rebarrel an antique rolling block

[patrickl]

If you rebarrel an antique to an another obsolete caliber is it then legally modern? What about a replica in an obsolete caliber?

 

[CoRoMo]

The full definition in federal law of an antique firearm is as follows:

"The term “antique firearm” means—
(A) any firearm (including any firearm with a matchlock, flintlock, percussion cap, or similar type of ignition system) manufactured in or before 1898; or
(B) any replica of any firearm described in subparagraph (A) if such replica—
(i) is not designed or redesigned for using rimfire or conventional centerfire fixed ammunition...

Replicas can be considered antiques too, but redesigning for using rimfire or conventional centerfire fixed ammunition looks to void the antique status. So the way I read it, if you were to rebarrel the action, that'd definitely fall under a redesign.