http://www.ajc.com/news/gwinnett/robber ... 19961.html I wonder if they were able to acquire this weapon by way of the so-called 'Gun Show Loophole', or they just stole it like most crooks?
Actually, no it's not. Because of its age it is considered an antique firearm under federal law and is regulated a lot less than C&R firearms.
Even if the gun has not been "reported stolen" under that serial number, I'll bet it's a stolen gun. Some gun collector had his house burglarized and this was among the weapons the burglars took. Ever since, it's been circulating on the black market, in the hands of teenage punks, thugs, and convicted felons who might have wanted a gun just for self-defense but couldn't get one thorugh normal channels.
It might not have ever been stolen. Someone could have purchased it legally for cheap years ago and then sold it privately to someone else that did the same a few times until someone finally sold it to someone that either was not legal to purchase a weapon or was legal until they decided to knock over a Wendys.
The whole antique firearm thing has always amazed me. You have three guns, exact same model, same functionality, shoot the same cartridge. One made in 1898, one made in the same factory in 1899, and a reproduction made last year. All three are subject to totally different regulation. Yeah, I'm curious as to whether this guy actually had any ammo. Or, if he did, what modern round did he manage to get into the cylinder?