What are Ohio laws regarding black powder guns and felons?

Answer 1

The Federal Laws governing firearms do not classify muzzleloaders as a "firearm" , and in most states you can buy one with no paperwork or background check. However that does not make it technically legal for a felon to poses it. I have read of cases pertaining to this where the person was hassled at great expense in time and money by local law enforcement regardless of the intended use, only to be convicted on possession of explosives charges for having black powder. The "best practice" I have heard of is obtaining a waiver from BATFE or your local jurisdiction so you have paper in hand showing proof of legal possession, after all it is not worth your time, money or potential freedom dealing with an over zealous prosecutor or non gun friendly jurisdiction when a simple document could prevent it. This topic has been discussed at length for years both pro and con, and what it boils down to is a case by case determination. You can go to free advice.com ( http://forum.freeadvice.com/other-crimes-federal-state-4/ex-felons-black-powder-weapons-legal-386903.html) or better yet to the BATF site ( http://www.atf.gov/firearms/index.htm) and get a more direct answer for your state and county, but the best advice would be to speak to an authority in your state or to BATFE to be 100% sure.

Answer 2

Federal law is pretty clear, if it was made before 1899 or a replica of one that doesn't use rimfire or centerfire ammunition, or the ammunition is not readily available through normal commercial transactions, then it is not a firearm. For instance, a Sharps carbine uses paper cartridges loaded through a trapdoor and is ignited by a musket cap and was made in the 1850s so therefore is legal. As for local laws, call a game warden. They are the most helpful people in the entire field of law enforcement. Most game warden numbers are available online at your department of wildlife website like here in Texas. I own a hawken rifle and it is completely legal here and they are fantastically fun to shoot. Everyone loves them after seeing one in action.

Answer 3

It seems that most states' statutes do not directly address black powder hunting guns. Maine allows felons to hunt with muzzleloaders with a special permit; Virginia allows a felon to petition the court of conviction to obtain permission to hunt with a muzzleloader; and there may be other states that allow felons to hunt with muzzleloaders, especially if they are antique guns.

Although the federal gun control act (18 U.S.C. s. 921 et seq) prohibits felons from possessing "any destructive devices," a few states are allowing felons, either by obscure statutory reference or outright special permit, to hunt with muzzleloaders. Many states allow felons to hunt with a bow or a crossbow. You would just have to find the right wildlife permit office in the state where you live and ask the question, politely, of course.