New to BP. Question regarding legality

B

BigFish

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I live in Michigan, and I have a felony from 17 years ago. I recently had my state rights restored, which allows me to own/possess muzzleloader, black powder, and high velocity BB. I also found on the ATF website where it states (paraphrasing) BP is not considered a firearm. (Michigan also views BP as NOT a firearm.

So am I understanding correctly that I may own a BP revolver, black powder, and round ball to recreationally shoot? I know for some it may be a no brainer question but I have worked very hard the past 17 years to stay on the straight and narrow, I'm also married with a young son so i don't want to get in any trouble again for possibly misreading something.

I've been looking at the 1858 Pietta Army (steel not brass) for shooting only recreational, and only using traditional loose powder, cap and ball. I would love to teach my young son and wife how to shoot and feel comfortable around them.
 
I would not rely on internet opinion for something as important as this could be. Good luck to you though and I hope it turns out that you can enjoy making smoke legally with your son. Do seek legal advice from a legal professional though.
Good shooting!
 
technically yes you can. But your best bet is ask a lawyer and get it in writing.
or write your attorney general and the ATF
 
ATF does not consider bp firearms real firearms but some states do. Mississippi is one of them. It is illegal for a convicted felon to own or have one in his/her possession. Not even a single shot rifle to hunt with so do check with your state.
 
Good question !!!!

BigFish,
This subject was discussed last year at one of our Hunter Safety workshops, conducted by the DNR. I have found that many of the Midwest state's laws, have much in common and what you have stated, holds true. ..... ;)

I too would advise you to confirm for your state with law enforcement. A good source, would be your local DNR officer and they too are law enforcement officers. ...... :)


Good luck, get back to us and;
Be Safe !!!
 
Keep a copy of your state's laws and federal laws on you.

A case just concluded in Florida where a fellow also discovered his ability to hunt with antique firearms was legal. He asked the ATF and Florida game wardens. FWCs (Florida Fish & Wildlife) own website says its ok.

So this guy goes hunting and is arrested by an FWC officer who could've cared less about the laws, same as the prosecutors. Even idiot judges tried to ramroad this guy by adding things to the law that weren't there. Finally, after 5 years he was vindicated. Look up a fellow named "Weeks".

Now having said that, yes you can own and hunt, but you, not them, have the burden to prove it's ok. Sounds ludicrous but that's the way it is. Ignorance of the law is ok for them but not you. Lay low and shoot/hunt on private lands.
 
Howdy

I would not trust any internet source, including the one linked to from the NRA.

State gun laws often change frequently, and nobody is paying a legal consultant to keep up to date on these changes. When I looked up my state on that site, I found a couple of errors.

Consult a lawyer in your state who is well versed in firearms laws in your state. You have worked to hard to damage your reputation now because of possible bad advice.
 
Owning a revolver is one thing. Possessing ammo is another thing. From my reading of Massachusetts law you do not need a gun permit to own a black powder revolver. However, if you are in possession of even a single component of the ammunition, without a permit, you can be arrested.
 
I did call my attorney general today, and I just got the run around. Then this lady came on and said "the person who deals with that is not in, you may leave a message for her"
 
I just got off the phone with the Michigan attorney general and they told me to contact the Michigan State police fire arm division, they are the ones that handle that. I spoke with them just now and they said black powder is not considered a fire arm, so it is OK to have if you have a felony and have had your state rights restored. The black powder powder and round ball lead is also legal to have
 
Adding one more "get it and keep it in writing".

For the MOST part cops TODAY are just as retarded as modern plumbers, cashiers, politicians or brain surgeons are... LOL

Seriously, it cant HURT to have a copy of the law ON you...
 
Get an opinion in writing from the state attorney general or equivalent official. Do not rely on what a police officer might tell you, even if you can get an officer to put it in writing. As you already know, anything the state tells you applies only to THAT state, not to the Federal law or to any other state.

Jim
 
I have a felony from 17 years ago. I recently had my state rights restored,
Click to expand...

Not a BP answer, BUT, if the State restored you're rights, you can petition the ATF, to restore them also. They normally follow the State's lead but you do have to get them to do it.

Then you wont have to worry about Black Powder or Smokeless.

Just thought I'd throw that in.
 
The ATF is prohibited from restoring a felon's rights under federal law, that function has to be funded and it is purposely not funded. At present, a person with a federal felony can only get a pardon from the President.

Many states also have rules about ammunition that differ from Federal Law and can jam up someone.

It's nice to see all this advice to get advice from your government but the reality is your government is unlikely to provide it.

Lay low and hunt on private lands.
 
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