Legal? zipgun?

[Mstrty]

It is a single shot muzzleloader stored in a fancy case. I want one

I see it has a stamp. Why? It looks exactly like a gun when assembled.

[ke6guj]

this has been talked about on some the NFA-centric forums in the past. I don't see why it would need a tax stamp since it does look like a pistol when fireable, and it doesn't used fixed ammp, but perhaps the inventor just wanted to be safe. $200 for a tax stamp and you don't have to worry about them calling it an AOW sounds like a bargain to me.

[Mstrty]

Is this obtainable in California?

[Peter.Steele]

If it uses non-fixed ammunition, then legally - Federally speaking, that is - it's not even a firearm never mind an AOW.

[CHS]

If it uses non-fixed ammunition, then legally - Federally speaking, that is - it's not even a firearm never mind an AOW.

Incorrect.

The feds still consider a black-powder muzzle loader or anything that uses non-fixed ammunition a firearm.

They are, however, exempt from the laws governing firearms transfers.

Walk around with a loaded one and you'll find out soon enough who considers them firearms and who doesn't

[CHS]

Is this obtainable in California?

It's an art project one-off. So, no, unless you can get the guy to sell it to you.

Can you make one yourself? Sure.

Is the end product itself illegal in CA in any way? No.

[Peter.Steele]

Incorrect.

The feds still consider a black-powder muzzle loader or anything that uses non-fixed ammunition a firearm.

They are, however, exempt from the laws governing firearms transfers.

Walk around with a loaded one and you'll find out soon enough who considers them firearms and who doesn't

Nope.

The state considers BP weapons to be firearms, but the federal government does not. Muzzle loading black powder and other non-fixed ammunition types are not regulated by the NFA. Neither are - for instance - pinfire weapons, or other non-rimfire, non-centerfire ammunition types. There's ATF letters on the subject available.

[CHS]

Nope.

The state considers BP weapons to be firearms, but the federal government does not. Muzzle loading black powder and other non-fixed ammunition types are not regulated by the NFA. Neither are - for instance - pinfire weapons, or other non-rimfire, non-centerfire ammunition types. There's ATF letters on the subject available.

Not regulated by the NFA != "not a firearm".

Black powder arms are firearms defined by federal law (as 'antique firearms') but simply exempt from federal transfer requirements as defined by the GCA.

A Remington 1858 copy that you mail order from Cabelas is still a firearm even though you don't have to fill out a 4473.

The state also considers them firearms and exempt from transfer requirements. Just like the feds.

[CHS]

FEDERAL definition of a firearm, FYI:

(A) any weapon (including a starter gun) which will or is designed to or may readily be converted to expel a projectile by the action of an explosive;

You can find it in 18 USC 921(a)(3)(a)

Shortly after that the USC further defines firearms into categories like rifles, shotguns, etc..