RandyRay41
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Is a reproduction cannon legal to own or does it have to be registered with the BATFE?
Cannon Legal to own?
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zimmerstutzen
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depends. Muzzleloading? Breech loading? Caliber, etc.
I am unsure of the rules with BATF, but some states have more restrictive laws and rules. I wanted t take my cannon down to the river on the 4 th of July and out of an abundance of caution, called the state police first. I was told my larger cannon can be possessed but not fired with out a pyrotechnic's display permit.
I recently heard of a guy in the next county who PO'd the neighbor's by firing his cannon late at night in a residential neighborhood. He was nailed with a crime under an off beat name like creating a pubic panic or some strange thing.
Firing blank loads in cannons in my township would be a violation of the nuisance noise ordinance. Fortunately I can document firing my cannons before the ordinance was passed and I am grandfathered.
I am unsure of the rules with BATF, but some states have more restrictive laws and rules. I wanted t take my cannon down to the river on the 4 th of July and out of an abundance of caution, called the state police first. I was told my larger cannon can be possessed but not fired with out a pyrotechnic's display permit.
I recently heard of a guy in the next county who PO'd the neighbor's by firing his cannon late at night in a residential neighborhood. He was nailed with a crime under an off beat name like creating a pubic panic or some strange thing.
Firing blank loads in cannons in my township would be a violation of the nuisance noise ordinance. Fortunately I can document firing my cannons before the ordinance was passed and I am grandfathered.
A muzzle loading cannon or reproduction thereof is legal under federal law. A cannon firing a conventional shell (say, a 105mm howitzer) is a destructive device.* But a projectile containing more than 1/4 ounce of explosive is a destructive device regardless of what it might be fired in.
*Unless ruled by the AG to be suitable for sporting purposes.
Jim
*Unless ruled by the AG to be suitable for sporting purposes.
Jim
RandyRay41
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I was thinking a mountain howitzer or a 12 lb parrot gun. I really have no use for one or even have a suitable place to shoot one if I did own one. Boredom at work led me to look at some reproductions which led to a discussion whether a cannon was legal to posess. Always amazes me the differences of opinion.
It appears the cannon itself is the inexpensive part. The carriage looks like it is the costliest. Have no idea where to acquire a ball or if those have to be hand crafted.
It appears the cannon itself is the inexpensive part. The carriage looks like it is the costliest. Have no idea where to acquire a ball or if those have to be hand crafted.
Loyalist Dave
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I have a repro 18th century mortar that will launch 8oz energy drink cans filled with cement. I don't fire it in the 'hood, but I live in the People's Republic of Maryland, Land of The Rain Tax, and we can't have firecrackers here so...
LD
LD
zimmerstutzen
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In the early 1960's, some "good old boys" my dad knew obtained a large hollow armature from a ship or some other huge industrial machine. They fired half gallon juice cans filled with concrete. But they wore out their welcome by lobbing a few over the top of their mountain backstop.
Boy the things that were legal back when.
Boy the things that were legal back when.
kBob
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Contact a War Between the States re enactors group and they can likely put you in touch with a battery such as the 1st Stuart Horse Artillery, John Pelham Battery here in Florida. I imagine Sons of COnfederate Vets could likely put you in touch with someone and you might try the North South Scirmisch association.
Come on down to Lake City for the Oulustee battle reenactment and see a dozen or so Muzzle loading cannon most years with blank firing Friday evening in the dark. There is a battery in Archer Florida that has a real 3 inch OR that was used in relocating one of the Hunley bodies when the football Stadium at the Citadel was expanded. They shoot the 3 inch with blanks for community events (especially Yulee days, Archer was technically the last Confederate "capital" as final business and breaking up of the remaining treasury took place there in Yulee's home)and have a number of reproductions in addition.
-kBob
Come on down to Lake City for the Oulustee battle reenactment and see a dozen or so Muzzle loading cannon most years with blank firing Friday evening in the dark. There is a battery in Archer Florida that has a real 3 inch OR that was used in relocating one of the Hunley bodies when the football Stadium at the Citadel was expanded. They shoot the 3 inch with blanks for community events (especially Yulee days, Archer was technically the last Confederate "capital" as final business and breaking up of the remaining treasury took place there in Yulee's home)and have a number of reproductions in addition.
-kBob
Cosmoline
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ML cannon are not illegal under federal law. Some states may restrict ownership, but not many. As a practical matter they're a bit of a hassle but more fun than can be imagined. You just need to have the acres available and learn how to safely use one. Cannons, mortars and howitzers of the front-stuffed variety can throw large objects an amazing distance. Miles in some cases. So you really need to be aware of your backstop. A small mountain may not be enough!
They're an often overlooked part of our heritage. But remember that artillery was the crown jewel of our military from the Revolution well into the 20th century. We learned from the French, who were the greatest in the world at that time.
They're an often overlooked part of our heritage. But remember that artillery was the crown jewel of our military from the Revolution well into the 20th century. We learned from the French, who were the greatest in the world at that time.
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Jim Watson
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The time I went on a live fire practice day, the battery was surprised to find a trailer on their accustomed site. "Pardon me, Ma'am, do you mind if we shoot our cannons out of your yard?"
barnetmill
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If anyone here without experience buys a cannon I suggest for safety reasons that you get with a reinactors group and be shown how to safely handle and load the cannon. Blackpowder cannons can cause injuries to the uninformed that want to fire them.
bobinoregon
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I can only speak for Oregon but as long as you have a muzzle loading cannon it's legal. Some breach loaders are legal unregistered as long as you arent using a fixed shelled. There used to be cannon shoots in northern California and there would usually be a couple of the old 2" Krupp guns show up that were registered and fired original style ammo. Usually there would be anywhere from 20-40 people showing up from all over with their cannons. It's a fun hobby but like any gun you have to pay attention, they get dangerous in a hurry when mixed with stupidity.
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