HALIFAX, N.C. (AP) — Equipped with 165 grains of black powder, the .75-caliber Brown Bess flintlock musket, reminiscent of those carried by British soldiers in 1776, can propel a lead ball at approximately 1,000 feet (305 meters) per second.

Consider the impact that can have on a human body. Yet, astonishingly, such weapons are largely exempt from gun regulations.

Why is this the case? Under federal and many state laws, antique or replica firearms often do not qualify as firearms in the legal sense. This allows even individuals with felony convictions to possess them in most jurisdictions.

“I think most judges would be quite surprised to learn this,” remarks Dave Hardy, a Second Amendment expert and gun rights lawyer, who is a proud owner of two long guns from the Civil War era.

In a memorable moment at a National Rifle Association gathering in 2000, the late actor Charlton Heston dramatically raised a flintlock musket — the single-shot firearm that played a crucial role in the American Revolution and remained prevalent long after the Second Amendment was debated — and declared that Democrats would have to pry it “from my cold, dead hands.”

He needn’t have worried.

A blast from the past

During debate over the Gun Control Act of 1968, Sen. John Goodwin Tower argued that flintlocks and many other antique or replica guns should be exempt from regulation.

The Texas Republican said it was needed “to relieve an unnecessarily burdensome problem for serious collectors of antique firearms and for historians and museums.” Treating all weapons the same, he argued, would unfairly target collector items “which have little, if any, practical use as a firearm in the modern connotation.”

The provision defines an antique as any weapon “with a matchlock, flintlock, percussion cap, or similar type of ignition system” manufactured “in or before 1898” — as long as it hasn’t been modified to fire modern ammunition. This generally means muzzleloaders that use black powder or a black powder substitute, though some early cartridge guns are included.

You can even own and fire a cannon.

Don’t go off half cocked

Most states have adopted that language either verbatim or by direct reference to the federal provision. But, as military historian Patrick Luther says, “it’s a patchwork.”

“I live in NY (New York) and bought a civil war musket,” Luther, a Marine veteran with the website milsurpia.com, said in an email. “It was very similar to buying a regular firearm. Buying the blackpowder for the rifle felt not much different than buying a T-shirt.”

At least three states — Hawaii, Ohio and North Dakota — treat a smoothbore musket the same as an AK-47 or AR-15. Reenactor Jason Monhollen, an officer in the U.S. Army, says that’s “comparing apples and oranges.”

“It seems silly to put restriction on something that would be such a terrible weapon if you wanted to, you know, kill people,” says Monhollen, who portrays a private and carries a French Charleville musket in the 2nd North Carolina Regiment. “There’s just much better things. You can kill more people quickly with a car than you can with a musket.”

But these weapons are still deadly.

Not just a toy

Maryland changed its law after a convicted sex offender killed his ex-girlfriend with a six-shot, .44-caliber cap and ball revolver purchased on the internet.

“It may have loaded like an 1851 weapon, but it fired like a 2017 manufactured modern handgun that was capable of lethal force,” Montgomery County State’s Attorney John McCarthy told reporters at the time.

Shadé’s Law, passed in 2019, now prohibits people convicted of certain violent crimes from buying or possessing such weapons. But many states allow convicted felons to have these weapons; West Virginia makes an exception for people under an active protective order.

Some states’ laws are confusing or vague.

Montana law mentions “antique or replica arms” in a code regulating firearms and ammunition manufactured in the state. But nowhere in the code are those weapons defined.

Wisconsin uses the federal definition, but the only reference comes in a law regarding “look-alike” firearms.

And, of course, many local ordinances, like the one in Wake County, North Carolina, prohibit the firing of any “barreled weapon capable of discharging projectiles.” In many jurisdictions, it’s illegal to brandish even a toy gun at someone.

“Federal law does not exclude antique firearms from location-based restrictions,” Austin Gunderson, counsel for the North Dakota Legislative Council, said in an email.

Stray bullets

Sometimes, attempts to strengthen gun laws have had unintended consequences.

The attorney general of New Jersey, one of the 13 original states, recently had to offer guidance when a new law targeting ghost guns seemed to require all firearms — including antiques and even air guns — to have serial numbers.

When New York toughened its gun laws in 2022, it required background checks for transfers and purchases of antique guns, and barred firearms of any kind from certain “sensitive places” like parks and museum sites — just the kinds of places reenactors appear most.

An exemption was later carved out for people “lawfully engaged in historical reenactments, educational programming involving historical weapons of warfare, or motion picture or theatrical productions.” But that hasn’t stopped out-of-state reenactors from worrying their muskets will be confiscated at the George Washington Bridge, says Justin Costantino, adjutant of the Long Island Companies of the 3rd New York Regiment.

“If the New York State Police department wants to charge me with weapons possession while I’m wearing a cocked hat and carrying around a Charleville ’66,” says Costantino, a graduate student in history, “then please, don’t call my lawyer. Call the New York Post!”

Then again, Costantino hates to hear a mother at a reenactment tell her child, “Oh, no. Don’t worry, sweetie. It’s not real.”

“It’s not really loaded, but it is really a weapon,” he says. “It’s really gunpowder. And if you stand close to it, you’ll feel the kind of breath of hot air … They’re still things that we have to take very seriously, and you have to be safe with.”

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AP Writer Jack Dura in Bismarck, North Dakota, contributed to this report.

The United States is often celebrated as the “land of the free,” where bravery is an enduring trait.

With its unmatched military prowess, cutting-edge technological advancements, and a robust spirit of entrepreneurship, the nation possesses numerous strengths.

However, as it approaches the milestone of its 250th year of independence, signs of aging are evident. In the latest rankings by US News & World Report, the United States secured the 18th spot among the world’s best countries, partly due to “notable weaknesses in critical aspects of national well-being.”

While the country achieved the top position in culture and tourism and claimed second place in economic development, it lagged significantly in other areas, ranking 33rd in health, 39th in infrastructure, and 41st in civic health.

According to US News, “Issues related to public health outcomes, social cohesion, and public safety particularly diminish the country’s overall ranking,” as highlighted in the report released on Thursday.

“In a framework that rewards balance across multiple dimensions, the United States’ combination of world-leading strengths and persistent structural gaps results in a ranking that is strong, but not top-tier.”

Health, civic health and infrastructure were given a total weight of 40.7% in the ratings, while culture and economic development represented 22.6%.

Governance, opportunity and natural environment rounded out the rest of the categories.

The US placed 17th in governance, 15th in opportunity and a whopping 72nd in natural environment. We were dinged for “high emissions and resource intensity.”

The health metric, meanwhile, takes into account life expectancy, mortality, longevity, healthcare and public health preparedness. The US life expectancy was 79 years old in 2024.

Public health preparedness was measured by vaccination rates, the ability to conduct medical research and the outcomes of past epidemics.

US News noted that large nations like the US, UK and Germany have “challenges of scale and complexity in pandemic response.”

The US recorded over 1.2 million deaths related to Covid-19.

The top countries for health are Iceland, Norway and Denmark, respectively. Iceland’s life expectancy was 83 years old in 2024.

The best country overall was determined to be Switzerland, followed by Denmark and Sweden.

US News praised Switzerland and Denmark’s “consistent performance across all eight categories” and Sweden’s high marks in governance (No. 4), opportunity (No. 3) and natural environment (No. 7).

In the 2024 rankings, the last calculated by US News, Switzerland earned the designation of best country, followed by Japan and the US.

There was no health category that year. The US placed 22nd in quality of life, though. That rating considered the countries’ public health systems.

During his state visit to Beijing, President Trump emphasized to businesses the importance of bringing only their top executives. This was part of his initial discussions with President Xi Jinping.

While addressing President Xi at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, Trump mentioned that he reached out to the 30 leading companies globally, instructing them to send their foremost leaders.

Trump stated, “We have the greatest businessmen, the biggest, and arguably the best in the world. These incredible individuals are all here with me.”

He continued, “We extended invitations to the top 30 companies worldwide, and every one of them accepted.”

Trump further noted, “I wasn’t interested in having the second or third in command. I insisted on having only the top executives. They are here today to show their respect to you and to China.”

‘They look forward to trade and doing business, and it’s going to be totally reciprocal on our behalf.’

Trump was flanked by Apple CEO Tim Cook, X and SpaceX boss Elon Musk and Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang who all made the journey to China, Musk and Huang both traveled aboard Air Force One.

The three were joined by Qualcomm boss Cristiano Amon, Kelly Ortberg of Boeing, Jane Fraser from Citi, and David Solomon from Goldman Sachs, amongst others.

The two world leaders are seen here shaking hands inside the Great Hall of the People

1. Stephen Miller, 2.Jamieson Greer, 3.Tim Cook, 4.Pete Hegseth, 5.Scott Bessent, 6.Marco Rubio, 7.Jensen Huang, 8.Elon Musk,  9.Natalie Harp, 10.Cristiano Amon, 11. Brett Ratner, 12.Margo Martin and 13.Monica Crowley are all seen here

Trump announced the business delegation would be coming with him in a post to his Truth Social. 

In it, he said that he would be asking President Xi to ‘open up China so that these brilliant people can work their magic’.

He added: ‘I promise, that when we are together, which will be in a matter of hours, I will make that my very first request. 

‘I have never seen or heard of any idea that would be more beneficial to our incredible Countries!’

The two nations reached a trade truce last year that calmed each side’s threats to impose steep tariffs on the other. 

The White House said there have been ongoing discussions and mutual interest in extending it, it is unclear whether any announcement could come during the visit.

Leaving the meeting inside the Great Hall of the People, Musk told reporters that what happened inside was ‘wonderful’ and featured ‘many good things’.

In a similar fashion, Huang said that: ‘Mr. Xi and President Trump were incredible’, as Tim Cook flashed the peace sign.

Xi Jinping is seen here meeting with the group of American representatives alongside President Trump

Leaving the meeting inside the Great Hall of the People, Musk told reporters that what happened inside was ‘wonderful’

As the two leaders took their seats opposite each other in the Great Hall of the People, Xi opened with a loaded reference to the so-called ‘Thucydides Trap.’

The phrase refers to the ancient Greek historian Thucydides’ account of Athens and Sparta, and describes the danger of conflict when an established power feels threatened by a rising civilization.

‘The world has come to a new crossroads. Can China and the US overcome the Thucydides Trap and create a new paradigm?’ Xi asked Trump across the table. 

Trump, seemingly unfazed by the portentous framing, was effusive in return and praised the pageantry of his welcome. 

He described it as ‘an honor like few have ever seen before’, and singling out the ‘happy and beautiful’ children for special praise.

He told Xi: ‘It’s an honor to be with you, it’s an honor to be your friend, and the relationship between China and the USA is going to be better than ever before.’ 

It is Trump’s first face-to-face with Xi since the Iran war erupted on February 28. 

President Donald Trump has landed in Beijing for a critical summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping. This meeting aims to manage one of the globe’s most significant rivalries while both nations remain firm on key strategic disagreements.

This two-day visit marks Trump’s first return to China since 2017 and arrives at a time of escalating tensions over issues such as trade, artificial intelligence, Taiwan, and the repercussions from the conflict involving Iran. While the White House presents the summit as a chance to forge new economic deals and “rebalance” the U.S.–China relationship, experts suggest that China’s goals extend beyond immediate economic discussions toward long-term strategic interests.

“Trump arrives seeking headline deals and visible momentum ahead of the midterms,” stated Zongyuan Zoe Liu, a senior fellow for China studies at the Council on Foreign Relations. “Xi is playing a longer game, focused on strategic patience rather than substantive compromise.”

President Trump is anticipated to challenge President Xi on China’s economic and strategic ties with Iran and Russia, including discussions about oil revenue, dual-use technology, and the possibility of arms transfers, according to senior officials from the administration.

Key topics expected on the summit’s agenda include trade, aerospace, agriculture, and energy agreements, as well as the establishment of a U.S.–China Board of Trade and Board of Investment, as per announcements from the White House.

White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly said Trump’s goal is to “deliver more good deals on behalf of our country” while safeguarding U.S. national security.

Trump participated in a welcome ceremony and bilateral meeting with Xi Thursday morning local time in Beijing, followed by a tour of the Temple of Heaven alongside the Chinese leader and a state banquet later. 

Chinese Embassy spokesperson Liu Pengyu said Beijing views the summit as an opportunity to stabilize ties between the world’s two largest economies. 

“Heads-of-state diplomacy plays an irreplaceable role in providing strategic guidance for China–U.S. relations,” Liu said in a statement to Fox News Digital. “We welcome President Trump’s state visit to China. China stands ready to work with the U.S. to expand cooperation and manage differences in the spirit of equality, respect and mutual benefit, and provide more stability and certainty for a transforming and volatile world.”

For Xi, analysts say, the top priority likely is avoiding further escalation with Washington while buying time for China’s slowing economy, as it continues to struggle with weak domestic demand, deflationary pressure and industrial overcapacity. 

A recent report by the U.S.–China Economic and Security Review Commission warned that Beijing is doubling down on state-led industrial policy despite mounting structural weaknesses in the Chinese economy.

The commission said China is increasingly operating a “two-speed” economy, where much of the broader economy stagnates while sectors prioritized by the Chinese Communist Party receive massive state support and continue expanding beyond market demand.

The report also warned of a new “China Shock 2.0,” arguing Beijing’s excess industrial capacity and record trade surplus are disrupting global markets while increasing foreign dependence on Chinese-controlled supply chains in sectors ranging from batteries and pharmaceuticals to semiconductors and artificial intelligence.

“Chinese policy seeks simultaneously to reduce China’s reliance on foreign technology while increasing the world’s dependence on China,” the commission noted in its findings.

President Trump was greeted by a formal state welcome when he touched down in Beijing ahead of high-stakes talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping. (Alex Wong/Getty Images)

At the same time, Xi is entering the talks with leverage stemming from the ongoing Iran crisis and global energy disruptions.

Trump has faced growing domestic pressure over rising energy prices tied to instability in the Middle East and shipping threats near the Strait of Hormuz. Beijing, meanwhile, remains one of Iran’s largest oil customers and maintains political ties with Tehran.

Susan Thornton, former acting assistant secretary of state for East Asian and Pacific affairs during Trump’s first term, said during a recent Stanford University Asia-Pacific Research Center interview that expectations for major breakthroughs should remain low despite the summit’s symbolism.

“The primary value lies in the act of meeting itself,” Thornton said.

She suggested Beijing may see a strategic advantage in America’s renewed focus on the Middle East. While China has made nominal peace proposals, it has not stepped up as a mediator.

“It seems like they are kind of hanging back and waiting to see what will happen,” Thornton said, arguing that from Beijing’s perspective, a U.S. entanglement in the Middle East may serve as a useful distraction, diverting Washington’s attention and pressure away from China.

One area where the two sides could announce tangible progress is agriculture. 

The White House is pushing Beijing for expanded purchases of U.S. farm products ahead of the summit, according to a Reuters report published Tuesday, particularly soybeans and grains. 

But traders and analysts told Reuters that China’s appetite for major new soybean commitments may be limited due to weak domestic demand and cheaper alternatives from Brazil. Instead, markets are watching for potential agreements involving corn, sorghum, wheat, beef and poultry, sectors viewed as less politically contentious in the broader U.S.–China relationship. 

More than a dozen U.S. business executives, including leaders from agricultural giant Cargill, are accompanying Trump during the visit.

Chinese President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan welcome U.S. President Donald Trump and his wife Melania Trump at the Palace Museum, also known as the Forbidden City, in Beijing, Nov. 8, 2017.  (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi via Getty Images)

Despite the focus on trade and geopolitical tensions, survivors of China’s religious persecution are urging the administration not to sideline Beijing’s crackdown on religious groups and dissidents.

Ahead of the summit, Trump publicly pledged to raise the case of imprisoned Chinese pastor Ezra Jin following advocacy efforts by his daughter, Grace Jin Drexel, who has accused Beijing of persecuting Christians.

Former U.S. officials told Fox News Digital they are skeptical human rights concerns will play a central role during a summit primarily focused on lowering tensions and stabilizing economic ties between the two powers.

Taiwan and technology restrictions are also expected to loom over the talks. Beijing continues to oppose U.S. arms sales and support for Taiwan, while Washington has tightened export controls targeting China’s advanced semiconductor and AI sectors.

For President Donald Trump, the summit offers an opportunity to showcase economic wins and diplomatic engagement ahead of the 2026 midterms (Manuel Balce Ceneta/AP Photo)

Still, despite the escalating rivalry, neither Washington nor Beijing appears eager for a direct confrontation.

For Trump, the summit offers an opportunity to showcase economic wins and diplomatic engagement ahead of the 2026 midterms. 

For Xi, analysts say, the goal is far more measured: preserve stability, avoid confrontation and continue positioning China for a prolonged strategic competition with the United States.