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Felon Friendly > Blog > Rights > Can a Felon Own a Muzzleloader in 2025?
Rights

Can a Felon Own a Muzzleloader in 2025?

Jeremy Larry
Last updated: September 7, 2025 8:13 am
Jeremy Larry
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Can a Felon Own a Muzzleloader
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The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). According to the ATF’s official guide on firearms, firearms are defined as:

Contents
  • Can a Felon Legally Own a Muzzleloader?
  • State Laws Are a Whole Different Beast
  • What Type of Muzzleloaders Can a Felon Own?
  • Common Myths About Felons and Muzzleloaders
  • Risks and Penalties If You Get It Wrong
  • How Can a Felon Regain Gun Rights?
  • What Should You Do Before Buying a Muzzleloader?
  • Real-World Example:
  • Final Thoughts
  • FAQs
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“Any weapon (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…”

Antique firearms are NOT considered firearms under federal law. The ATF defines an antique firearm as:

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  • Any gun manufactured before 1899, or
  • Any black powder muzzleloading rifle, bow, shotgun, or pistol that doesn’t use modern ammunition.

So technically, under federal law, most muzzleloaders are not classified as firearms.

Can a Felon Legally Own a Muzzleloader?

Under Federal Law: Yes, But With Conditions

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Federal law does not prohibit felons from owning a muzzleloader—but only if it fits the “antique firearm” definition under the Gun Control Act of 1968 (18 U.S.C. § 921(a)(3)). This means:

  • It must be a black powder gun (not using fixed ammunition).
  • It must not be capable of firing modern cartridges.
  • It cannot be modified to fire modern rounds.

If you’re a felon and you pick up an antique-style muzzleloader that fits these specs, you’re not violating federal law.

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State Laws Are a Whole Different Beast

Just because the federal government doesn’t classify muzzleloaders as firearms doesn’t mean your state agrees.

StateCan Felons Own Muzzleloaders?Notes
Alabama✅ YesAllowed if classified as antique.
Alaska✅ YesFelons may own black powder guns.
Arizona✅ YesLegal under state’s antique firearms exception.
Arkansas✅ YesBlack powder guns not considered firearms.
California❌ NoMuzzleloaders classified as firearms under state law.
Colorado✅ YesAntique guns allowed; modern inline muzzleloaders may be restricted.
Connecticut❌ NoAll muzzleloaders treated as firearms.
Delaware✅ YesPermitted if firearm fits federal antique definition.
Florida✅ YesAllowed if gun meets antique firearm definition.
Georgia✅ YesFelons may own muzzleloaders if not modified.
Hawaii❌ NoTreats muzzleloaders as firearms.
Idaho✅ YesAntique firearms not considered guns under state law.
Illinois❌ NoTreated as firearms, regardless of federal exemption.
Indiana✅ YesAllowed under antique firearm exemption.
Iowa❌ NoConsidered firearms. Requires restoration of rights.
Kansas✅ YesState follows federal rule for antique firearms.
Kentucky✅ YesAntique guns legal unless used criminally.
Louisiana✅ YesAllowed if firearm meets antique definition.
Maine✅ YesBlack powder guns are exempt from firearm rules.
Maryland❌ NoState law includes muzzleloaders as firearms.
Massachusetts❌ NoMuzzleloaders are firearms under state law.
Michigan❌ NoState law considers them firearms. Rights must be restored.
Minnesota✅ YesAntique firearms excluded from definition.
Mississippi✅ YesFollows federal guidelines for antique firearms.
Missouri✅ YesMuzzleloaders not considered firearms under state law.
Montana✅ YesBlack powder guns are legal for felons.
Nebraska✅ YesAntique firearms are legal unless modified.
Nevada✅ YesAllowed under antique firearm status.
New Hampshire✅ YesState allows felons to own black powder guns.
New Jersey❌ NoAll guns considered firearms regardless of age.
New Mexico✅ YesFelons may possess antique firearms.
New York❌ NoPenal law treats all guns as firearms regardless of age/ammo.
North Carolina✅ YesAllowed unless gun has been modernized.
North Dakota✅ YesMuzzleloaders are exempt if they meet antique firearm rules.
Ohio❌ NoAll guns, including black powder, require rights restoration.
Oklahoma✅ YesAntique firearms are permitted for felons.
Oregon✅ YesMuzzleloaders legal under antique classification.
Pennsylvania❌ NoTreated as firearms under state law.
Rhode Island❌ NoMuzzleloaders considered firearms.
South Carolina✅ YesAntique black powder guns allowed.
South Dakota✅ YesAllowed if gun is antique and unmodified.
Tennessee✅ YesAllowed for hunting, if it’s not a modern inline gun.
Texas✅ YesState follows federal antique firearm rule.
Utah✅ YesFelons may own antique guns.
Vermont✅ YesMuzzleloaders are not classified as firearms.
Virginia✅ YesLegal unless firearm has modern features.
Washington❌ NoState considers all guns as firearms.
West Virginia✅ YesMuzzleloaders are not considered firearms under state law.
Wisconsin✅ YesAntique guns legal; check local jurisdiction.
Wyoming✅ YesState follows federal antique firearm classification.

This table summarizes current laws as of May 2025. Always check with your state attorney general’s office or a firearms attorney before making a purchase.

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What Type of Muzzleloaders Can a Felon Own?

Here are three categories that usually fall under the “safe zone” (federally speaking):

  1. Traditional Flintlock Rifles (e.g., Kentucky rifle)
    • Uses black powder
    • Not modified for cartridges
    • Manufactured before 1899 (or replica)
  2. Cap and Ball Revolvers
    • Pre-1899 designs
    • Uses percussion caps
    • No modern ammo
  3. Inline Muzzleloaders
    • These are tricky. Some are too modern and can be reclassified as firearms depending on features.

Common Myths About Felons and Muzzleloaders

Let’s debunk a few tall tales floating around the web:

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Myth 1: “All black powder guns are legal for felons.”

Nope! Some black powder guns fire modern ammo or can be easily converted. That’s illegal.

Myth 2: “If I own a muzzleloader, I can carry it during hunting season.”

Wrong again. Even in states where ownership is legal, hunting laws may prohibit possession by felons.

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Myth 3: “It’s legal everywhere if it’s pre-1899.”

Not quite. Some states don’t care about manufacture year; they ban felons from possessing any type of gun-like object.

Risks and Penalties If You Get It Wrong

Let’s be crystal clear: Owning the wrong kind of muzzleloader can land you back in prison.

Possible Consequences:

  • Federal felony possession of a firearm – up to 10 years in federal prison (18 U.S.C. § 922(g))
  • State weapons charges – can add additional 5–15 years, depending on location
  • Parole or probation violations
  • Loss of future rights restoration eligibility

If you’re not 100% sure whether the muzzleloader is legal for you to own—don’t risk it.

How Can a Felon Regain Gun Rights?

If you’re looking to legally own a broader class of firearms (not just muzzleloaders), here are your options:

1. Pardon

  • Issued by the Governor (state felony) or President (federal felony)
  • Often restores full gun rights

2. Expungement

  • Not always available
  • Doesn’t always restore rights—but can help in some states

3. Restoration of Civil Rights

  • Available in many states after probation/parole
  • Process can take 1–3 years, often requires legal filing

4. ATF Relief from Disabilities

  • This federal program was defunded, but keep an eye out in case it resumes

What Should You Do Before Buying a Muzzleloader?

✔ Checklist for Felons:

  • Confirm federal law compliance (Antique Firearm rule)
  • Double-check state law (Not just Google—read the actual statute!)
  • Avoid anything that can be converted to modern ammo
  • Get written legal advice, if possible
  • Document the purchase (bill of sale, specs, etc.)
  • Do not carry or transport across state lines without verification

Real-World Example:

In 2017, a man in Pennsylvania was sentenced to 18 months in prison for possessing a black powder pistol. He thought it was legal—but PA law considered it a firearm. The judge called it “a tragic misunderstanding of state vs. federal gun laws.”

Final Thoughts

Muzzleloaders offer a unique legal loophole for felons—but it’s not a free pass. The difference between freedom and a felony charge can come down to one misunderstood law or technical detail.

FAQs

Can a felon hunt with a muzzleloader?

Only in states where felons are allowed to possess muzzleloaders. Even then, check wildlife regulations.

Can a felon buy a muzzleloader online?

Yes, in some cases—because antique guns don’t require an FFL transfer. But it’s highly risky without legal confirmation.

Do I need a background check to buy a muzzleloader?

No, not for antique-style ones under federal law. But again, some states require it.

What about black powder ammo—can I buy it?

Yes, but you must store and transport it properly. Black powder is a regulated explosive in many states.

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ByJeremy Larry
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I’m Jeremy Larry, once enjoying a fulfilling career and life, then reshaped by a felony conviction. This pivotal moment drove me to help others facing similar challenges. Today, I dedicate my efforts to guiding felons in finding employment, housing, and financial aid through comprehensive resources and advocacy. My mission is clear: to provide a pathway to redemption and a second chance for those who seek it.
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ByJeremy Larry
Follow:
I’m Jeremy Larry, once enjoying a fulfilling career and life, then reshaped by a felony conviction. This pivotal moment drove me to help others facing similar challenges. Today, I dedicate my efforts to guiding felons in finding employment, housing, and financial aid through comprehensive resources and advocacy. My mission is clear: to provide a pathway to redemption and a second chance for those who seek it.

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