I am wanting to purchase a 50 cal. muzzle loader, and I see that Bass Pro Shops carries several different types. I am wondering, do they not require a background check for buying muzzle loaders? I ask this because I see that you can order them online, and they will ship them to you through the mail.
Muzzle Loader Question
- Thread starter Maverick
- Start date
Tropical Z
New member
Depends on where you live.In Colorado i have got direct shipping to me on a rifle but not a pistol.Just received a Connecticut Valley Arms musket mag 100 from Cabelas for less than $140.00,and it ROCKS! Hope my input helps 
<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Kernel:
NO background check or other paperwork is required for muzzleloaders, you can buy them mail order, it's just like buying a knife or sword. -- Kernel[/quote]
Kernel, Not entirely correct for in-line muzzleloaders.
Industry Circular
Number: 98-2
Date:11-06-97
MUZZLE LOADING WEAPONS THAT USE A
MODERN IGNITION SYSTEM
All Federal firearms licensees and others concerned.
Purpose. The purpose of this circular is to clarify the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) position regarding the classification of muzzle loading weapons that use modern primers for ignition.
ATF has recently received a number of inquiries regarding whether "in line" muzzle loading weapons that have been designed or redesigned to use modern firearm primers are classified as firearms under the Gun Control Act. An "in line" muzzle loading weapon is a muzzle loading firearm designed such that the firing mechanism (striker) is located directly behind the barrel. The striker moves forward in line with the bore of the weapon.
Background. Section 921(a)(3)(A), Title 18, U.S.C., defines the term firearm to include 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. The frame or receiver of any such weapon is also a firearm as defined. However, antique firearms are excluded from this definition.
Section 921(a)(16), Title 18, U.S.C., defines the term antique firearm as:
(A) any firearm (including any firearm with a matchlock, flintlock, percussion cap, or similar type of ignition system) manufactured in or before 1898; and
(B) any replica of any firearm described in subparagraph(A)if such replica
(i) is not designed or redesigned for using rimfire or conventional centerfire fixed ammunition, or
(ii) uses rimfire or conventional centerfire fixed ammunition which is no longer manufactured in the United States and which is not readily available in the ordinary channels of commercial trade.
Section 921(a)(17)(A), Title 18, U.S.C., defines the term ammunition to include cartridge cases, primers, bullets, and propellant powder designed for use in any firearm.
Discussion. The cited definitions make it clear that weapons actually manufactured in or before 1898 are not subject to regulation as firearms. Further, modern replicas of antique firearms using an antique form of ignition such as matchlock, flintlock, or percussion cap are also not subject to regulation as firearms.
However, muzzle loading weapons with "in line" firing mechanisms designed or redesigned to use modern conventional firearm primers do not meet the definition of antique firearms and are subject to regulation as a firearm. Primers are not an antique ignition system and are ammunition for firearms subject to regulation.
Inquiries. Inquiries concerning this circular should refer to its number and be addressed to: Chief, Firearms Technology Branch, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, 650 Massachusetts Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20226.
John W. Magaw
NO background check or other paperwork is required for muzzleloaders, you can buy them mail order, it's just like buying a knife or sword. -- Kernel[/quote]
Kernel, Not entirely correct for in-line muzzleloaders.
Industry Circular
Number: 98-2
Date:11-06-97
MUZZLE LOADING WEAPONS THAT USE A
MODERN IGNITION SYSTEM
All Federal firearms licensees and others concerned.
Purpose. The purpose of this circular is to clarify the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) position regarding the classification of muzzle loading weapons that use modern primers for ignition.
ATF has recently received a number of inquiries regarding whether "in line" muzzle loading weapons that have been designed or redesigned to use modern firearm primers are classified as firearms under the Gun Control Act. An "in line" muzzle loading weapon is a muzzle loading firearm designed such that the firing mechanism (striker) is located directly behind the barrel. The striker moves forward in line with the bore of the weapon.
Background. Section 921(a)(3)(A), Title 18, U.S.C., defines the term firearm to include 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. The frame or receiver of any such weapon is also a firearm as defined. However, antique firearms are excluded from this definition.
Section 921(a)(16), Title 18, U.S.C., defines the term antique firearm as:
(A) any firearm (including any firearm with a matchlock, flintlock, percussion cap, or similar type of ignition system) manufactured in or before 1898; and
(B) any replica of any firearm described in subparagraph(A)if such replica
(i) is not designed or redesigned for using rimfire or conventional centerfire fixed ammunition, or
(ii) uses rimfire or conventional centerfire fixed ammunition which is no longer manufactured in the United States and which is not readily available in the ordinary channels of commercial trade.
Section 921(a)(17)(A), Title 18, U.S.C., defines the term ammunition to include cartridge cases, primers, bullets, and propellant powder designed for use in any firearm.
Discussion. The cited definitions make it clear that weapons actually manufactured in or before 1898 are not subject to regulation as firearms. Further, modern replicas of antique firearms using an antique form of ignition such as matchlock, flintlock, or percussion cap are also not subject to regulation as firearms.
However, muzzle loading weapons with "in line" firing mechanisms designed or redesigned to use modern conventional firearm primers do not meet the definition of antique firearms and are subject to regulation as a firearm. Primers are not an antique ignition system and are ammunition for firearms subject to regulation.
Inquiries. Inquiries concerning this circular should refer to its number and be addressed to: Chief, Firearms Technology Branch, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, 650 Massachusetts Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20226.
John W. Magaw
mbott, That's no longer valid information. Senator Charles Grassley of Iowa (where Knight Rifles are made) introduced legislation that Congress passed in '98 - '99 negating that ATF mandate. Hence, the continued wide availability of mail ordered inline ignition modern-primered muzzleloaders. Thankfully Grassley saw to it that this idiocy was nipped in the bud. As a gun owner nothing is more frightening than the ATF issuing law by edict.
On the Federal level there is still no paperwork required. However, I should have mentioned in my earlier post that all local laws and restrictions apply, your mileage may vary, void where prohibited, not valid with any other offer, parts and labor not included..... -- Kernel
On the Federal level there is still no paperwork required. However, I should have mentioned in my earlier post that all local laws and restrictions apply, your mileage may vary, void where prohibited, not valid with any other offer, parts and labor not included..... -- Kernel
<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Kernel:
mbott, That's no longer valid information. Senator Charles Grassley of Iowa (where Knight Rifles are made) introduced legislation that Congress passed in '98 - '99 negating that ATF mandate. Hence, the continued wide availability of mail ordered inline ignition modern-primered muzzleloaders. Thankfully Grassley saw to it that this idiocy was nipped in the bud. As a gun owner nothing is more frightening than the ATF issuing law by edict.
On the Federal level there is still no paperwork required. However, I should have mentioned in my earlier post that all local laws and restrictions apply, your mileage may vary, void where prohibited, not valid with any other offer, parts and labor not included..... -- Kernel [/quote]
Kernel,
Interesting. Do you have any more info on this? The circular was copied directly from the BATF website (where I'm headed right now) with no indication that it was no longer valid. I appreciate the 'heads up'.
Follow-up: A visit to the BATF website does not indicate that the information in the circular is no longer valid, HOWEVER after going through the Federal Firearms Regulations Reference Guide 2000 issued this January, the particular circular in question (98-2) cannot be found. It's not there.
Followup #2:
Found it in the Feb '99 FFL Newsletter:
"MODERN MUZZLELOADING ISSUES
The Omnibus Appropriations Act for 1999,
effective October 21, 1998, amends the definition
of antique firearm under the provisions of The
Gun Control Act (GCA), 18 U.S.C. § 921(a)(16),
to include certain muzzle loading firearms. This
amendment will result in the exemption of the
Knight Disc Rifle and other in line muzzle
loading rifles that do not incorporate a firearm
frame or receiver from regulation under the GCA.
Accordingly the Knight Disc Rifle and such
would no longer need to be shown in your acqui-
sition and disposition record, nor is an ATF Form
4473 or NICS check required at the time of sale.
Records of sales of this firearm made prior to
October 21, 1998 should be retained with your
records since the GCA covered it until that date."
--
Mike
[This message has been edited by mbott (edited September 18, 2000).]
[This message has been edited by mbott (edited September 18, 2000).]
mbott, That's no longer valid information. Senator Charles Grassley of Iowa (where Knight Rifles are made) introduced legislation that Congress passed in '98 - '99 negating that ATF mandate. Hence, the continued wide availability of mail ordered inline ignition modern-primered muzzleloaders. Thankfully Grassley saw to it that this idiocy was nipped in the bud. As a gun owner nothing is more frightening than the ATF issuing law by edict.
On the Federal level there is still no paperwork required. However, I should have mentioned in my earlier post that all local laws and restrictions apply, your mileage may vary, void where prohibited, not valid with any other offer, parts and labor not included..... -- Kernel [/quote]
Kernel,
Interesting. Do you have any more info on this? The circular was copied directly from the BATF website (where I'm headed right now) with no indication that it was no longer valid. I appreciate the 'heads up'.
Follow-up: A visit to the BATF website does not indicate that the information in the circular is no longer valid, HOWEVER after going through the Federal Firearms Regulations Reference Guide 2000 issued this January, the particular circular in question (98-2) cannot be found. It's not there.
Followup #2:
Found it in the Feb '99 FFL Newsletter:
"MODERN MUZZLELOADING ISSUES
The Omnibus Appropriations Act for 1999,
effective October 21, 1998, amends the definition
of antique firearm under the provisions of The
Gun Control Act (GCA), 18 U.S.C. § 921(a)(16),
to include certain muzzle loading firearms. This
amendment will result in the exemption of the
Knight Disc Rifle and other in line muzzle
loading rifles that do not incorporate a firearm
frame or receiver from regulation under the GCA.
Accordingly the Knight Disc Rifle and such
would no longer need to be shown in your acqui-
sition and disposition record, nor is an ATF Form
4473 or NICS check required at the time of sale.
Records of sales of this firearm made prior to
October 21, 1998 should be retained with your
records since the GCA covered it until that date."
--
Mike
[This message has been edited by mbott (edited September 18, 2000).]
[This message has been edited by mbott (edited September 18, 2000).]
Chuck Grassley is a great man, a great Senator, and endowed with a great deal of common sense (a truly rare commodity in Washington). Unless your from Iowa many of you may not even know who Grassley is. He doesn't toot his own horn much and he comes off as a real dork on TV, but he's strict Constitutionalist and one of the best friends gun owners in America have. Republican, of course. -- Kernel