Ask HN: If a pistol made before 1898 isn't legally a “firearm”

IANAL

https://blogs.findlaw.com/fourth_circuit/2013/10/antique-firearms-black-powder-ammo-in-felon-in-possession-case.html

Doesn't this mean antique pistols and other such non-"firearm" firearms are exempted in a number of statutory-defined situations based on the word "firearm?" Airports? Bars? Airport bars? Banks?

2 comments

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AnimalMuppet 5y ago ↗

You're not going to be exempt in an airport. If a knife is a weapon, if a can of mace is a weapon, a pre-1898 black powder pistol is not going to pass.

quercusa 5y ago ↗

Mostly it means that under federal law it doesn't need to be transferred through an FFL in your state. If you buy it online it can be directly shipped to your house. Otherwise you should assume local and state regulations for firearms apply.

See: https://www.atf.gov/firearms/firearms-guides-importation-ver...