Anything that fires a lethal projectile is considered a firearm, I believe.......
A firearm is classed as employing mounted cartarage loaded interior the chamber employing a action. A muzzle loader or black powder it no such element and any felon might desire to verify there state statute do confirm.
From what I read in the Iowa state law, muzzle loaders in the state of Iowa would be considered a firearm. Copied from Iowa State law on: ANTIQUES AND REPLICAS An antique firearm is any firearm (including any firearm with a matchlock, flintlock, percussion cap, or similar type of ignition system) manufactured in or before 1898 or a replica of an antique firearm if the replica is not designed or redesigned to use conventional rimfire or centerfire ammunition or if the replica uses only rimfire or centerfire fixed ammunition which is no longer manufactured in the United States and which is not readily available in the ordinary channels of commercial trade. Antique and replica firearms are exempt from the permit to purchase requirement. The same laws on carrying that apply to modern firearms apply to antique and replica firearms. @ Gambler. For your information many states do not consider antique or replicas as firearms. From Texas State law: ANTIQUES AND REPLICAS Antique or curio guns manufactured before 1899 and replicas thereof which do not use rim fire or center fire ammunition are not included in the definition of “firearm” as it is used in Texas Penal Code Title 10, Chapter 46, which governs weapons.
