[Snaggletooth]

I have a Black Powder pistol that I want to send to my son in Sacremento. Under California law does he have to have a permit for the gun. I want to suprise him on his Birthday and dont want him to get into problems from the gift.

If anyone knows the law on this I'd appreciate a reply

[Tallship]

As long as he is 18 years old, he doesn't need any permit to own a black powder pistol, and you don't need to send it through an FFL.

[kungfuhippie]

you don't need to send it through an FFL.
As long as it's a cap and ball gun or an antique...or you both have a C&R license.

[Tallship]

You're right, I just assumed it was a cap and ball.

[4v50 Gary]

I'm given to believe that California considers a cap 'n ball a firearm. However, you can send it via USPS since it's a blackpowder replica.

[kungfuhippie]

I'm given to believe that California considers a cap 'n ball a firearm.
Good point, better check to see if he needs to register it.

[Tallship]

Here is the petinent section of California law on cap and ball pistols:

(e) For purposes of Sections 12070, 12071, and paragraph (8) of
subdivision (a), and subdivisions (b), (c), (d), and (f) of Section
12072, the term "firearm" does not include an unloaded firearm that
is defined as an "antique firearm" in Section 921(a)(16) of Title 18
of the United States Code.

12070. (a) No person shall sell, lease, or transfer firearms unless
he or she has been issued a license pursuant to Section 12071. Any
person violating this section is guilty of a misdemeanor.

This means that you don not have to transfer the gun through a "dealer" and therefor it does not have to registered. However, for all other purposes, (concealed carry, ADW, brandishing etc.) it is a firearm.

[Old Dragoon]

I send and receive Cap and ball Pistols, new and antique, thru the USPS and UPS all the time and have zero trouble.
I'm in Acton CA. I do not know about Sacto city rules though.