Cap and Ball revolver conversions

[ngordon82]

So I realized that cabelas and several other places sell cap and ball revolvers that don't require any checks or anything. You just pay for it and thats it. Brownells seems to offer conversion kits for these guns that allow them to fire cartrides, and since I like the look of these old revolvers I'm considering getting one and doing the switch to cartridges, however my question is this: If I were to carry it, being a cap and ball revolver, does it fall under the same restrictions as other handguns as far as legal carry? Also why does the purchase of these pistols not require a background check as is necessary with other handguns?

[Statkowski]

Being cap and ball, such instruments are exempt from carry restrictions and background checks. See Section 6118 of the Uniform Firearms Act (http://paopencarry.org/uniform-firearms-act#6118):

§ 6118. Antique firearms.

a. General rule. -- This subchapter [which is the Uniform Firearms Act] shall not apply to antique firearms.

b. Exception. -- Subsection (a) shall not apply to the extent that such antique firearms, reproductions or replicas of firearms are concealed weapons as provided in section 6106 (relating to firearms not be carried without a license), nor shall it apply to the provisions of section 6105 (relating to persons not to possess, use, manufacture, control, sell or transfer firearms) if such antique firearms, reproductions or replicas of firearms are suitable for use.

c. Definition. -- As used in this section, the term "antique firearm" means:

. 1. Any firearm with a matchlock, flintlock or percussion cap type of ignition system.

. 2. Any firearm manufactured on or before 1898.

. 3. Any replica of any firearm described in paragraph (2) if such replica:

. i. is not designed or redesigned for using rimfire or conventional center fire fixed ammunition; or

. ii. uses rimfire or conventional center fire fixed ammunition which is no longer manufactured in the United States and which is not readily available in the ordinary channels of commercial trade.

Note, if you convert it to fire currently available ammunition, all exemptions are off. Likewise, if you carry it concealed, you still have to have an LTCF.

[jahwarrior72]

people under restriction from PFAs are still unable to legally own, or have in their possession, a cap and ball firearm.