Black powder conversion rules

[sirdutch]

If I temporarily convert my Remington with my cartridge conversion and I get stopped by law enforcement with an unloaded revolver in the trunk and for some reason they find it, am I carrying an unregistered revolver? If it was in it's traditional black powder mode and unloaded, there shouldn't be a problem. I'm just wondering. California is always problematic.

[Quiet]

Why would they search the trunk of your vehicle?

It is CA legal to transport an unloaded handgun in the vehicle's trunk.

It is CA legal to own/possess an unregistered handgun, that is not a prohibited weapon (assault weapon, etc.)

An antique firearm is exempt from needing a serial number or marking info engraved on it. [PC 29181(e)]

However...
Installing a metallica cartridge conversion to a blackpowder revolver, changes the firearm into a non-antique firearm.
This will cause the firearm to no longer qualify for the antique firearm exemption to CA self-made firearm laws.
Which means it can now (post-2018) be confiscated as evidence of violating CA self-made firearm laws, due to not having CA DOJ marking info engraved on it & not being registered in AFS.
In order to avoid all that, the firearm would need to be engraved with CA DOJ marking info & registered with CA DOJ.



Penal Code 29180Penal Code 29181
Section 29180 does not apply to or affect any of the following:
(e) A firearm that is a curio or relic, or an antique firearm, as those terms are defined in Section 479.11 of Title 27 of the Code of Federal Regulations.

Penal Code 1617018 USC 92127 CFR 478.11
Antique firearm.
Any firearm (including any firearm with a matchlock, flintlock, percussion cap, or similar type of ignition system) manufactured in or before 1898; and (b) any replica of any firearm described in paragraph (a) of this definition if such replica (1) is not designed or redesigned for using rimfire or conventional centerfire fixed ammunition, or (2) 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.

[SkyHawk]

What if the cartridge conversion was done say 10 - 20 years ago, and the handgun does have a maker and serial number stamped already (as many black power guns do).

Wouldn't the fact that there is a maker and serial already stamped negate the need to have registered it in the latest go round?

Asking because I know several people in this situation. Some of them are not simple drop in conversions either.

[Quiet]

What if the cartridge conversion was done say 10 - 20 years ago, and the handgun does have a maker and serial number stamped already (as many black power guns do).

Wouldn't the fact that there is a maker and serial already stamped negate the need to have registered it in the latest go round?

Asking because I know several people in this situation. Some of them are not simple drop in conversions either.

Penal Code 29181
Section 29180 does not apply to or affect any of the following:
(a) A firearm that has a serial number assigned to it pursuant to either Section 23910 or Chapter 44 (commencing with Section 921) of Part 1 of Title 18 of the United States Code and the regulations issued pursuant thereto.

[sirdutch]

The firearm in question is an Italian clone, a Pietta.l to be specific. I have a Remington, Sheriff's model. No modification is needed to load the cylinders with black powder ratef cowboy cartridges,put the cap back on and install it into the Remington. What you're saying is that once I install the conversion cylinder for cartridges that I am violating the law. I can convert it back to its original form by simply changing out the cylinder back to the black powder configuration. Am I correct in this assessment? Do I need to register that black powder pistol so I can legally converted it to a cartridge cylinder when I feel like it?

[SkyHawk]

The firearm in question is an Italian clone, a Pietta.l to be specific. I have a Remington, Sheriff's model. No modification is needed to load the cylinders with black powder ratef cowboy cartridges,put the cap back on and install it into the Remington. What you're saying is that once I install the conversion cylinder for cartridges that I am violating the law. I can convert it back to its original form by simply changing out the cylinder back to the black powder configuration. Am I correct in this assessment? Do I need to register that black powder pistol so I can legally converted it to a cartridge cylinder when I feel like it?

It might depend on when you first converted it (month/year)

[sirdutch]

Well, it seems to me that having a conversion cylinder that you can drop in and dropout at will with your regular black powder cylinder is problematic in the State of California. Everything seems to be a problem in the State of California. The question does need to be brought up for many of those who have black powder revolvers that like to either convert them or like to switch back and forth from black powder to a cartridge conversion for the day. I don't know if there are any attorneys that are on this site but it would be nice if one chimed in as to whether or not one is legally liable for having a cartridge conversion in a black powder firearm. I am talking about a identifiable legally manufactured firearm that has a serial number already on it that was manufactured for black powder purposes

[81turbota]

Everything seems to be a problem in the State of California.

Yes.

[Tom-ADC]

[pitfighter]

This - and if you're still nervous keep them stored separately - just put it in when you're at the range.
Definitely not legal advice - lol - just sleep at night advice.

[sirdutch]

Thanks to Tom-ADC and everyone else for responding. I have several blackpowder clones that I love( along a some 1st Gen Colt), and I wouldn't think of grinding the frame or permanently altering even a clone revolver. I know folks who have and more power to them for what the wish to do to their own property. I just thought the subject should be broached if it hasn't been already. After posting, a friend of mine told me that she purchased a used Colt clone pistol a few years back at a now defunct gun store that included a conversion cylinder as part of the deal. The gun store owner (now deceased) told her that they would have to run the sale through the D.R.O.S. process and she almost decided to not buy the Uberti. I haven't heard that one before so I thought I would mention it here.
I guess that she doesn't have to worry about this issue no matter what configuration she has it in.

[MuayThaiJJ]

What was the consensus on this? Transport/store in black powder mode with the conversion cylinder stored separately?

[Paul_R]

It's a Remington. Just remove the cylinder if you're worried about it for cryin' out loud.

[Alan Block]

Convert to 455 Ely or 45 Schofield. Cartridges not generally available through normal channels.

[MuayThaiJJ]

It's a Remington. Just remove the cylinder if you're worried about it for cryin' out loud.

Hey I'm not the OP, just came across this thread and nobody seemed to really know...it's good to KNOW though, right?