Got Arrested For Shooting My Tennis Ball Cannon (well almost

[Solar]

In the United States, a destructive device is a type of firearm or explosive device regulated by the National Firearms Act of 1934.
Examples of destructive devices include grenades, and firearms with a bore over one half of an inch, including some semi-automatic shotguns. While current federal laws allow destructive devices, some states have banned them from transfer to civilians. In states where banned, only law enforcement officers and military personnel are allowed to possess them.
All National Firearms Act firearms including destructive devices, must be registered with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
The definition of a "destructive device" is found in 26 U.S.C. § 5845(f). The definition reads as follows:
(1) any explosive, incendiary, or poison gas, (A) bomb, (B) grenade, (C) rocket having a propellant charge of more than 4 ounces, (D) missile having an explosive charge of more than 1/4 ounce, (E) mine or (F) similar device.
(2) Any weapon by whatever name known which will, or which may be readily converted to, expel a projectile by the action of an explosive or other propellant, the barrel or barrels of which have a bore of more than one-half inch in diameter (.50 inches or 12.7mm), except a shotgun or shotgun shell which the Secretary[clarification needed] 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 United States Code; or any other device the Secretary 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.[1]
Muzzle loading guns are not considered firearms in the USA and do not fall under the regulations of the NFA. However, their projectiles may still be subject to NFA regulation. For instance, a person may manufacture, possess and fire a black powder, muzzle loading cannon of any bore diameter, but may not fire explosive shells from that cannon, as the explosive shell is itself defined as a Destructive Device.

[Solar]

The Eclipse launcher has recently acquired EAR99 classification from the Department of Commerce. The State Department stated to me that there are zero ITAR restrictions and the ATF does not consider it a destructive device as per their description since it is used as a safety device. This means that it can be exported without a license. California may have it's own draconian laws, but federal authority does not classify such items as firearms or destructive devices.

[Essohbe]

Right. I'm sure you're some sort of studied psychologist with years of on-hands research to proclaim such a disposition.

My friend had the cops show up while he was shooting his golfball cannon. After showing them that and their many AR-15's, their apparent reference to him and his residence is now a short aside of "Those guys have some sh*t."

I'll say it again so you hear it twice. Cops aren't your friends. In the real world even the SCOTUS ruled they hold no obligation to either serve or protect you. They solely exist as revenue pirates for their municipal employers to extort $ from you.

... and tell your friend his $ could've been better spent on superior rifles.

[D_Hall]

ATF does not consider it a destructive device as per their description since it is used as a safety device.

Can you elaborate on this? How is it a safety device?

[jsefcik]

What??

What I mean is design a hybrid go back nd go back to that spot nd shoot it and when the cops come to bother you again , and say what your jealous my gun has more power then yours?

If you're serious, you must be one of the stupidest people I ever met on internet :s no offense, I just consider it extremely stupid to even to think to act like that.

I'm joking for shit sake lol

[Solar]

ATF does not consider it a destructive device as per their description since it is used as a safety device.

Can you elaborate on this? How is it a safety device?

It launches shark repellent canisters as well as signaling devices. Eventually it will launch fire suppression rounds as well.

[Squerl101]

Same here, I live in an urban area in Wisconsin, my cannon sounds like dynamite, and the cops have never touched me.


Knock On Wood...