http://www.cheboygannews.com/news/x1572844233/Lost-hunter-facing-gun-charges

I always thought muzzleloaders weren't firearms. If they were, wouldn't they need to be shipped to an FFL if bought through the mail? We bought a flintlock and had it sent directly to us from the sportsmans guide.

:confused:

Looks like it varys


ANSWER: Federal laws, including gun laws, apply in all 50 states. Most kinds of muzzleloading guns, including traditional matchlocks, flintlocks, and percussion guns, are not considered "firearms" under federal law. That means that federal gun control laws do not apply to them.

There are a few specific types of modern muzzleloaders that BATFE considers "firearms" under the Gun Control Act of 1968. Thus, these guns are regulated the same as modern rifles and shotguns.

Speaking only very generally, most states' gun laws also do not treat muzzleloaders the same as modern firearms. However, they may do so, for example, for the purposes of certain hunting regulations, or using one as a weapon to commit a violent crime.

It is too broad a question to answer whether, and how, each of the 50 states regulates such guns. It would be much simpler, and to the point, for you to identify which state(s) and which aspects of the law are of concern to you, and then focus your inquiry on that state's laws.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank You.....Let me try to be more specific and ask this question in a different way...BATF considers a muzzle loader a firearm when the muzzle loader in question can be converted in any way to fire modern centerfire or rimfire ammunition or any modern firearm that can be converted into a muzzle loader and then changed back again...These are a regulated modern firearm by BATF...Most states do have strict rules on muzzle loaders and how they are used for hunting....And states allow felons to purchase and possess and hunt with matchlocks,flintlocks or percussion muzzle loaders for instance Texas,wyoming ,south Dakota and so on....So let me try to single out a state for instance... Nebraska...In this state I have looked at their hunting regulations and it says a felon may not hunt with a muzzle loader it does not say a felon may not possess a muzzle loader...And if you did not and have not ever used one in a violent crime would it be legal to possess and be used for instance target practice to protect your home or so you can travel to states that you can legally hunt in...This is what is confusing for most people for both the common citizen and for the ex offender alike...I see these type of questions asked all the time and there is never any agreement on what is legal and what is not...So in the state of Nebraska would a person be in violation of state law or federal law ...And which law do you go by state or federal law...I do not know of any other way to ask this question


http://en.allexperts.com/q/2nd-Amendment-Right-343/2008/3/antique-firearms-1.htm
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Yeah, I found the definition of firearm in Michigan on the mi.gov website

“Firearm” means a weapon from which a dangerous projectile may be propelled by an explosive, or by gas or air. Firearm
does not include a smooth bore rifle or handgun designed and manufactured exclusively for propelling by a spring, or by gas or
air, BB’s not exceeding .177 caliber.


I guess that includes muzzleloaders.