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Blackpowder pistol help

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9 comments

  • jonk
    No, even though it is not legally a firearm the post office says 'no' unless you are an FFL holder, manufacturer, or a handful of other exceptions.
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  • Spider7115
    quote:Originally posted by jonk
    No, even though it is not legally a firearm the post office says 'no' unless you are an FFL holder, manufacturer, or a handful of other exceptions.

    Not true. Antiques and replicas are mailable.
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  • competentone
    quote:Originally posted by beltfed
    Hello can i legally ship a blackpower pistol by US mail?




    If it is an "antique" or "replica" (has nothing like a conversion cylinder to shoot modern ammunition) then you can legally ship by U.S. Mail. The U.S. Postal Service uses ATF's definition for "antique firearms."

    http://www.gunbroker.com/support/SupportFAQView.aspx?faqid=1118

    'Antique' firearms need not be shipped to a licensed dealer. These can be shipped directly to the buyer. An antique firearm is a firearm built in or before 1898, or a replica thereof. The exact ATF definition of an antique firearm is:
    Antique firearm. (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 paragraph (a) of this definition if such replica (1) is not designed or redesigned for using rimfire or conventional centerfire fixed ammunition, or (2) 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.

    OK. Ignore all that; it seems there are new regulations (put in place this year -- though not updated on the Post Office's website) that prohibit an individual mailing a black powder handgun.
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  • jonk
    Sorry, I still say no. From the USPS website:
    12.1.2 Handguns
    12.1 Firearms
    12.1.1 Definitions
    [1-22-12] The terms used in this standard are defined as follows:

    a. Firearm means any device, 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; any firearm muffler or firearm silencer; or any destructive device; but the term shall not include antique firearms except antique firearms described under 12.1.1c and 12.1.1d).

    Namely:
    12.1.1c. Handgun (including pistols and revolvers) means any firearm which has a short stock and is designed to be held and fired by the use of a single hand and subject to 12.1.1a, or a combination of parts from which a handgun can be assembled.

    d. Other firearms capable of being concealed on the person include, but are not limited to, short-barreled shotguns and short-barreled rifles.

    By that definition they are considering the black powder revolver a firearm as it is fired by a single hand, and concealable; and exempt from the otherwise blanket antique status.
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  • competentone
    quote:Originally posted by jonk
    Sorry, I still say no. From the USPS website:
    12.1.2 Handguns
    12.1 Firearms
    12.1.1 Definitions
    [1-22-12] The terms used in this standard are defined as follows:

    a. Firearm means any device, 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; any firearm muffler or firearm silencer; or any destructive device; but the term shall not include antique firearms except antique firearms described under 12.1.1c and 12.1.1d).

    Namely:
    12.1.1c. Handgun (including pistols and revolvers) means any firearm which has a short stock and is designed to be held and fired by the use of a single hand and subject to 12.1.1a, or a combination of parts from which a handgun can be assembled.

    d. Other firearms capable of being concealed on the person include, but are not limited to, short-barreled shotguns and short-barreled rifles.

    By that definition they are considering the black powder revolver a firearm as it is fired by a single hand, and concealable; and exempt from the otherwise blanket antique status.



    Sorry, you are just plain wrong:

    http://pe.usps.com/text/pub52/pub52c4_008.htm

    and the next page:

    http://pe.usps.com/text/pub52/pub52c4_009.htm

    It cannot be any plainer than written in the regulations in the links. The Post Office accepts the ATF's definitions for "antique firearms" -- an Old Army can be mailed.

    Ignore all that; it seems there are new regulations (put in place this year -- though not updated on the Post Office's website) that prohibit an individual mailing a black powder handgun.
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  • hrf
    ?? - It appears they changed some rules this January:

    http://about.usps.com/postal-bulletin/2011/pb22327/html/updt_002.htm
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  • competentone
    quote:Originally posted by hrf
    ?? - It appears they changed some rules this January:

    http://about.usps.com/postal-bulletin/2011/pb22327/html/updt_002.htm


    Thank you for the updated information. I've edited my comments above -- and now have to change my auction listing.
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  • Spider7115
    quote:Originally posted by jonk
    Sorry, I still say no. From the USPS website:
    12.1.2 Handguns
    12.1 Firearms
    12.1.1 Definitions
    [1-22-12] The terms used in this standard are defined as follows:

    a. Firearm means any device, 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; any firearm muffler or firearm silencer; or any destructive device; but the term shall not include antique firearms except antique firearms described under 12.1.1c and 12.1.1d).

    Namely:
    12.1.1c. Handgun (including pistols and revolvers) means any firearm which has a short stock and is designed to be held and fired by the use of a single hand and subject to 12.1.1a, or a combination of parts from which a handgun can be assembled.

    d. Other firearms capable of being concealed on the person include, but are not limited to, short-barreled shotguns and short-barreled rifles.

    By that definition they are considering the black powder revolver a firearm as it is fired by a single hand, and concealable; and exempt from the otherwise blanket antique status.



    Damn, I shipped one this morning. Hopefully, it won't cause me a problem. Thanks, Jonk, for the update.
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  • competentone
    quote:Originally posted by Spider7115

    Damn, I shipped one this morning. Hopefully, it won't cause me a problem. Thanks, Jonk, for the update.


    I shipped one a few weeks back. I'm thinking there are a lot of people who are into black powder firearms and antiques who are completely unaware of the change. One policy has been in place for decades -- and was consistent with ATF definitions for "antique firearms" -- there has to be some expectation it will take time for people to learn the new rules. (Not sure what the reason for the rule change was either; some sort of "political" motivation?)
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