Are black powder revolvers considered firearms?

Question

Can you carry them legaly? concealed?

Answer 1

In some states they are considered firearms, some states they are not. By Federal law they are not firearms.

The states where they are not considered firearms still consider them to be deadly weapons. If you live in an open carry state (such as Arizona) you can carry them legally in the open, but you will need a concealed weapons permit to carry it concealed.

Answer 2

Shipping Black Powder Firearms

Answer 3

It's not a simple yes or no answer. The law is complicated, you need to talk to a lawyer who is conversant in firearms law in your state. If you carry you should have a lawyer on retainer anyway.

From a purely Federal perspective, a muzzleloader is an "antique firearm", not a "firearm", unless it can be readily converted to fire fixed ammunition. BATF maintains a list of specific models of muzzleloaders that are considered "firearms" for purpose of Federal law.

State laws are all over the board. In some states black powder firearms are regulated exactly the same as modern firearms. Other states don't impose any additional restrictions over Federal law. Likewise the regulations for buying or possessing black powder are all over the place. Don't expect the laws to make any sense, especially if you live in a gun-grabbing blue state.

All this only covers OWNERSHIP. Regardless of whether it is a "firearm" or a "antique firearm", it is still a DEADLY WEAPON, so carrying it either openly or concealed, or even transporting it outside of your home, is governed by the laws of your state. If you live in a Constitutional Carry state, you're probably OK. If you live in a Shall-Issue state, you need to consult the issuing authority and possibly get the appropriate certification if required (Some states' CCW permits list the specific model weapons you are allowed to carry).

If in doubt, consult with a QUALIFIED lawyer (not all lawyers know the ins and outs of firearms law) or request a written opinion from your state's Attorney General.

Answer 4

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
Are black powder revolvers considered firearms?
Can you carry them legaly? concealed?

Answer 5

Your answer is a qualified yes, they are firearms in that they use an explosive material to propell a projectile out of a barrel. However, some laws in some states have been written in such a way that a blackpowder gun is not considered a firearm in certain instances. So, there is not one simple yes or no answer that will cover all possible uses of the term "firearm". You have to know the applicable law covering the instance in which you will be defining the weapon. Just because it is not considered a firearm in one law does not mean that it will not be considered a firearm in all laws.

Answer 6

These guns for me are great, I have a dozen of them. I you guys plan on wearing them in the open gunslinger style like me, I suggest you advice your local sheriff, and local city police and inform them that they are perfectly legal. Once you inform them (they will actually learn some gun info) then you can be rather more confident that you will get no hassles. Unfortunately there will be some rookie cop trying to make a name for himself that will become a problem. Here in Texas theres a good change we will become an open carry..................until then it will be more common and less hassles.

Answer 7

I will add to JD's post that you can in fact buy a black powder handgun and buy a centerfire convertable clyinder over the counter as neither are ffl products.

I assume this assembly is legal because
1. there are plenty of people doing it
2. the cylinder's would be ffl

Answer 8

It's funny how knowing what you are talking about can earn you a thumbs down, but claiming to be an expert and telling people what they want to hear, instead of what is actually true, will earn you a thumbs up. That's one of the problems here, the audience aren't always the best judge of an answer.

For carry purposes they are firearms. For hunting purposes you can call them what you like, but being able to use them in the ancient or traditional or primitive hunting season doesn't make them not a firearm. For 'will the cop shoot you if you don't drop it' purposes they are firearms. BS weeny gunsmithing technicalities are not going to keep you out of prison if you try hauling a black powder weapon around the world under your jacket without a concealed carry permit.

They are firearms.

Just because you don't need an FFL to buy or transfer one doesn't mean it isn't. It just means you can buy it. I can find the law that says an unprimed cap and ball revolver isn't considered a loaded firearm, but not the part that says it's a firearm in the first place.

In Illinois, muzzleloaders and blackpowder guns are considered firearms and you need an FOID card to buy one.

From a Blackpowder site "Notice: The sale of all black powder firearms and ammunition is regulated by law in the following areas: Michigan, Illinois, California, Hawaii, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Tennessee, and Puerto Rico. Shipping is either illegal or requires some type of license or document exchange. In either case, we do not ship blackpowder firearms to these areas. Check your local and state laws before ordering."

Nobody is going to give you a break because it's a cap and ball sixgun when you walk in to the bank. Not a practical carry weapon anyway.

As Steve Earl says:-

"It can get you into trouble but it can't get you out"

Answer 9

NO..The only Black Powder Revolvers that are classified as Firearms are those capable of being converted to use modern ammunition.

NO.... You cannot LEGALLY carry one , concealed or otherwise.......
It would under these cicumstances still be a criminal act of carrying a concealed deadly "weapon".....

Answer 10

any gun that uses black powder, regular powder, smokeless powder, or shoots a bullet is classified as a firearm, and if its classified as a firearm you cant carry it concealed with out a permit