Can A Felon Own A Black Powder Gun?

May 2024 · 6 minute read

Black powder guns are firearms that enroll preliminary firearm technology. That kind of technology generally includes hand-loaded bullets. These black powder guns are very easy to operate. These are also easy for common people to manufacture compared to any regular gun. Lead balls and gun powder are also easy to make and are analogous to bullets.

People call a black powder gun a muzzleloader. Technically, a muzzleloader is a firearm that runs by pushing the projectile. In this method, usually, the powder charge is done through the muzzle. The black powder however is used instead of smokeless powder in a muzzleloader. That’s why a muzzleloader is considered a black powder gun.

Owning a black powder gun, however, is not against the rule. This is legal as a black powder gun is not a firearm. It can be purchased and owned by anyone without any legal permission or license.

Can A Felon Own A Black Powder Gun?

A felon, convicted of violent felonies, losses their rights to purchase, transfer, own, or use a firearm. These felonies are- murder, kidnapping, rape, robbery, armed burglary, arson, and aggravated assault. or any kind of dangerous weapon under the felon’s custody as per Federal and State laws.

If owning a traditional firearm is not possible, a felon may own a black powder gun as an alternative. Most firearms are loaded from the breech or the rear. But the loading technique of a muzzleloader is different. That’s why the authorities do not place too many restrictions on it.

In most countries, however, possession of a black powder gun is legal for a felon. On the other hand, certain states consider it illegal. The rules and regulations of having a black powder gun vary with countries.

Laws To Possess A Black Powder Gun

1 In the United States

In the United States, it is legal for a convicted felon to own a black powder gun during his custody or control. Under Federal and State laws, a black powder gun is also termed an ‘antique firearm’.

Antique firearms are discharged under the United States Gun Control Act of 1968.

can a felon own black powdergun

In this act, antique firearms are designated as:

As far as black powder guns qualify the above characteristics, a felon can own and use them. It will be completely legal to possess them.

2 In Utah

3 As Per Federal Law

The Federal explosive laws do not make it illegal for a felon to acquire and possess a black powder gun. The gun should not exceed the weight limit of fifty pounds. Besides, felons should use it only for sporting, recreational or cultural purposes.

can felon own black powdergun

Having a muzzleloader, however, does not give felon permission to hunt with it. It requires a hunting license to be eligible to hunt legally. If a felon wants to get the license and hunt legally, he has to remove his crime records from the court.

It requires precautions and a felon has to know the laws to hunt with a muzzle-loading gun. If any kind of mistake happens, a muzzleloader may turn into a deadly weapon. The authorities might arrest him again and send him go back to prison for such a mistake.

4 In California

In California, it is illegal to purchase, possess or use a black powder gun for a felon. The black powder guns qualify as antique firearms under California law. Instead of them, a convicted felon can possess daggers, dirks, or stilettos in his property. He, however, cannot carry them in cars or public.

5 In Florida

In Florida, it is illegal for convicted felons to possess a firearm. The list of firearms includes a muzzleloader or black powder gun. A felon can, however, own them if he has restored his firearm right. He can possess a gun which is certified as an antique firearm as per the laws of Florida. He can hunt with bows, crossbows, and air guns if he has a license for using them.

6 In Alaska

A felon can’t possess a black powder gun legally in Alaska. Anyway, he can apply for a pardon from the government of Alaska or the president of the United States. When the authorities approve his application, he can own a black powder gun.

7 In Michigan

In Michigan, it is illegal for a felon to own or use a firearm without an approved pardon from the government. The federal government however does not consider black powder guns as firearms. So, if there is no prohibition from the state, it is legal for a felon to possess a black powder gun.

8 In Illinois

In Illinois, if a felon wants to buy or own a black powder gun, he must obtain Firearm Owners Identification or FOID. A felon cannot purchase any firearm without this FOID. If a felon however possesses a firearm without FOID, even in his own house, the authorities consider it a crime.

Conclusion

In this article, we spoke about black powder guns or muzzleloaders as antique firearms. We also discussed the laws to possess a black powder gun in various countries. This might be useful to understand the rules and regulations to possess a black powder gun for a felon.

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