Can Cannon

[newGunGuru]

I have an AR-15 and saw a video on demolition ranch youtube channel about a Can Cannon. I want to buy one but I am not sure about the laws on it. Am I allowed to purchase it and own it in california? Also, are there restrictions on where I can shoot it and any other specifics about the gun that must be met. IE: barrel length or anything of that nature. Any help deciphering the Laws about the Can Cannon would be greatly appreciated.

[newGunGuru]

Can Cannon

I have an AR-15 and saw a video on demolition ranch youtube channel about a Can Cannon. I want to buy one but I am not sure about the laws on it. Am I allowed to purchase it and own it in california? Also, are there restrictions on where I can shoot it and any other specifics about the gun that must be met. IE: barrel length or anything of that nature. Any help deciphering the Laws about the Can Cannon would be greatly appreciated.

[Quiet]

I have an AR-15 and saw a video on demolition ranch youtube channel about a Can Cannon. I want to buy one but I am not sure about the laws on it. Am I allowed to purchase it and own it in california? Also, are there restrictions on where I can shoot it and any other specifics about the gun that must be met. IE: barrel length or anything of that nature. Any help deciphering the Laws about the Can Cannon would be greatly appreciated.

There have been two versions of the X-Products Can Cannon and it's legality is determined by which version is in question.

[Quiet]

Original (discontinued) but can be found in used markets...

In regards to the original X-Products Can Cannon...

BATFE determination...
The issue is the 1" smoothbore barrel that could chamber & discharge non-blank cartridges.
Since it has a less than 16" barrel, installing it on a rifle lower would create a Title 2 SBR.
Since it has a smoothbore barrel, installing it on a pistol lower would create a Title 2 AOW.
Both of which a Federal felonies, unless BATFE approval was obtained to make a Title 2 SBR or Title 2 AOW.

In compliance with this determination and in order to be CA legal...
The X-Products Can Cannon can be legally installed on:
1. an AR pistol lower (DROS'd as a "handgun" or made from an "80% receiver") that has been made into an AOW.
2. an AR receiver that has been made into a SBR and has a CA DOJ Dangerous Weapons Permit for a SBR.



Because of the BATFE determination, X-Products sells additional parts to modify it to be legal under Federal laws. If it is modified to be Federally legal, see next post.

[Quiet]

Current production...

In regards to the current (new) X-Products Can Cannon (blank firing only)...

Under Federal laws/regulations...

Since it uses a firearm receiver, it would be considered a Title 1 Other.


Under CA laws/regulations...

EDIT #1 to add in changes in CA firearms laws pertaining to self-made firearms. (01-11-2019)

EDIT #2 to add in changes because of CA unconventional pistol laws. (01-12-2019)

Destructive Device:
In order to be a Destructive Device, it needs to meet one of the following:
1. Fires fixed ammunition that is .60 or greater. [PC 16460(a)(3)]
2. Launches a bombs/grenades/rockets/missiles/etc. [PC 16460(a)(2)]

Since it chambered to use 5.56x45mm blanks, the caliber would be considered 5.56mm and not 211mm (diameter of soda can). In addition, since the projectile is separate from the cartridge, this would not be considered fixed ammunition. Therefore, it does not meet definition #1 of a Destructive Device.

As long as it does not launch any type of explosive/incendiary/less lethal type projectile, it does not meet definition #2 of a Destructive Device.

Firearm:
Since it is an AR15 pattern upper receiver that fits onto the standard AR15 pattern lower receiver and expels a projectile through the force of an explosion, it is considered a firearm. [PC 16520(a)]

Since it has a smoothbore barrel and does not shoot shotgun shells, it does not meet CA's definition of a "rifle" [PC 17090] or a "shotgun" [PC 17190].
But, since it has a barrel length of less than 16", it meets CA's definition of a "handgun" [PC 16530(a)].

CA SBR/SBS laws allows a "handgun" to also be classified as a SBR/SBS, if it meets the CA definition of a SBR/SBS. [PC 16530(b)]
However...
Since it does not shoot shotgun shells, it does not meet CA's definition of a SBS. [PC 17180]
Since it does not have a rifled barrel, it does not meet most of CA's definition of a SBR. [PC 17170(a),(b),(d),&(e)]
But, if an AR15 pattern receiver is used from a rifle to assemble the Can Cannon, then it would meet one of CA's definition of a SBR. [PC 17170(c)]

Since it has a non-rifled barrel with a barrel length of less than 18", it meets CA's definition of an unconventional pistol. [PC 17270]

CA prohibits the importation, making, transfer, and possession of unconventional pistols in CA. [PC 31500]

BATFE approved Title 2 AOW [PC 17710(a)] and Dangerous Weapons Permit holders [PC 17720, 17725, & 17730(c)] are exempt from CA unconventional pistol laws.

Starting 07-01-2018, all self-made (80%) firearm must have CA DOJ marking info in order to be CA legal.
^Exemption to this:
1. Self-made firearms that are BATFE approved Title 2 firearms or have pre-2018 CA DOJ marking info engraved on it. [11 CCR 5508(a)]
2. Self-made long guns that were made before 12-16-1968. [11 CCR 5508(b)]
3. Self-made firearms that were voluntarily registered with CA DOJ before 07-01-2018. [11 CCR 5508(c)]
4. Firearms made by a 07-FFL. [11 CCR 5508(d)]
5. Self-made firearms that are considered C&R or antique. [11 CCR 5508(e)]

The CA DOJ marking info requires submitting a Unique Serial Number Application (USNA) via CFARS (CA DOJ online reporting system).
^This process will register the firearm with CA DOJ.

After receiving the CA DOJ marking info, the applicant will have 10 days to engrave it on the firearm. [11 CCR 5518]

After the info is engraved on the firearm, proof that it was done (pictures) must be submitted to CA DOJ. [11 CCR 5521]

Markings must be to a minimum depth of .003 inch and in a print size no smaller than 1/16 inch.
Markings must use Roman letters (A, B, C, etc.) and Arabic numerals (1, 2, 3, etc).

Markings must include: [11 CCR 5520]
1) CA DOJ issued Serial Numbers [11 CCR 5520(a)]
2) The model designation of the firearm. (what you call it) [11 CCR 5520(a)(2)(B)(1)]
3) The caliber the firearm is chambered in. [11 CCR 5520(a)(2)(B)(2)]
4) The first and last name of the maker of the firearm, as reported on the application. [11 CCR 5520(a)(2)(B)(3)]
5) City & State where the firearm was made. [11 CCR 5520(a)(2)(B)(4)]

If the firearm is made from a polymer receiver, then the serial number must be engraved on 3.7 ounces of 17-4 PH stainless steel that is embedded in the polymer in such a manner that removal will destroy or signifcantly damage the receiver. [11 CCR 5519]

Starting 01-01-2019, any self-made (80%) firearm that is not registered with CA DOJ can be subject to confiscation as evidence of violating CA self-made/assembled firearm laws.

Starting 01-01-2019, the transfer of ownership (selling, gifting, etc) of self-made (80%) firearms will be illegal. [PC 29180(d)(1)]
^Only exemption is for surrendering them to law enforcement for destruction. [PC 29180(d)(2),(3),(4)]



Conclusion:

The Can Cannon upper by itself (unattached) is CA legal.

Installing a Can Cannon upper is only CA legal when attached to a BATFE approved Title 2 AOW or when installed on an AR15 pattern receiver that was registered as a "handgun" by a CA DOJ Dangerous Weapons Permit holder for business reasons (make/transfer to Gov/Mil/LE agencies or for use as a prop in the entertainment industry).

It is CA illegal to use it with any type of explosive, incendiary, and tear gas type projectile.

The previous (11-2017) interpretation that it would be CA legal to install on an AR15 pattern receiver that is registered as a "handgun" was incorrect, because doing so would violate CA unconventional pistol laws.

[inferno999]

Good info! I always thought it could go on a rifle lower in CA. Thanks