Unless it's changed recently, the the year cutoff is 1898, not 1900, but it is correct that antique firearms are not subject to the same rules as "modern" (1898 and later) guns. Technically, I believe the antique has to either be inoperative or in a chambering that is no longer "readily available", but I don't think this provision is enforced strongly if at all.
Keep in mind though that some municipalities still restrict receipt of any firearm, regardless of age.

For what its worth, here is a direct quote from the ATF:


"As defined in 18 U.S.C. § 921(a)(16) the term “antique firearm” means —

    …

       any firearm (including any firearm with a matchlock, flintlock, percussion cap, or similar type of ignition system) manufactured in or before 1898; or
       any replica of any firearm described in subparagraph (A) if such replica —
           is not designed or redesigned for using rimfire or conventional centerfire fixed ammunition, or
           uses rimfire or conventional centerfire fixed ammunition which is no longer manufactured in the United States and which is not readily available in the ordinary channels of commercial trade; or
       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. For purposes of this subparagraph, the term ‘antique firearm’ shall not include any weapon which incorporates a firearm frame or receiver, any firearm which is converted into a muzzle loading weapon, or any muzzle loading weapon, which can be readily converted to fire fixed ammunition by replacing the barrel, bolt, breechblock, or any combination thereof."

Chuck, get on line with your state dept of Justice and read the rules for that state, and for the state you are shipping too. Most states could care less if it was made before 1899 and used shells as most are outdated loadings no longer availible at the stores. Can't find 10 gauge at WALMART.
Mike

The gub'mint and their lawyers always make things so clear and concise..........................

I am with Boats on this.  I think the only safe thing to do is to ship to a dealer on out of state sales.  You have no way of knowing what the local or state laws are on the other end and many jurisdictions don't follow the federal rule.  If you want to insist on your "rights" you are welcome to the years of aggravation and legal bills which may ensue.  

I had an argument on this subject a few months ago with some troll who said he wanted to buy my rebuilt 45-70 Sharps Borchardt without going through a dealer.  I even offered to pay the transfer fee, which was trivial in the context of the transaction amount.  I ended up losing the sale, which was probably a good thing. I really don't want to sell a rifle to someone who can't or won't pass the background check and the fact is the rifle was the functional equivalent of a Ruger No. 1.

In addition to the legal issues you will have trouble with some shippers if a firearm is not going to a dealer. Someone will undoubtedly chime in here and say that you can send "antiques" via the US mail, good luck with all that!

Quote:



Actually, "convincing" the US Mail to "take" and antique rifle has never been a problem for me...
Just have a copy of the Domestic Mail Manual (downloadable from the USPS or orderable on paper), and highlight the sections of the DMM that specifically allow shipping antique firearms.
This is the manual that the Postal employees have to follow... When you show them THEIR rulebook, that THEIR managers all the way up to the Postmaster General follows; they don't argue.

Around here, shipping an antique firearm dealer-to-dealer is likely to cost you closer to $100-$150, because dealers will usually demand to do ALL the california paperwork, with fees, plus the cost of shipping, plus the cost of the box, plus the "shop fee" for private transfers, etc etc.

Paul F.

Long guns through the mail are legal, at least at my local post office

Boats