"....am I permitted,as an a Canadian visitor, to carry an 1849 original Colt percussion pistol, loaded, for personal protection, when travelling in the US?"
By Fed definition, it is not a 'firearm' and is not covered by the Gun Control Act. That is where it ends as far as that (Fed Law) is concerned.
There is no 'permit' granted to anyone under the GCA68 to carry a loaded gun anywhere in the USA,,even to US citzens.
The reason is that the State & Local Laws vary so much and they can be more strict than the Fed laws.
(The only thing that comes close is the FOPA,,freedom to transport your unloaded and secured firearms from one state to another as long as they are legal at the destination.
Heavy restrictions on storage & travel requirements. No carrying them around at the truck stop 'cause it looks spooky.)
They (antique firearms) are not always exempt in all places in the USA,, and in all circumstances of use.
Loaded firearm, carrying it as an offensive weapon, carrying it concealed, carrying it loaded in a vehicle,,where it is in the vehicle,,all these come into play in the USA in the different State & Local juristictions you may pass through.
Firearms Laws vary widely as do criminal laws concerning
the definition of a 'weapon', 'concealed weapon', 'possession of a weapon',,ect.
It can go far beyond what is contained in the GCA'68 definition of 'Antique Firearm.
Which only says the (pre-1899 mfg) firearms are exempt from the provisions of the GCA68. Nothing more.
A very grey area for sure. One that does not favor the nonimmigrant visitor should they be pick up packin' a loaded C&B in most places.
Just my .02
...they even made the convicted felons turn in their muzzle loaders and C&B guns last year in NY State. Took a couple of NYS Troopers getting shot to get that done.
