They would be exempt from registration if they ever have nationwide gun registration. Least, pre-1899 are completely EXEMPT from all federal laws. Many of my customers are commenting that they previously had no interest in 'antique' guns,īut now want one or more because they are paranoid about additional gun laws. Based on market trends, I expect that premium to increase considerably in the next few Q: Would an antique serial number range gun be worth more than an otherwise identical gun made justĪ: Pre-1899 production guns now bring a 20 to 60% premium over identical condition guns madeĪFTER 1898. Without having to go through the 'FFL to FFL' hassle. Thus, IĬan legally sell folks Mauser sporters that have been converted to modern cartridges (like. Q: Does sporterizing or re-chambering an antique end its exemption?Ī: Sporterizing, re-barreling, or re-chambering an antique gun does not effect its legal status. They may be freely bought and sold across State lines by private parties, regardless of what cartridge There is NO Federal requirement for sales of these guns to be handled by Federally licensed dealers. Other NFA category, such as a short-barreled gun) is NOT controlled in any way by Federal law. Q: I saw a post that said that pre-1899s are considered modern “firearms” if they are chambered to fireĪmmunition that is available off-the-shelf. The last bastion of gun ownership privacy. I regularly ship them right to people's doorstep via UPS, with no 'paper trail.' Think of it as To buy or sell antiques across state lines- they are in the same legal category as a muzzle-loading Only low serial number Winchester Model 1894 lever actions are actually antique.) No FFL is required This refers to the actualĭate of manufacture of the receiver/frame, not just model year or patent date marked. law?Ī: Although your State and local laws may vary, any firearm with a receiver actually made before Jan.ġ, 1899 is legally 'antique.' and not considered a 'firearm' under Federal law. Posting lists serial number cut-offs for the 1899 threshold for many gun makers. That I most commonly get on pre-1899 firearms. In response to numerous requests, here are the answers to the questions By James Rawles, Clearwater Trading Company

Hopkins allen gun serial numbers