And lastly, I am confused about your FFL only policy since this is an antique action and if serial numbered can be shipped to a private party, FFL or not, no problem.
Not so sure about that. I know that a 50 year old Mauser,
in it's original configuration is C&R eligible.
However, if you take the action from that 50 year old Mauser and have a custom gun built it's no longer C&R eligible, unless it was made into a custom more than 50 years ago.
From the ATF Website...
"Firearms automatically attain C&R status when they are 50 years old. Any firearm that is at least 50 years old, and in its original configuration, would qualify as a C&R firearm."
There has been some talk that may been changed in the future.
I imagine the same applies for an antique such as the OP's gun, chambered for a centerfire cartridge, or a custom Winchester Highwall, originally made before 1898 but recently made into a custom, centerfire.
If I buy a newly made Shiloh Sharps in 45-70 it has to go to an FFL, not to me.
