Skip to main content
Help Center Community Shop

What are the rules on antique weapons?

CS8161
Had a buyer in the store, transferred in a Winchester 94 made in 1898, there is no 4473 required, correct? Is there a general rule that goes by the age of the firearm that makes it over the counter, no 4473 required?
0

Comments

12 comments

Date Votes
  • Laredo Lefty
    Q: What qualifies as an antique firearm?
    As defined in 18 U.S.C. ? 921(a)(16) the term "antique firearm" means -

    .
    A.any firearm (including any firearm with a matchlock, flintlock, percussion cap, or similar type of ignition system) manufactured in or before 1898;.


    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; or

    C.any muzzle loading rifle, muzzle loading shotgun, or muzzle loading pistol, which is designed to use black powder, or a black powder substitute, and which cannot use fixed ammunition. For purposes of this subparagraph, the term `antique firearm' shall not include any weapon which incorporates a firearm frame or receiver, any firearm which is converted into a muzzle loading weapon, or any muzzle loading weapon, which can be readily converted to fire fixed ammunition by replacing the barrel, bolt, breechblock, or any combination thereof.
    0
  • CS8161
    Thank you for the info!
    0
  • rhmc24
    In plain language, here is more of the story. As stated above, state and local regulations apply in many cases. This concerns Federal regulations only, referring to 1968 Federal gun law.

    Guns made before 1898 are free of regulation, this includes all kinds of ignition systems, cartridge types included.

    Also exempt are muzzle loading types of any date of manufacture.

    Movement between states of guns not exempted require the FFL (Federal Firearms License). There are a number of specifics including method of shipment, etc to become aware of.

    A different law covers guns over 50 years old which are considered Curios and Relics. A C&R license is available to collectors for these types.

    BE AWARE that full automatic weapons and certain other types are not included in the above and are covered under a set of very restrictive regulations.
    0
  • Spider7115
    quote:Originally posted by Barzillia
    I thought it was made 1898 and before...


    That's correct: It must be manufactured prior to January 1, 1899.
    0
  • tsr1965
    You want to be a might bit careful of which set of information you use for dating according to the serial number. The bluebook is as much as 5 years off, especially on the 1894 Winchester. For your best bet, ask Bert H. on this forum, and he can almost give you the exact hour it rolled off the line...but at the very least the month.

    Best
    0
  • Bert H.
    In order for a Winchester Model 1894 to actually qualify as an "Antique", is must have a serial number no greater than 53941.
    0
  • Mark H. Sawyer
    For Bert, I have a 38-40 Lo-Wall, serial number 79135. "proof House" web site says it was manufactured in 1898. Can you verify it is OK to ship as an antique? Thanks, Mark
    0
  • Herschel
    Laredo Lefty has posted an exact quotation of the federal statute. That is one regulation that is easy for a layman to understand. Rephrasing the wording is not necessary.
    0
  • Bert H.
    quote:Originally posted by Mark H. Sawyer
    For Bert, I have a 38-40 Lo-Wall, serial number 79135. "proof House" web site says it was manufactured in 1898. Can you verify it is OK to ship as an antique? Thanks, Mark


    Hello Mark,

    Model 1885 serial number 79135 is a June 1897 vintage rifle. The last "Antique" Model 1885 serial number is 82381.
    0
  • capgun
    In order for a Winchester Model 1894 to actually qualify as an "Antique", is must have a serial number no greater than 53941. This conflicts with all information I have including letters from Cody.
    0
  • tsr1965
    quote:Originally posted by capgun
    In order for a Winchester Model 1894 to actually qualify as an "Antique", is must have a serial number no greater than 53941. This conflicts with all information I have including letters from Cody.


    I am thinking that information came from someplace in the Cody museum too.
    0
  • Bert H.
    quote:Originally posted by capgun
    In order for a Winchester Model 1894 to actually qualify as an "Antique", is must have a serial number no greater than 53941. This conflicts with all information I have including letters from Cody.


    Just so you understand where I get my information from, I work as a part time volunteer in the CFM Research Office several weeks each year. If you call and talk to Jessica or Connie, they know me quite well.

    With that stated, I can positively guarantee you that there are absolutely zero Model 1894 serial numbers greater than 53941 that will letter as being manufactured prior to January 1st, 1899.

    The information you have (most likely originally published by George Madis) that claims serial numbers as high as 147684 are "antique" (pre-1899) is grossly in error.

    There are a small percentage of serial numbers that are <53942 that will letter as being received in the warehouse after December 31st, 1898, but the Polishing Room Serialization Records clearly show that serial 53941 was the very last number stamped on December 31st, 1898.

    If you have a Cody letter that contradicts anything I have stated, please feel free to post a copy of it. Additionally, I recommend that you call the CFM and order a new (replacement) letter.
    0

Please sign in to leave a comment.

Recent Activity