quote:

Q: What qualifies as an antique firearm?
As defined in 18 U.S.C. § 921(a)(16) the term “antique firearm” means —

A. any firearm (including any firearm with a matchlock, flintlock, percussion cap, or similar type of ignition system) manufactured in or before 1898; or

B. any replica of any firearm described in subparagraph (A) if such replica —

i. is not designed or redesigned for using rimfire or conventional centerfire fixed ammunition, or

ii. uses rimfire or conventional centerfire fixed ammunition which is no longer manufactured in the United States and which is not readily available in the ordinary channels of commercial trade; or

C. any muzzle loading rifle, muzzle loading shotgun, or muzzle loading pistol, which is designed to use black powder, or a black powder substitute, and which cannot use fixed ammunition. For purposes of this subparagraph, the term ‘antique firearm’ shall not include any weapon which incorporates a firearm frame or receiver, any firearm which is converted into a muzzle loading weapon, or any muzzle loading weapon, which can be readily converted to fire fixed ammunition by replacing the barrel, bolt, breechblock, or any combination thereof.


ATF has previously determined that certain muzzle loading models are firearms and subject to the provisions of the Gun Control Act of 1968 (GCA). All of these guns incorporate the frame or receiver of a firearm that is capable of accepting other barrels designed to fire conventional rimfire or centerfire fixed ammunition. Therefore, these muzzle loading models do not meet the definition of “antique firearm” as that term is defined in the above-cited § 921(a)(16) and are “firearms” as defined in 18 U.S.C. § 921(a)(3)

Furthermore, as firearms, the models described above, as well as other similar models, regardless of installed barrel type, are subject to all provisions of the GCA. Persons who purchase these firearms from licensed dealers are required to fill out ATF Form 4473 and are subject to a National Instant Background Check System (NICS) check. Convicted felons and certain other persons are prohibited from receiving and possessing these firearms.

The following is a list of weapons that load from the muzzle and remain classified as firearms, not antiques, under the purview of the GCA since they incorporate the frame or receiver of a firearm:

quote:

Originally posted by kcstott:
I had my 1891 shipped directly to me along with other firearms that are perfectly capable of being reworked to anything you want.
It doesn't matter what the rifle "could be" chambered for. It's what it is chambered for or was originally chambered for if it's an action only. If it has a new barrel or have been rechambered to the "readily available ammo" all bets are off. and it must be treated as a conventional modern firearm

That said the law is a little vague and somewhat contradicting. So all it would take is a agent with a hair up his ass to cause some major issues.

quote:

Originally posted by ikesdad:
To start with, its not "pre 98".....its pre '99.
If it was made by Loewe, then its a antique as that name ceased to be in 1896. After that, DWM was being stamped on the receivers. If a DWM made receiver, there's a good chance it was made after Jan 1 1899.

In the definition in the OP's first post...
Read sub paragraph A as it stands...."Any firearm manufactured in or before 1898"
Dont ADD sub paragraph B to it.
It clearly states "or".

Looky here.... http://www.mausercentral.com/f...iewtopic.php?t=15832
Follow the link there.

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Originally posted by ikesdad:
In a nutshell....if its stamped "Loewe", then its an antique. No different than sending a pair of vise grips, or Aunt Sally's ball peen hammer.

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Originally posted by craigster:
What part of "I will only ship to a C&R or Class 1 FFL" doesn't he understand?

You don't know this guy from Jack, don't take the chance.