SpudFiles Wiki - User contributions [en]

Legal issues

2005-12-16T21:50:13Z

68.230.6.246: /* State, County, and City laws */

==United States of America==
===Letter from the ATF===
The bureau of alchohol, tobacco, and firearms sent the [[SGTC]] the following letter.
Another version with pictures can be found [http://www.spudfiles.com/Other/are_they_legal.php here].

<blockquote>
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.
</blockquote>

===Interpretation of the ATF letter===
"other forms of projectiles" is typicaly interpreted to mean flamable, and/or explosive projectiles; ie, that "potatoes" was an example of an acceptable projectile, and not the only option.

===State, County, and City laws===
These vary. Generaly, it is illegal to shoot a spudgun inside city limmits.
The owner of the SGTC provides the following advice: "If it is ok to shoot a shotgun in your particular location....you will have no problem with your spudgun."

*In Glendale, Arizona and Phoenix, Arizona combustion spudguns are considered firearms.
Subject: RE: potato gun legality
The legality of potato guns are as follows. If the potato is expelled
by the use of air it is OK. If any explosion occurred from gas, powder,
etc. it is illegal and cannot be fired. The "firearm" definition is
what dictates this.

==Other countries==

=== Australia ===

Information taken from my (Julz) posts on Spudfiles Forums. This information is as accurate as possible, however, may not be entirely correct as I did not speak to anybody of authority, I gained my information only from government web sites.

Please note, nowhere did I read that spudguns were definantly legal. Assumptions that they are legal are made on the basis that in a detailed list of prohibited weapons spudguns were not mentioned.

I am not responsible for any trouble you get into as a result of this information.

For the original posts, see [http://www.spudfiles.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=1305&lighter=&#1305 here]

Victoria---->Legal? - I could find no referance to spud guns etc in this page, detailing prohibited weapons.
http://www.justice.vic.gov.au/CA2569020010922A/OrigDoc/~AF15C6429D88D005CA256C1D0016321D?OpenDocument&1=0-Safety~&2=0-Crime+Prevention~&3=0-Information+about+Prohibited+Weapons~

New South Wales---->Illegal - Requires a permit that cannot be gained without a legitemate reason for possessing the cannon.
Quote:
Item 2(3) Any device that is designed to propel or launch a bomb, grenade, rocket or missile by any means other than by
means of an explosive, including a device known as a PVC cannon.

http://www.police.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/file/5232/Prohibited_Weapons_General_Permit.pdf

Australian Capital Territory---->Legal? - I could find no referance to spud guns etc in this page, detailing prohibited weapons.
http://www.legislation.act.gov.au/b/db_14541/19960829-16540/pdf/db_14541.pdf

South Australia---->? I could find no referance to spud guns etc in this page, detailing prohibited weapons.
http://www.sapolice.sa.gov.au/firearms/prohib_weapon/weapon_type.shtml

Northern Territory---->Unknown I could not find any page detailing what weapond are prohibited.

Western Australia---->Illegal

Quote: F23 Can I have a spud gun?

No, as a spud gun is deemed to be a firearm within the definition of a firearm under the Firearms Act 1973 amended 1996.

http://www.police.wa.gov.au/Services/FirearmsandWeapons.asp?FrequentlyAskedQuestions#F23

Queensland---->Unknown I could not find any page detailing what weapond are prohibited.

Tasmania---->Unknown I could not find any page detailing what weapond are prohibited.

Legal issues

2005-12-16T21:47:48Z

68.230.6.246: /* State, County, and City laws */

==United States of America==
===Letter from the ATF===
The bureau of alchohol, tobacco, and firearms sent the [[SGTC]] the following letter.
Another version with pictures can be found [http://www.spudfiles.com/Other/are_they_legal.php here].

<blockquote>
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.
</blockquote>

===Interpretation of the ATF letter===
"other forms of projectiles" is typicaly interpreted to mean flamable, and/or explosive projectiles; ie, that "potatoes" was an example of an acceptable projectile, and not the only option.

===State, County, and City laws===
These vary. Generaly, it is illegal to shoot a spudgun inside city limmits.
The owner of the SGTC provides the following advice: "If it is ok to shoot a shotgun in your particular location....you will have no problem with your spudgun."

*In Glendale, Arizona and Phoenix, Arizona combustion spudguns are considered firearms.

==Other countries==

=== Australia ===

Information taken from my (Julz) posts on Spudfiles Forums. This information is as accurate as possible, however, may not be entirely correct as I did not speak to anybody of authority, I gained my information only from government web sites.

Please note, nowhere did I read that spudguns were definantly legal. Assumptions that they are legal are made on the basis that in a detailed list of prohibited weapons spudguns were not mentioned.

I am not responsible for any trouble you get into as a result of this information.

For the original posts, see [http://www.spudfiles.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=1305&lighter=&#1305 here]

Victoria---->Legal? - I could find no referance to spud guns etc in this page, detailing prohibited weapons.
http://www.justice.vic.gov.au/CA2569020010922A/OrigDoc/~AF15C6429D88D005CA256C1D0016321D?OpenDocument&1=0-Safety~&2=0-Crime+Prevention~&3=0-Information+about+Prohibited+Weapons~

New South Wales---->Illegal - Requires a permit that cannot be gained without a legitemate reason for possessing the cannon.
Quote:
Item 2(3) Any device that is designed to propel or launch a bomb, grenade, rocket or missile by any means other than by
means of an explosive, including a device known as a PVC cannon.

http://www.police.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/file/5232/Prohibited_Weapons_General_Permit.pdf

Australian Capital Territory---->Legal? - I could find no referance to spud guns etc in this page, detailing prohibited weapons.
http://www.legislation.act.gov.au/b/db_14541/19960829-16540/pdf/db_14541.pdf

South Australia---->? I could find no referance to spud guns etc in this page, detailing prohibited weapons.
http://www.sapolice.sa.gov.au/firearms/prohib_weapon/weapon_type.shtml

Northern Territory---->Unknown I could not find any page detailing what weapond are prohibited.

Western Australia---->Illegal

Quote: F23 Can I have a spud gun?

No, as a spud gun is deemed to be a firearm within the definition of a firearm under the Firearms Act 1973 amended 1996.

http://www.police.wa.gov.au/Services/FirearmsandWeapons.asp?FrequentlyAskedQuestions#F23

Queensland---->Unknown I could not find any page detailing what weapond are prohibited.

Tasmania---->Unknown I could not find any page detailing what weapond are prohibited.

Legal issues

2005-12-16T21:47:11Z

68.230.6.246: /* State, County, and City laws */

==United States of America==
===Letter from the ATF===
The bureau of alchohol, tobacco, and firearms sent the [[SGTC]] the following letter.
Another version with pictures can be found [http://www.spudfiles.com/Other/are_they_legal.php here].

<blockquote>
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.
</blockquote>

===Interpretation of the ATF letter===
"other forms of projectiles" is typicaly interpreted to mean flamable, and/or explosive projectiles; ie, that "potatoes" was an example of an acceptable projectile, and not the only option.

===State, County, and City laws===
These vary. Generaly, it is illegal to shoot a spudgun inside city limmits.
The owner of the SGTC provides the following advice: "If it is ok to shoot a shotgun in your particular location....you will have no problem with your spudgun."
In Glendale, Arizona and Phoenix, Arizona combustion spudguns are considered firearms.

==Other countries==

=== Australia ===

Information taken from my (Julz) posts on Spudfiles Forums. This information is as accurate as possible, however, may not be entirely correct as I did not speak to anybody of authority, I gained my information only from government web sites.

Please note, nowhere did I read that spudguns were definantly legal. Assumptions that they are legal are made on the basis that in a detailed list of prohibited weapons spudguns were not mentioned.

I am not responsible for any trouble you get into as a result of this information.

For the original posts, see [http://www.spudfiles.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=1305&lighter=&#1305 here]

Victoria---->Legal? - I could find no referance to spud guns etc in this page, detailing prohibited weapons.
http://www.justice.vic.gov.au/CA2569020010922A/OrigDoc/~AF15C6429D88D005CA256C1D0016321D?OpenDocument&1=0-Safety~&2=0-Crime+Prevention~&3=0-Information+about+Prohibited+Weapons~

New South Wales---->Illegal - Requires a permit that cannot be gained without a legitemate reason for possessing the cannon.
Quote:
Item 2(3) Any device that is designed to propel or launch a bomb, grenade, rocket or missile by any means other than by
means of an explosive, including a device known as a PVC cannon.

http://www.police.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/file/5232/Prohibited_Weapons_General_Permit.pdf

Australian Capital Territory---->Legal? - I could find no referance to spud guns etc in this page, detailing prohibited weapons.
http://www.legislation.act.gov.au/b/db_14541/19960829-16540/pdf/db_14541.pdf

South Australia---->? I could find no referance to spud guns etc in this page, detailing prohibited weapons.
http://www.sapolice.sa.gov.au/firearms/prohib_weapon/weapon_type.shtml

Northern Territory---->Unknown I could not find any page detailing what weapond are prohibited.

Western Australia---->Illegal

Quote: F23 Can I have a spud gun?

No, as a spud gun is deemed to be a firearm within the definition of a firearm under the Firearms Act 1973 amended 1996.

http://www.police.wa.gov.au/Services/FirearmsandWeapons.asp?FrequentlyAskedQuestions#F23

Queensland---->Unknown I could not find any page detailing what weapond are prohibited.

Tasmania---->Unknown I could not find any page detailing what weapond are prohibited.

Main Page

2005-12-16T21:46:07Z

68.230.6.246: /* External links */

[[What is a spudgun?]]

[[Combustion cannon]]s

[[Pneumatic cannon]]s

[[Hybrid cannon]]s

[[BB machine gun]]s

[[Cannon construction]]

[[Launcher configuration]]

[[Safety]]

[[Legal issues]]

[[History]]

This website is here to teach you about potato guns, also called spudguns, spudzookas, and spud chuckers. So far there are pneumatic, combustion, hybrid, and BB type cannons/launchers. Here you will learn all about spud safety, how to make things like breech loaders and what types of fuel to use in your spud gun (like propane, butane, hairspray, rightguard, etc.). You will learn the good and bad types of ammo to use as well as learn the best types of ignition (like stunguns, flint ignitors, BBQ ignitors, etc.) and how legal your cannon is. You just may learn how to get something totally free. You will learn about ABS and PVC pipe and how to correctly mount a pressure gauge into your cannon. You will learn all about the different kinds of valves and how to use them. (sprinkler valves, diaphragm valves, pistons, etc.) You will learn how to make a hybrid and a pneumatic/combustion cannon. You can even learn about strafers and submachine BB guns! Above all you will be able to find instructions on how to build things that you will love for years to come. All of this is totally free so be happy and get on to registering and posting!

-PCGUY, maker of SpudFiles

==External links==

*[http://www.utopia.bcpneumatics.com Utopia, video tutorials (in part by PCGUY)]
*[http://www.bavetta.com/aircannon.html Air Cannon Barrel Length Numerical Analysis]
*[http://www1.iwvisp.com/thehalls/ggdt Gas Gun Design Tool, simulation program for pneumatic guns]
*[http://www.spudfiles.com/Other/are_they_legal.php ATF Correspondence concerning spud guns]
*[http://www.spudfiles.com Spud Files (aka The Spud Cannon Database)]
*[http://www.spudtech.com Great source of spudgun information]
*[http://www.freewebtown.com/flyingsloths/portal Spudgun information and concepts]

Barrel

2005-10-18T03:56:32Z

68.230.6.246:

There are many diameters of barrels popular in spudding, below are some that fit certain ammo:

* 4.5mm brakeline - fits bbs, good for [[BBMGs]]
* 6mm brakeline - fits airsoft bbs, a commonly used ammo in BBMGs.
* 3/4" CPVC, 3/4" sch 80 PVC, or 1" sch 120 PVC - fits .68" paintballs
* 3/4" sch 40 PVC - fits 12g [[CO2 cartriges]], AA batteries.
* 1" sch 40 PVC
* 1.25" sch 40 PVC - fits somesort of battery
* 1.5" sch 40 PVC - a common size, good trade-off between power and potatoe usage. [http://www.spudtech.com/components.asp Available rifled from the [[SGTC]]]
* 1.5" sdr 21 PVC - fits golfballs.
* 2.5" sch 40 PVC - fits tennis balls well.
* 3" sch 80 PVC - fits many drink bottles well.