Cannons

[Mr. Loud Guns]

I was just wondering if is legal to build a cannon. I came across some plans on the internet for building a cannon and considering I have access to many of the materials needed I was just wondering if this was legal or not.

 

[beerslurpy]

I hope not. My tripod is equipped with several cannons. Laser cannons.

More seriously, if it is a muzzle loader, it is probably legal. If it fires fixed cartridges (modern arty) it is a destructive device.

 

[rkba_net]

Under FEDERAL LAW it is legal to buile a MUZZLE loading cannon... state law may vary... However one must file a ATF Form 1 to buile one that takes FIXED ammo as this would be a Destructive Device...

 

[RevDisk]

Careful. Technically, you're supposed to submit your plans to the BATFE and see how they rule. Some spud gun designs have been ruled destructive devices (DD's), so be careful.

I imagine Civil War re-enactors cannon owners would know more about this specific area of law. But you're better consider writing snail mail to the BATFE.

 

[Third_Rail]

Check here out for the real deal, as it were.

 

[Justin]

Some spud gun designs have been ruled destructive devices (DD's), so be careful.

What's next? Charging a $200 tax stamp for a bag of Iowa Russets?

 

[Mr. Loud Guns]

Yeah, it is a muzzle loader that shoots 3 inch steel balls.

 

[1911 guy]

Dgw

Check out Dixie Gun Works. They sell cannons. Mostly Civil War repro's.

 

[Third_Rail]

DON'T SHOOT STEEL!


Unless you have proper windage (1/40th the bore) it'll make quite a sound, but only once. Probably the last thing you'll ever hear... Register at GrayBeard, that link I posted, wait to be activated, and ask this question there.

 

[Volponi]

Don't be this guy

The other day, a guy down the street from me fired off his homemade cannon during July 4th celebrations.

It didn't work out so well for him. Shrapnel blew a hole clean through his chest. His last words were "Cover your ears". A 23-year old woman got hit with shrapnel a couple hundred yards away. Missed her 10-month old baby by inches. She's OK after a little surgery, and should be released from the hospital tomorrow.

http://www.counton2.com/servlet/Sat...icle&c=MGArticle&cid=1031783680135&path=!home

Be sure you research this well before you build and fire it.

Edit to add:
Apparently, this guy had fired this cannon before, on new year's eve. Many of the news reports say it was made of cast iron. Seems to me that cast iron is pretty brittle. I'm surprised the cannon survived the first shooting.

 

[spartacus2002]

His last words were "Cover your ears".

Although my heart breaks for the guy and his family, I cannot help but ask if he didn't actually say "hold my beer"

 

[0007]

Check out www.wildimports.com. They will probably sell you one for less then you can have one built - unless you have access to a full-size machine shop. They make good stuff I have their beer-can mortor and the HMS Victory salute cannon...

 

[Javelin Man]

I help my neighbor make cannons here in Ohio. He uses brass and makes 1/4 scale, 1/2 scale, full sized field howitzers as well as 1812 cannon, mortars, and swivel guns. If you watched the movie, "The Last Samurie (sp)", he made those six field howitzers. I help him pour the brass at 2100 degrees and break open the molds a day or two later.

Yes, it's legal to make cannons. Darwin's theories of evolution also takes some people out of the gene pool who think they can take a tube and weld a steel plate behind it.

Study, research and then buy from someone.

 

[Joejojoba111]

[Although my heart breaks for the guy and his family, I cannot help but ask if he didn't actually say "hold my beer"]

...Spartacus, you're a horrible horrible person. Will you marry me?

 

[Mr. Loud Guns]

Thanks for all the info guys, this is really helpful and maybe I will continue to research this alittle more if you know what I mean.