Rep. Adam Miller Introduces Legislation to Protect Owners of Antique Firearms

COLUMBUS – State Representative Adam Miller (D-Columbus) today introduced legislation that would help antique dealers, collectors, flea marketers, Civil War buffs, and others who own antique firearms.

“If you inherit your grandparent’s antique musket, you should not have to worry about complying with firearm laws designed for modern, lethal weapons when you sell it, trade it, or give it to your child,” said Rep. Miller. “Flea marketers across the state would be free to sell and trade in these antiques.”

Current law regarding possessing weapons while under disability would remain unchanged. Purchasers and those receiving the antique firearm would still need to comply with existing law. Antique firearms are defined as:

• A firearm with a matchlock, flintlock, percussion cap, or similar type of ignition system manufactured in or before 1898.
• A replica of an antique firearm if it is not designed or redesigned for using rimfire or conventional centerfire fixed ammunition or the replica uses rimfire or conventional centerfire fixed ammunition that is no longer manufactured in the United States and is not readily available in commercial trade.
• A muzzle loading rifle, shotgun, or pistol that is designed to use black powder, or a black powder substitute, and that cannot use fixed ammunition.

The bill does not include any of the following:

• A weapon that incorporates a firearm frame or receiver.
• A firearm that is converted into a muzzle loading weapon.
• A muzzle loading weapon that can readily be converted to fire fixed ammunition by replacing the barrel, bolt, breechblock, or any combination thereof.

Rep. Miller is ranking member of the Finance Subcommittee on Public Safety.