Shipping/Selling blackpowder handgun??

**jaseman** · June 27th, 2012, 05:24 PM

If I'm selling a blackpowder handgun, and shipping it, to someone out of state, do I need to go through an FFL?

I'm kinda confused as to where BP guns (rifle or pistol) fall into the legal realm.

Also, any suggestions for how to verify my buyer is legal (does it mater with a BP gun)?

Just want to make sure I'm protected before finalizing a sale...

**knight0334** · June 27th, 2012, 07:05 PM

Only if the receiving state requires it. Federal and PA don't require it because it isn't a "firearm" to either for such purposes.

Under Federal law, blackpowder guns, guns made before 1898, and some guns made after if ammo isn't available under regular commerce are NOT a firearm. Federal law doesn't prohibit convicted felons or other typically prohibited persons from owning antique guns.

PA's law is pretty much the same, except it is still a "firearm" when carried concealed and when dealing with prohibited persons.

What state will it be going to? If it is NY, IL, HI, NJ, and a couple others - it is a good chance it will need to go to a FFL.

**jaseman** · June 27th, 2012, 08:09 PM

Gun would ship to California. Buyer says it wouldn't need FFL, but I still want to make sure MY ass is covered.

Unless I've missed something (which is very possible - don't speak legalize very well) I have a hard time finding anything referinceing black powder, and when it is or isn't exempt, in most of the stickied links.

**knight0334** · June 27th, 2012, 10:33 PM

I'm 99.8% sure you are OK with California.

**CJR** · June 28th, 2012, 09:58 AM

You can grab a Cabelas or Sportsmens Guide catalog, they have a list of where they wont ship BP guns. Not legal advice, but a place to start.

From Sportsmans Guide website
WARNING: You must be 21 or older to purchase Black Powder firearms. All Black Powder firearms are shipped UPS and require an adult signature upon delivery.
WARNING: Black Powder firearms cannot be shipped to AZ; CA; CO; DE; HI; MI; Chicago, IL; NJ, New York City; Las Vegas, NV; RI; TN; UT; D.C.; MA; Canada or Puerto Rico. Black Powder firearms cannot be shipped Parcel Post. Please check your State, County and City laws for restrictions before ordering Black Powder firearms.

Couple of surprises there.