Potatoe Gun

[saki302]

Compressed air launchers are also safer, quieter, and more powerful.
I made one many many years ago and gave it to an ex-nephew-in-law who begged for it.
I think the kid drove a spark plug through both sides of a computer with the thing :P (that's illegal I heard- you are only supposed to fire produce through it).

-Dave

[Sal]

oh man.....i only know that the air powered ones are legal, i've built quite a few for use in airsoft to launch the little nerf finned footballs. I've got a unique valve system that i designed so that i can quick change the valve assembly between different outer shells for different type of airsoft games, so far we have a PIAT(british WW2) AT4(current US) and I'm working on a panzerchreck(sp?) and plan to do a LAW and probably a RPG-7 soon enough. I build them out of aluminum and PVC so no real danger of being caught with demill stuff.

Heres the PIAT setup before it was fully done, it got proper canvas cheek piece and shoulder pad covers. My valve assembly is semi auto, and runs on a remote line to a co2 tank. Well it would be semi it it had a feed mechanism, for now you can pop off air with every pull of the trigger, when you release it resets and recharges, then you push a nerf down the barrel. Its shown here with a fake piat round i made for display.

[pepsi2451]

So everyone seems to agree they are illegal. Can anyone post some penal code? I'm pretty sure at least some types of cannons are legal here, why not potato guns?

[pnkssbtz]

Illegal, at least any that use a fuel air explosion to detonate. Air powered is still legal, which makes me wonder if a dry ice/water combo with a quick release valve would be legal.

In the law that makes Potato guns illegal, it also says that chemical eplosions (SUCH AS DRY ICE / WATER) are illegal because they are chemical exlposions...


Yes. Whoever wrote the law failed high school chem. Heck they failed basic 7th grade earth science.

[pepsi2451]

In the law that makes Potato guns illegal, it also says that chemical eplosions (SUCH AS DRY ICE / WATER) are illegal because they are chemical exlposions...

What law would that be? I found this:

12301. (a) The term "destructive device," as used in this chapter, shall include any of the following weapons:
(1) Any projectile containing any explosive or incendiary material or any other chemical substance, including, but not limited to, that which is commonly known as tracer or incendiary ammunition, except tracer ammunition manufactured for use in shotguns.
(2) Any bomb, grenade, explosive missile, or similar device or any launching device therefor.
(3) Any weapon of a caliber greater than 0.60 caliber which fires fixed ammunition, or any ammunition therefor, other than a shotgun (smooth or rifled bore) conforming to the definition of a "destructive device" found in subsection (b) of Section 479.11 of Title 27 of the Code of Federal Regulations, shotgun ammunition (single projectile or shot), antique rifle, or an antique cannon. For purposes of this section, the term "antique cannon" means any cannon manufactured before January 1, 1899, which has been rendered incapable of firing or for which ammunition is no longer manufactured in the United States and is not readily available in the ordinary channels of commercial trade. The term "antique rifle" means a firearm conforming to the definition of an "antique firearm" in Section 479.11 of Title 27 of the Code of Federal Regulations.
(4) Any rocket, rocket-propelled projectile, or similar device of a diameter greater than 0.60 inch, or any launching device therefor, and any rocket, rocket-propelled projectile, or similar device containing any explosive or incendiary material or any other chemical substance, other than the propellant for that device, except those devices as are designed primarily for emergency or distress signaling purposes.
(5) Any breakable container which contains a flammable liquid with a flashpoint of 150 degrees Fahrenheit or less and has a wick or similar device capable of being ignited, other than a device which is commercially manufactured primarily for the purpose of illumination.
(6) Any sealed device containing dry ice (CO2) or other chemically reactive substances assembled for the purpose of causing an explosion by a chemical reaction.
(b) The term "explosive," as used in this chapter, shall mean any explosive defined in Section 12000 of the Health and Safety Code.

But I don't know what part would apply to to potato guns.

[superhondaz50]

This is what I got from my local Sheriff, as well as my next door neighbor who is a lawyer. The potato gun, regardless of what propels the potato is legal. It only becomes illegal when certain projectiles are inserted into the bore. It is legal to shoot potato's and other such vegitables and fruits because they are deemed to be "safe" and for fun or for scientific purposes. As soon as somthing such as a rubber, or wood projectile, a bean bag, sabot's, darts, flechetes, rocks etc are inserted the device becomes a destructive device and is now illegal.

[pnkssbtz]

What law would that be? I found this:


But I don't know what part would apply to to potato guns.

Yup thats the one.

A potato gun is a destructive device.

(6) Any sealed device containing dry ice (CO2) or other chemically reactive substances assembled for the purpose of causing an explosion by a chemical reaction.

C02 release of gas when combined with water is not a chemical reaction. It is a change of state of matter. Both release energy but it is NOT a chemical reaction.

[pepsi2451]

Yup thats the one.

A potato gun is a destructive device.

The answer is probably right in front of me, but what makes it a destructive device?

[Sal]

This is what I got from my local Sheriff, as well as my next door neighbor who is a lawyer. The potato gun, regardless of what propels the potato is legal. It only becomes illegal when certain projectiles are inserted into the bore. It is legal to shoot potato's and other such vegitables and fruits because they are deemed to be "safe" and for fun or for scientific purposes. As soon as somthing such as a rubber, or wood projectile, a bean bag, sabot's, darts, flechetes, rocks etc are inserted the device becomes a destructive device and is now illegal.

on that note, the DD wont apply if it only uses compressed air or compressed Co2 since its not using any chemical reaction to propel it, its not considered a firearm.

[artherd]

This is what I got from my local Sheriff, as well as my next door neighbor who is a lawyer. The potato gun, regardless of what propels the potato is legal. It only becomes illegal when certain projectiles are inserted into the bore. It is legal to shoot potato's and other such vegitables and fruits because they are deemed to be "safe" and for fun or for scientific purposes. As soon as somthing such as a rubber, or wood projectile, a bean bag, sabot's, darts, flechetes, rocks etc are inserted the device becomes a destructive device and is now illegal.

Cites?

[jmgray]

i thought that potato guns, as long as they were muzzle loaded, were legal. ie. something of the same category as a muzzle loaded blackpowder rifle which are not legally considered a firearm.

[Samuel Adams]

Some guy I know fired a "salad shooter" with PD watching. Talked to PD, they asked what are you doing, told them we, I mean the guy and his friend were playing with a salad shooter. They went on their way. This was mid 90's.
Starter fluid powered.

[tdo315]

Department of the Treasury
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms
Washington, DC 20226
As defined in section 921(a) (3) of Title 18, United States Code (USC) the term "firearm" means --

(A) any weapon (including a starter gun) which will or is designed to or may readily be converted to expel a projectile by the action of an explosive;
(B) the frame or receiver of any such weapon;
(C) any firearm muffler or firearm silencer; or
(D) any destructive device. Such term does not include an antique firearm.
As defined in 26 USC subsection 5845(f) (2) the term destructive device includes any type of weapon by whatever name known which will, or which may readily be converted to, expel a projectile by the action of an explosive or other propellent, the barrel or barrels of which have a bore of more than one-half inch in diameter, except a shotgun or shotgun shell which the Secretary or his delegate finds is generally recognized as particularly suitable for sporting purposes; and (3) any combination of parts either designed or intended for use in converting any device into a destructive device as defined in subparagraphs (1) and (2) and from which a destructive device may be readily assembled. The term 'destructive device' shall not include any device which is neither designed nor redesigned for use as a weapon; any device, although originally designed for use as a weapon, which is redesigned for use as a signaling, pyrotechnic, line throwing, safety, or similar device; surplus ordnance sold, loaned, or given by the Secretary of the Army pursuant to the provisions of section 4684(2), 4685, or 4686 of title 10 of the USC; or any other device which the Secretary of the Treasury or his delegate finds is not likely to be used as a weapon, or is an antique or is a rifle which the owner intends to use solely for sporting purposes.

It is unlawful for anyone to make or possess a destructive device which is not registered in accordance with the provisions of the National Firearms Act.

We have previously examined that certain muzzle loading devices known as "potato guns." These potato guns are constructed from PVC plastic tubing. They use hair spray or a similar aerosol substance for a propellant, and have some type of spark ignitor. We have determined that these devices, as described, are not firearms provided that they are used solely for launching potatoes for recreational purposes. However, any such devices which are used as weapons or used to launch other forms of projectiles may be firearms and destructive devices as defined.

Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms
Firearms Technology Branch, Room 6450
650 Massachusetts Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20226
Sincerely yours,

(signature)

Curtis H. A. Bartlett Acting Chief, Firearms Technology Branch

Took that from the spudtech.com website.

I still would not go marching up and down my street with one or shoot it in the backyard, but out in the desert shouldn't be a problem. We were out at El Mirage last year on turkey day weekend and I had 3 of them leaned against my truck. We had a visit from a Ranger because my cousin was speeding up the main road on his dirt bike and he didn't even give them a second look. In fact, he looked at my sack of potatoes and told me that I needed to get bigger ones if I wanted them to go real far

[scout II]

Thanks for the info.My main point I guess I left out was,are these things banned locally.Where they banned in certain city's? Where they banned in some county's?I thought I remembered a law from the mid 90's banning them in Alameda County.I can't find anything on it,but remember reading it back then.How can I find out if they are legal to have in Alameda County????????

[Equalizer2]

I remember an article from several years ago that they were banned under the California Penal Code. But have not been able to find it. I did find this from 2005.
Only in California!!

Joshua Tree National Park (CA) PVC Potato Cannons Seized from Scout Troop

On the morning of Saturday, October 29th, park employees received reports of a disturbance from visitors who were camping in the group campsites at Indian Cove Campground. Protection rangers responded. During the subsequent investigation, the rangers confiscated seven cannons constructed from PVC piping which were being used to shoot potatoes into the area of the campground through the use of a gas propellant. The cannons ranged in size from two to six feet in length and are defined as destructive devices under the California penal code. Other miscellaneous PVC piping, which was used for making the potato cannons, and three five-pound bags of potatoes were also confiscated. A local California Boy Scout troop occupied the site. The site permit holder was issued a violation notice for possession/use of weapons. The Scoutmaster and group leaders were given multiple verbal warnings for disorderly conduct, sanitation/refuse violations, food storage violations, and miscellaneous traffic offenses. [Submitted by Judy Bartzatt, Chief Ranger] Ed : I have mixed emotions here. What's wrong with having a potato cannon? Lots of physics, math, and chemistry to learn in ballistics. Just don't shoot it up in a public campground. It's an outrage that the leaders "earned" all those citations. Pick up your Conduct yourselves like REAL Boy Scout leaders should. Judgment, ethics and fun.