I think the cut off year is 1898 not 1896. Having said that I do think it is worthwhile to contact BATF and ask them precisely what the law is. I have contacted them over the years regarding FFL questions when I had one and have found the people to be fairly knowledgeable and friendly. If you receive a positive answer though you may still be unsuccessful at getting Cabela's to sell the gun without going through an FFL dealer to record the transfer. My thinking is the company would rather err on the side of doing everything to the letter of the law rather than the intent of the law.
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