure of whether or not the firearm uses black powder or when it was manufactured, speaking with the person selling it is important. You need to find out if this is something legal for you to own.
Usually, finding these firearms at an antique shop is one of the strongest indications that it is a collectible and not actually something that is considered a weapon or firearm. These shops generally do not sell firearms, especially those that are made in the current years.
Owning an Antique Firearm
If you’re a felon, then owning any sort of firearm is something that is not allowed. It is against the law for someone to have a firearm if they have served time or have been charged with any felony convictions.
It is important to consider more about owning an antique firearm and showing that the product is just that. If not, then you could find yourself in trouble for owning any sort of firearm.
Due to not being able to own a firearm, you cannot own any ammunition. No firearm, no ammo for it. This means that you need to own a firearm that does not require the use of bullets or ammo.
A muzzleloader is a firearm that requires black powder. Felons are legally allowed to have a firearm that uses less than 50 pounds of black powder because this is all that is needed for hunting or small game, or even for protection but not for harming anyone.
If the muzzleloader uses the frame or receiver of another firearm, then this is something that is still considered a firearm. You can get into trouble because of having or owning one of these. Make sure to check the stock and the pieces of the firearm prior to using it.
It is very important to look into the state and local laws around where you live to ensure that they follow along with the federal level of laws, as this is also important. Just because one law states that these muzzleloaders are allowed or antiques, does not mean that the area that you reside in feels the same.
According to the black powder pistol laws, you cannot own a firearm, but you can own a black powder muzzleloader. It counts as an antique and not an actual weapon.
Conclusion
There are a lot of things to think about when it comes to owning any sort of weapon as a felon. You want to ensure that you know the laws that have to do with this type of product.
Felons are restricted from doing a number of things or owning a number of things. Make sure to learn more about the conviction and see what you’re banned from using.
Being a felon does not mean that you have been stripped of all your rights, either. There are many things you can do and own. It is important to continue to follow the laws that are in place after a felony conviction, though. This is because you want to protect yourself.
You don’t want to worry about the firearms or other items, that you own is illegal. Find out more about the legal limits and laws that are in your area, but also on the federal level.