Quote Originally Posted by Tobus View Post
I'd be surprised if that were an issue anywhere. Muzzle-loaders are not considered firearms under federal law, and I'm not aware of any state that considers them such. But obviously, there are a lot of different local laws to check when you're traveling. Perhaps a non-firing replica would be a safer bet if you did want to use one?
Yes in most cases an unloaded black powder firearm is not considered a firearm for purposes of shipping or sale across state lines. So you can buy one from the cabelas website and have it shipped to your house and it is perfectly legal.

However, they can fall under local laws when loaded or discharged (laws prohibiting public carry or discharging within city limits).

For instance, I can buy a black powder musket online and have it shipped to my house without the usual (for California) background check, waiting period, or registration as if it were not a gun but were I to load it and transport it in my car or fire it in town the laws prohibiting transporting a loaded firearm in a vehicle (state law) or discharging a weapon within city limits (San Diego law) would apply as for any other type of gun.

So a musket used for parades shouldn't be much of an issue. However, with that in mind, Tobus' suggestion of a non-firing replica is sound as many local law enforcement may not be aware of the minutiae of muzzle loader regulations.