So the other day I went into bass pro and bought another pistol ('51 navy, I'll post pics later). Now I'm 18 so it is sort of weird that the law would let me buy a pistol but not let me buy a cartridge pistol. It seems to me that you can kill someone just as dead with a BP revolver as you can with a modern one; Thats pretty much all they used 150+ years ago right? BTY I'm in michigan. Anybody know why its like this?
Are BP Revolvers REALLY not considered firearms by the law?
- Thread starter NateKirk
- Start date
deerslayer303
New member
BWAHAHAHAHA!!! Thanks for the good laugh Mykeal! 
That should be a signature line for sure. 
the rifleer
New member
this is a little OT, but never think that criminals are dumb. I assure you they are not. They may make poor life decisions, but they are not dumb.
Most criminals ARE dumb. At times they may seem clever because they've learned to game the system but generally most of them get caught doing stupid things over and over again. And really isn't "making poor life choices" just a politically correct way of saying dumb? 
BTW, I'm sure my father never heard anyone utter that phrase... WWII vet, from Omaha beach through the Battle of the Bulge when he was wounded for the second and final time... Sergeant John Henry Slagter would kick your ass for "making poor life choices" in hopes that you'd learn to make "productive life choices..."
BTW, I'm sure my father never heard anyone utter that phrase... WWII vet, from Omaha beach through the Battle of the Bulge when he was wounded for the second and final time... Sergeant John Henry Slagter would kick your ass for "making poor life choices" in hopes that you'd learn to make "productive life choices..."
Well it depends . Under the FFA ya they are not considered a regulated firearm . In fact some would say not a firearm at all . However under many state laws they are considered firearms even though they follow the guidelines of the FFA . Thus most states just require you to be 18 in order to purchase the gun .
BUT , this maybe changing . Not a lot of talk about it yet but I have herd some whispering that there maybe changes to that in all these new proposed gun laws .
Many of these make little sense and have not for some time . Case in point . Lets say you want your 870 engraved . Even if your tear the thing completely down , send it off with nothing other then the receiver with no parts in it . IE just a steel box . Do you know the person who you are having engrave it , must be an FFL holder .
Now here is another one for you . Lets say you buy a reproduction steel framed colt . 1851, 1860, 1858.…. Any of which you only have to be 18 to buy “in most states “
You then go out and buy the conversion cylinder and convert it to shot , 38 special , 38 long or short , 45 long colt , 45 ACP ……….
Did you have to go through a background check ?? Nope
Yet at the same time if you go out and try and buy a modern muzzleloader that’s capable of interchangeable barrel so as to shoot center fire , you will have to go through the back ground checks .
Its an odd , odd deal really
BUT , this maybe changing . Not a lot of talk about it yet but I have herd some whispering that there maybe changes to that in all these new proposed gun laws .
Many of these make little sense and have not for some time . Case in point . Lets say you want your 870 engraved . Even if your tear the thing completely down , send it off with nothing other then the receiver with no parts in it . IE just a steel box . Do you know the person who you are having engrave it , must be an FFL holder .
Now here is another one for you . Lets say you buy a reproduction steel framed colt . 1851, 1860, 1858.…. Any of which you only have to be 18 to buy “in most states “
You then go out and buy the conversion cylinder and convert it to shot , 38 special , 38 long or short , 45 long colt , 45 ACP ……….
Did you have to go through a background check ?? Nope
Yet at the same time if you go out and try and buy a modern muzzleloader that’s capable of interchangeable barrel so as to shoot center fire , you will have to go through the back ground checks .
Its an odd , odd deal really
in the state of michigan, its legal to buy through the mail from any online ocmpany, and have it sent to your door by ups or fedex. no ffl dealer needed.
however you are required to "register" ANY handgun regardless of what it actually is. but you cant legally register a handgun unless your 21
however you are required to "register" ANY handgun regardless of what it actually is. but you cant legally register a handgun unless your 21
"Yes, you can kill someone just as dead with a bp gun as with a smokeless cartridge gun; you just can't do it as fast or as often"
Yeah, I figured it had to do with the reload time. Though criminals could fix that by carrying multiple guns or just converting them. Our gun laws are really stupid
Yeah, I figured it had to do with the reload time. Though criminals could fix that by carrying multiple guns or just converting them. Our gun laws are really stupid
g.willikers
New member
Some states only consider the bp revolver to be a firearm if it is used in the commission of a crime.
Poindexter
New member
Be aware also that some states (I think maybe Kansas is one) do NOT recognize Bp firearms as "guns", but state law might still prohibit someone from carrying the "not gun" in a concealed manner.
bedbugbilly
New member
+1 to what mykeal states . . . .
In Michigan, you do not need a LTP to purchase a black powder handgun . . . the LTP is basically the "registration" of the handgun which is required and an attempt to screen the buyer in regards running background check and preventing those with felony convictions, domestic abuse issues, warrants, etc. from purchasing a handgun. At the time you pull the LTP, you must furnish your driver's license or state ID which is "run" prior to the permit being issued. Whether a person agrees with it or not, I view it as the state's attempt to do the same thing as when you fill out the FFL forms - and I know of several cases where the LTP process has kept convicted felons from purchasing a handgun . . . at least legally.
I have to deal with the sheriff's department in my county when I purchase a handgun in Michigan. In the past, I have discussed the registration of a BP handgun - necessary or not - and have been told "no". One of the reasons behind the LTP/registration is so that if the registered handgun is stolen, or if a handgun is recovered . . . it can be traced to the owner. In the case of it being stolen/recovered - it can be returned to the owner. (unless used in a crime and held for evidence). For the purposes of the possibility of a BP handgun ever being stolen/recovered - I believe that they can be registered if you want to - this may depend upon the authority issuing the LTP permits. In the past, I have registered antique handguns that are not required to be purchased when I was going to sell them through a FFL dealer on consignment just so there was a paper trail. How the FFL dealer handled them after I transferred them to him was up to his discretion. The sheriff's department never questioned why I wanted them registered as they view the registration as a means of locating the owner in the event of theft/recovery and they were very helpful in informing me what was and what wasn't required.
To the OP . . . nope, it doesn't make sense but then a lot of the laws don't. Laws are made by politicians . . . nobody ever said that they "make sense". As far as being 18 and being able to purchase a BP handgun but not a cartridge handgun . . . I know a whole lot of 18 (or under 21 years old) who aren't mature enough to possess a cartridge handgun . . . but then I also know a whole lot of folks who are older that aren't mature enough as well. At the same time, I find it a little mind boggling that we take 18 year olds into the service, teach them how to operate and fire everything from handguns to missiles . . . ask them to sacrifice their lives if necessary to protect our freedom and rights . . . and then after they are out of the service, the same ones who appropriate funds for the services feel it is their "duty" to restrict them as civilians who need to be "protected from themselves". It's easier to restrict rights than to address the real problems . . . mental health, parents being parents and teaching their kids responsibility, morals and the considerration of others.
Who knows how all of this will sift out when Washington gets done "working their magic". I have a feeling that at some point, BP will be included - after all - you have to keep such things out of the hands of the criminals and we all know they will abide by the law. If you want to take that last statement and fertilize your flowers with it . . . be my guest.
In Michigan, you do not need a LTP to purchase a black powder handgun . . . the LTP is basically the "registration" of the handgun which is required and an attempt to screen the buyer in regards running background check and preventing those with felony convictions, domestic abuse issues, warrants, etc. from purchasing a handgun. At the time you pull the LTP, you must furnish your driver's license or state ID which is "run" prior to the permit being issued. Whether a person agrees with it or not, I view it as the state's attempt to do the same thing as when you fill out the FFL forms - and I know of several cases where the LTP process has kept convicted felons from purchasing a handgun . . . at least legally.
I have to deal with the sheriff's department in my county when I purchase a handgun in Michigan. In the past, I have discussed the registration of a BP handgun - necessary or not - and have been told "no". One of the reasons behind the LTP/registration is so that if the registered handgun is stolen, or if a handgun is recovered . . . it can be traced to the owner. In the case of it being stolen/recovered - it can be returned to the owner. (unless used in a crime and held for evidence). For the purposes of the possibility of a BP handgun ever being stolen/recovered - I believe that they can be registered if you want to - this may depend upon the authority issuing the LTP permits. In the past, I have registered antique handguns that are not required to be purchased when I was going to sell them through a FFL dealer on consignment just so there was a paper trail. How the FFL dealer handled them after I transferred them to him was up to his discretion. The sheriff's department never questioned why I wanted them registered as they view the registration as a means of locating the owner in the event of theft/recovery and they were very helpful in informing me what was and what wasn't required.
To the OP . . . nope, it doesn't make sense but then a lot of the laws don't. Laws are made by politicians . . . nobody ever said that they "make sense". As far as being 18 and being able to purchase a BP handgun but not a cartridge handgun . . . I know a whole lot of 18 (or under 21 years old) who aren't mature enough to possess a cartridge handgun . . . but then I also know a whole lot of folks who are older that aren't mature enough as well. At the same time, I find it a little mind boggling that we take 18 year olds into the service, teach them how to operate and fire everything from handguns to missiles . . . ask them to sacrifice their lives if necessary to protect our freedom and rights . . . and then after they are out of the service, the same ones who appropriate funds for the services feel it is their "duty" to restrict them as civilians who need to be "protected from themselves". It's easier to restrict rights than to address the real problems . . . mental health, parents being parents and teaching their kids responsibility, morals and the considerration of others.
Who knows how all of this will sift out when Washington gets done "working their magic". I have a feeling that at some point, BP will be included - after all - you have to keep such things out of the hands of the criminals and we all know they will abide by the law. If you want to take that last statement and fertilize your flowers with it . . . be my guest.
robhof
The crazy left is too focused on light weight, semiauto rifles and semiauto pistols currently, once they gain control of them, they'll come after anything that goes bang. It'll be great when they try, as you can cast your own bullets and make your own powder from readily available material, although they are trying to get lead designated as a dangerous substance.
The crazy left is too focused on light weight, semiauto rifles and semiauto pistols currently, once they gain control of them, they'll come after anything that goes bang. It'll be great when they try, as you can cast your own bullets and make your own powder from readily available material, although they are trying to get lead designated as a dangerous substance.
im in michigan, heres the thing. according to STATE POLICE no permit is actually needed to buy one in a store, or online. however the state has a little law that says all handguns have to be registered.... so yes ya do after you get it.
but you cant legally get a purchase permit till your 21... kinda funnyish.
but they are fun as heck. more fun then most women anyway. and dont worry, about two months from now and ideally after you put the 2nd pound of lead through it, youll be thinking to yourself, "god awful mess,,,,, shoulda got a '73"
but you cant legally get a purchase permit till your 21... kinda funnyish.
but they are fun as heck. more fun then most women anyway. and dont worry, about two months from now and ideally after you put the 2nd pound of lead through it, youll be thinking to yourself, "god awful mess,,,,, shoulda got a '73"
Agree with Robhof... Look at Britain, no cartridge firearms, restrictions on airguns for crying out loud, (anything over 12 ft lbs is considered a firearm...) even muzzleloaders heavily regulated.
Newton you've been hanging around with the wrong wimmens, or you're doing something drastically wrong... Agreed they are almost all certifiably nuts but lets not go overboard.
Newton you've been hanging around with the wrong wimmens, or you're doing something drastically wrong... Agreed they are almost all certifiably nuts but lets not go overboard.
This also has to do with the difficult concealment and limited repeatability of BP pistols. (I admit I don't shoot BP at all, and I have no brain cells that want me to)
The legal status of BP guns is another example of fine bureaucratic thinking. Ever wonder how your vote counts to elect the Commander in chief, yet you aren't mature enough to buy a can of beer?
Edit: By the way. Women can be as loud and smokey as your BP. Don't write em off yet.
The legal status of BP guns is another example of fine bureaucratic thinking. Ever wonder how your vote counts to elect the Commander in chief, yet you aren't mature enough to buy a can of beer?
Edit: By the way. Women can be as loud and smokey as your BP. Don't write em off yet.
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brazosdave
New member
LED, there are concealable b.p. revolvers. I carry one myself. As for limited repeatability, I don't need that many shots. Haven't had a squad size element of bad guys to worry about since my last soiree in Iraq. If you truly need a huge magazine full of rounds to make one or two people leave you be, you prolly don't shoot very well.
madcratebuilder
New member
Made my day!