is it legal to build a muzzle loading shotgun?

m-134

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sofar i cant seem to find what i want on the internet so i am needing info on the laws about building a muzzleloader. i have some old double barrel parts lying around that i have been gathering up at gunshows and i am wondering if it would be legal for me to to build a homemade muzzleloader by cuting the chambers out of a old barrel of mine so its a strain pipe, have it welded to a old reciever, then instal percusion cap nipples into the firing pin hole. i dont care if it actualy works (or even safe since i am NOT going to use it), its just something i want to do as a project to give me something to do when i get bored, so would it be legal?

this is all i found on the RCMP site, but doesnt tell me much...
The requirements can vary depending on the type of firearm being assembled or made. Firearms that meet the definition of an antique, including matchlock, wheel lock or flint lock long guns, do not have to be registered. In all other cases, if a frame or receiver for a restricted or prohibited firearm is included in the kit, it must be registered.
 
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Many people "build" their own firearms, either from scratch of from assembled parts. An ordinary shotgun, provided it meets the requirements of the long gun registry, does not have to be registered, no matter who built it or when. This applies whether the shotgun is a modern made muzzle loader, or a cartridge gun. As long as the barrels and overall length fit within the guidelines, then it should be legal.

If, however, you were to saw off the barrels to a shorter length than is specified, or possibly saw off the butt stock so that it was under sized as the regulations state, then it would not fall within the long gun registry guidelines.

CAUTION. Be aware that the pressure curve of Black Powder is NOT developed in the same area as Smokeless Powder. Some barrels may be too thin in the breech area and could blow up on you when fired.
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I would not advise doing what you are suggesting although it is legal. It sounds like a "Bubba" type method and even though you may not intend to shoot it, someone in the future might. I think you would be far better off to install threaded home made breach plugs using a straight or bolt thread into the chambers and use the components of the locks but make new lock plates for the locks. There is a small book on recreating a muzzle loading shotgun which goes into the subject in considerable detail.
I am not saying do not build a muzzle loading shotgun but rather as the old saying goes --- if something is worth doing, it is worth doing well. Also relative to welds, they tend to be brittle and you stand a good chance of the breach opening up and also unless carefully insulated you stand a good chance of melting the brazing at the breach and/or the soft solder ahead of the brazing

cheers mooncoon
 
yes the book recreating the double barrel muzzle loading shotgun is a good one for that. but is sounds like you want to use a breech loader receiver too why not have some breech plugs turned that have a powder chamber and thread the chambers and then use a .209 primer or a .25 acp case and a primer like a modern inline
 
i could and i was thinking about it, but im wanting something unique and a project to keep me busy hopefully for a few months. if possible i am wanting to have it with fixed barrels so its like a classic muzzle loader. thats why i was originaly thinking of pluging then welding the barrels to the action, basicly remove the entire latch and hinge parts. the instal just standard nipples in the firing pin holes, and modify the hammers to work with the percusion caps. it was just a idea i was thinking about doing. work is getting slow and i need something to do to keep me busy and have fun doing.

where can i find this book?
 
i could and i was thinking about it, but im wanting something unique and a project to keep me busy hopefully for a few months. if possible i am wanting to have it with fixed barrels so its like a classic muzzle loader. thats why i was originaly thinking of pluging then welding the barrels to the action, basicly remove the entire latch and hinge parts. the instal just standard nipples in the firing pin holes, and modify the hammers to work with the percusion caps. it was just a idea i was thinking about doing. work is getting slow and i need something to do to keep me busy and have fun doing.

where can i find this book?

track of the wolf
 
i am on that site now, i think i might just scrap that original idea and just get a barrel and stuff of that website. they got everything i might need by the looks of it. thank you lots.
 
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