Quote Originally Posted by Doc Hudson

Amen to knife laws being screwy!

Do you mean that in Michigan you have to have a CCW permit to have a blackpowder gun in your possession?

According to Federal definition, cap-and-ball pistols and revolvers are not FIREARS. There are not even Federal laws prohibiting minors or felons from buying or possessing them.

I think you need to get in contact with the state Attorney General's office and ask for some legal definitions, and legal citations.
No, you don't need a permit to own, and technically you shouldn't need one to transport. My firearms safety instructor urged us to get a permit if we should ever have one, and officers here at least do not like people transproting them without a permit. Sorry I didn't specify.