Legal Question in Civil Rights Law in California

Felons are barred under federal and California law.from possessing 'firearms or ammunition'. 18 USC Section 922 is the section that both use as a definition of 'firearms'.

A muzzle-loader does not fall under the guidelines and is not considered a firearm.

In essence, if it does not accept and cannot accept cartridge ammunition it is not a firearm. Any muzzleloader than can be converted to accept cartridge ammunition is considered a firearm.

Therefore, you can make the argument that you are entitled to possess a muzzleloader rifle or pistol, but if you are ever confronted by law enforcement, they could easily be anticipated to think your muzzleloader is a 'gun' that you are not supposed to have, arrest you, and let the courts sort it out. You are free to choose your level of risk.

I am not aware of a specific provision barring felons from bows, and the CA Fish and Game Code does not consider a bow and arrow to be a firearm for the purposes of hunting.

However, a convicting court can expand and add to your 'prohibition' list, check your sentencing report.