For an original 10ML - yes. For the 10ML-II - no.
The BATF determined that the original 10ML could to easily be converted to a centerfire rifle and thus deemed that it would be subject to a 4473 form and background check. This is why Savage redesigned it after the first year which resulted in the 10ML-II which does NOT need to have a 4473 form and background check run.
However, there are some gun dealers out there who are just ignorant - even some of the higher volume and more reputable shops. The shop where I bought my 10ML-II back in the fall of 2002 is a prime example. Even though the BAFT doesn't require a background check on the 10ML-II the dealer where I bought mine wouldn't sell it to me without doing it - even after I spent 15 minutes arguing with him about it and explaining why I didn't need to. I ultimately just did the 4473 and background check to get the gun I wanted and get out of there. I really can't blame the dealer - they were just covering their own rears with the BATF based on the prior years model not meeting muzzleloader requirements.
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