What makes a gun a relic

Q: What qualifies as an antique firearm? As defined in 18 U. Any firearm including any firearm with a matchlock, flintlock, percussion cap, or similar type of ignition system manufactured in or before ; or B.

Any replica of any firearm described in subparagraph A if such replica. 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. All of these guns incorporate the frame or receiver of a firearm that is capable of accepting other barrels designed to fire conventional rimfire or centerfire fixed ammunition.

Convicted felons and certain other persons are prohibited from receiving and possessing these firearms. The following is a list of weapons that load from the muzzle and remain classified as firearms, not antiques, under the purview of the GCA since they incorporate the frame or receiver of a firearm: 1. Firearms which are certified by the curator of a municipal, state, or federal museum which exhibits firearms to be curios or relics of museum interest; and.

Any other firearms which derive a substantial part of their monetary value from the fact that they are novel, rare, bizarre, or because of their association with some historical figure, period, or event. Frequently asked questions for collectors. However, if you wish for a classification of your particular firearm under categories 2 or 3 above and wish your item to be listed, you may submit the weapon to the Firearms and Ammunition Technology Division FATD for a formal classification.

Our division does not make determinations based on drawings, photographs, written descriptions, or diagrams. In order to render an appropriate classification, please ship the physical item and any supporting information to the following address:. Others collect to follow the evolution of firearms, collecting everything from flintlocks all the way up through to modern weapons.

However, no matter the reason for collecting, every collector has a deep appreciation for history and the stories these weapons have to tell. Today, it is remarkably easy to get into collecting. All you need is an appreciation for history, the knowhow to find the pieces you want, and the patience to find them.