Transport of c&b revolver with charged cylinders?

M

Metman2

CGN frequent flyer
Rating - 100%
72   0   0
Prelude to my question: Suppose I've been out hunting with a percussion-cap muzzle-loading rifle, and I'm heading back to my camp. In the provinces in which I've hunted, I can legally transport my charged ML in my vehicle, after removing the cap. There's no requirement to discharge or de-charge the rifle: removal of the percussion cap is considered sufficient to render it unloaded for the purposes of transporting it.

Does the same principle apply to a cap and ball revolver, if I am transporting it, trigger-locked and cased, to a shooting range? In the context of transporting a restricted firearm, can it be considered "unloaded" if the cylinders are charged (powder, wad and ball), but no percussion caps are installed?

This has nothing to do with carrying antique status handguns, and I am not interested in defeating or bypassing the transport rules. I'm simply curious if anyone has thought this through or otherwise been "enlightened".
 
I would well imagine that you are gtg sans caps for transport. However, is there really an issue loading it at the range? Worst case, a fire starts in your trunk...at least 1 of those balls have to travel down rifling to get out of the gun, and that's a bad thing for you if you're not in control of it...because ultimately you would be held responsible for it.

Illegal? I doubt it. Is it a good idea? I doubt it.
 
I often transport my cap & ball revolvers charged, but not capped. Saves time at the range when there are more cap & ball shooters waiting to reload at the loading table for a CAS practice or event.
I don't believe that it contravenes the law any more than if it was a single shot rifle so charged, but uncapped. In the event of a MVA that results in a fire, I'll have more on my mind than 5 chambers going off, like 50-75 litres of gasoline .....
 
Transporting a uncapped, but barrel charged muzzleloading rifle is allowed when moving between hunting sites, where I live. Specific exemption.
Handguns must be transported unloaded, in a locked container, with a locking device applied if restricted, without if antique.
I suspect that a percussion revolver with the chambers charged could be deemed to be loaded, even without caps.
Transporting a charged, but uncapped detached cylinder should not be an issue. Similar to transporting a loaded, detached cartridge magazine.
 
I cannot remember ,now , where I got the information- but I understand that a C&B is considered unloaded if de-caped.
I always leave one chamber unloaded - I consider this chamber to be my safety. Being a Scot I do not like the waste involved in firing off the gun for no good reason.
jan.
 
If a cap & ball revolver is charged, but not capped, it is not "loaded" any more than is a ML rifle in the same condition.

However, don't count on a cop having any knowledge of this and be prepared to argue it in court.

The only safe way to carry a loaded single action revolver (other than one with a transfer bar) is with the hammer down on an empty chamber.
 
Sharps '63 said:
If a cap & ball revolver is charged, but not capped, it is not "loaded" any more than is a ML rifle in the same condition.

However, don't count on a cop having any knowledge of this and be prepared to argue it in court.

The only safe way to carry a loaded single action revolver (other than one with a transfer bar) is with the hammer down on an empty chamber.
Click to expand...
I think this is the best answer in regards to the OP's question.

As for the cop part, it would depend on the knowledge of that particular officer, whether or not that officer calls in for a clarification, the firearm owner knowledge and attitude at the time. Lastly, the odds of being pulled over at that particular moment and having a officer asking to dig through your stuff in the vehicle is pretty slim to say the least.

I missed this first time around:
tiriaq said:
Transporting a charged, but uncapped detached cylinder should not be an issue. Similar to transporting a loaded, detached cartridge magazine.
Click to expand...

Bottom line: Do what you are comfortable with.
 
Last edited:
My own method is to remove the cylinder from the frame anyway and carry it loaded -uncapped and locked in the same box as the frame. I take 2 or 3 to the range at the same time and don't have to fool around re-loading on the firing line. Any possibility of them going off is infinitessable and I believe this all within the intent of regulations as they now stand. Cheers
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom