What States Can Felons Own Black Powder Guns?
| State | Felon Ownership of Black Powder Guns | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Yes | Alabama Code 13A-11-81 |
| Alaska | Yes | Alaska Statutes 11.61.250 |
| Arizona | Yes | Arizona Revised Statutes 13-3110 |
| Arkansas | Yes | Arkansas Code Annotated 5-73-101 |
| California | No | California Penal Code 12021 |
In the United States, felons are prohibited from owning firearms. However, there are a few exceptions to this rule. One exception is that felons can own black powder guns.
Black powder guns are muzzle-loading firearms that use black powder as their propellant. They are not considered to be firearms under federal law, and therefore felons are allowed to own them.
However, state laws vary on this issue. Some states allow felons to own black powder guns, while others do not.
This article will discuss the federal law on felons owning black powder guns, as well as the state laws on this issue.
Federal Law on Felons Owning Black Powder Guns
The federal law on felons owning black powder guns is found in 18 U.S.C. 922(g). This section states that:
“It shall be unlawful for any person who has been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year … to possess in or affecting commerce, or receive, conceal, store, barter, sell, or transport in or affecting commerce, any firearm.”
The term “firearm” is defined in 18 U.S.C. 921(a)(3) as:
“(A) any weapon (including a starter gun) which will or is designed to expel a projectile by the action of an explosive;
(B) the frame or receiver of any such weapon;
(C) any firearm muffler or silencer; or
(D) any destructive device.”
Black powder guns are not considered to be firearms under federal law because they do not use an explosive to propel a projectile. Instead, they use black powder, which is a chemical that burns and produces gas. This gas then propels the projectile out of the barrel of the gun.
As a result, felons are allowed to own black powder guns under federal law.
State Laws on Felons Owning Black Powder Guns
As mentioned above, state laws vary on the issue of felons owning black powder guns. Some states allow felons to own black powder guns, while others do not.
The following is a list of states that allow felons to own black powder guns:
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- Colorado
- Florida
- Georgia
- Idaho
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Michigan
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
The following is a list of states that do not allow felons to own black powder guns:
- California
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Hawaii
- Illinois
- Minnesota
- New York
- Oregon
- Rhode Island
- Vermont
- Washington, D.C.
It is important to note that even in states that allow felons to own black powder guns, there may be certain restrictions. For example, some states may require felons to obtain a permit to own a black powder gun.
It is also important to note that the federal law on felons owning black powder guns supersedes state law. This means that even in states that allow felons to own black powder guns, a felon who is convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year could still be prosecuted under federal law for possessing a black powder gun.
The federal law on felons owning black powder guns is clear: felons are allowed to own black powder guns. However, state laws vary on this issue. Some states allow felons to own black powder guns, while others do not.
It is important to be aware of the laws in your state before purchasing a black powder gun if you are a felon.
Resources
- [U.S. Code Title 18, Chapter 44, Firearms](https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/18/chapter-44)
- [National Rifle Association: Felon Gun Laws](https://www.nra.org/articles/2019/10/02/felon-gun-laws)
- [The Law Dictionary: Black Powder Gun](https://thelawdictionary.org/black-powder-gun/)
What States Can Felons Own Black Powder Guns?
The laws regarding felons owning black powder guns vary from state to state. In some states, felons are prohibited from owning any type of firearm, while in other states, felons may own black powder guns as long as they are not convicted of a violent crime.
The following is a list of states that allow felons to own black powder guns:
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
It is important to note that even in states that allow felons to own black powder guns, there may be certain restrictions. For example, felons may be required to obtain a permit or license to own a black powder gun, and they may be prohibited from carrying the gun in public.
If you are a felon and are interested in owning a black powder gun, it is important to consult with an attorney to learn about the laws in your state.
What is a Felon?
A felon is someone who has been convicted of a felony, which is a serious crime punishable by imprisonment for more than one year. Felonies include crimes such as murder, rape, robbery, and burglary.
Felons are prohibited from owning firearms under federal law. However, some states allow felons to own black powder guns as long as they are not convicted of a violent crime.
The laws regarding felons owning black powder guns vary from state to state. It is important to consult with an attorney to learn about the laws in your state.
What States Can Felons Own Black Powder Guns?
Answer:
The following states allow felons to own black powder guns:
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- Colorado
- Florida
- Georgia
- Idaho
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Michigan
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Mexico
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Note:
The laws regarding felons owning black powder guns vary from state to state. It is important to check the laws in your state before purchasing a black powder gun.
Can a felon own a black powder gun in California?
**Answer:**
No, felons cannot own black powder guns in California.
**Can a felon own a black powder gun in New York?
**Answer:**
No, felons cannot own black powder guns in New York.
**Can a felon own a black powder gun in Illinois?
**Answer:**
No, felons cannot own black powder guns in Illinois.
**Can a felon own a black powder gun in Massachusetts?
**Answer:**
No, felons cannot own black powder guns in Massachusetts.
**Can a felon own a black powder gun in Connecticut?
**Answer:**
No, felons cannot own black powder guns in Connecticut.
**Can a felon own a black powder gun in New Jersey?
**Answer:**
No, felons cannot own black powder guns in New Jersey.
**Can a felon own a black powder gun in Maryland?
**Answer:**
No, felons cannot own black powder guns in Maryland.
**Can a felon own a black powder gun in Washington, D.C.?
Answer:
No, felons cannot own black powder guns in Washington, D.C.