My take of the ATF rules is that my model 1873 Springfield 45-70, made around 1888, is considered a modern firearm because the ammunition is a cartridge type commercially available, even though the rifle was made prior to 1898. I am planning to ship the rifle out of state to my nephew. Am I correct in thinking I need to ship this to an FFL?
Thanks, Willyboy

If I read the regulation correctly it is a replica of a pre 1899 that uses currently available ammo that is considered as modern. (i.e. An H&R trapdoor is a no-no, but an original isn't.)

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Dean
SWCA #680 SWHF #446

Correct, the ammunition has nothing to do regarding whether a gun is classed as an antique or not under GCA-68. If it was made prior to 1899 (and is not fully automatic) it is an antique. At least insofar as the BATFE is concerned. Note that USPS has different rules as to what can be shipped by mail as an antique.

So let me get this straight, I have a Siamese Mauser for which no commercial ammunition is made even though it was made after 1899. Does this make it legal to ship via USPS without having to go through a FFL?

No. Because it was made after 1899 it is a modern firearm. The only thing that matters is the Date of Manufacture. On an odd note S&W has a history of making frames and stocking them in a warehouse. So I have no doubt that there were S&W revolvers that feature frames made before 1899 but shipped after 1899 that are classified as "modern" because no records were kept for the date of manufacture of the frames.

..And... A Modern Reproduction Mfg of an Antique cartridge firearm (for example a Repro Henry Rifle) IF the reproduction is chambered for a cartridge no longer in production and not currently avail in commercial trade,,,,is also classed as an Antique Firearm (not a 'Firearm' under the GCA68).

( That 'Chambered for a cartridge ..and not available in commercial trade ' is an awfully gray area IMO. But what language isn't when it comes to many of these regs .)

AMEN!! (Thank you Buffalo Arms. Both a blessing and a curse)

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Dean
SWCA #680 SWHF #446

[QUOTE=Willyboy;141256708]....my model 1873 Springfield 45-70, made around 1888 ...../QUOTE]


Rifle or carbine?

It is the rifle model.

I sent a question to ATF and they sent me the section of the GCA law that
defines “antique firearm”. That section is pretty clear about anything made
1898 or prior is an antique. The ATF website is a little more detailed, and seems confusing to me. Thanks to all for the advice and comments, Willyboy.