I really had not thought much about this but started some research. Convicted felons may, under federal law legally own black powder firearms (legal restrictions may vary by state, however)
The document continues to state that the GCA does prohibit black powder cartridge or any weapon readily convertible to a cartridge black powder weapon as I understand it.
Secondly, you can in many states have the black powder firearm/percussion caps/powder/projectiles shipped to your home without need for FFL or NICS background checks.
https://www.thetruthaboutguns.com/cant-buy-a-gun-now-why-not-use-a-black-powder-revolver-for-home-and-self-defense/
It is not the worst choice in the world if you have no other short term self-defense options and cannot get a firearm right now. I have a Rogers and Spencer replica from Euroarms and a Colt Navy replica made by some nondescript Italian company and can attest that they are decent shooters.
https://www.atf.gov/resource-center/docs/0813-firearms-top-12-qaspdf/downloadQuote:
2. Can a person prohibited by law from possessing a firearm acquire and use a black powder muzzle loading firearm?
The Gun Control Act of 1968 (GCA) prohibits felons and certain other persons from possessing or receiving firearms and ammunition ("prohibited persons"). These categories can be found at 18 U.S.C. 922(g) and (n) in http://www.atf.gov/files/publications/download/p/atf-p-5300-4.pdf. However, Federal law does not prohibit these persons from possessing or receiving an antique firearm. The term "antique firearm" means any firearm (including any firearm with a matchlock, flintlock, percussion cap, or similar type of ignition system) manufactured in or before 1898. The definition includes any replica of an antique firearm if it is not designed or redesigned for using rimfire or conventional centerfire fixed ammunition, or uses rimfire or conventional centerfire ammunition which is no longer manufactured in the United States, and which is not readily available in ordinary channels of commercial trade. Further, any muzzle loading rifle, shotgun, or pistol which is designed to use black powder or black powder substitute, and which cannot use fixed ammunition, is an "antique firearm" unless it (1) incorporates a firearm frame or receiver; (2) is a firearm which is converted into a muzzle loading weapon; or (3) is a muzzle - 3 - loading weapon which can be readily converted to fire fixed ammunition by replacing the barrel, bolt, breechblock, or any combination thereof. See 18 U.S.C. 921(a)(3), (a)(16). Thus, a muzzle loading weapon that meets the definition of an "antique firearm" is not a firearm and may lawfully be received and possessed by a prohibited person under the GCA. In addition, the GCA defines the term "ammunition" to mean "ammunition or cartridge cases, primers, bullets, or propellant powder designed for use in any firearm." Because an "antique firearm" is not a "firearm," it would be lawful for a prohibited person to receive or possess black powder designed for use in an "antique firearm." Also, the Federal explosives laws do not make it unlawful for a prohibited person to acquire and possess black powder in quantities not exceeding fifty pounds if it is intended to be used solely for sporting, recreational, or cultural purposes in "antique firearms." See 18 U.S.C. 845(a)(5)
The document continues to state that the GCA does prohibit black powder cartridge or any weapon readily convertible to a cartridge black powder weapon as I understand it.
Secondly, you can in many states have the black powder firearm/percussion caps/powder/projectiles shipped to your home without need for FFL or NICS background checks.
https://www.thetruthaboutguns.com/cant-buy-a-gun-now-why-not-use-a-black-powder-revolver-for-home-and-self-defense/
It is not the worst choice in the world if you have no other short term self-defense options and cannot get a firearm right now. I have a Rogers and Spencer replica from Euroarms and a Colt Navy replica made by some nondescript Italian company and can attest that they are decent shooters.
“If you’re going to have crime it should at least be organized crime”
-Havelock Vetinari
-Havelock Vetinari
