Pneumatic spud gun legality

[cooptroop123]

I live in Lincoln, NE and while firing my cannon the other day i got called in and a cop said that i couldnt shoot it. Is this true? i was under the impression that they were legal because they are not powered by an explosion. Also, in my city it is legal to shoot bb guns in city limits, so why not spud guns? or is he full of it?

[bigbob12345]

i think he is full of it but you should check with the police depatment(not the same cop) to make sure

[TurboSuper]

The question generally comes down to "What constitutes a BB gun?".

Usually the local law will set very specific limits, such as FPS, etc.

[MrCrowley]

The State law probably says they are legal, but it really depends on your local law enforcement.

[SpudFarm]

in sweden (larda said) there is a max limit of 10 joules.. that just has to be boring.
i should get the cop (a good friend of mine) to take a look at my GB hybrid when finished and look if he get mad

[bluerussetboy]

If you were firing it within city limits, you were probably breaking a noise ordinance. I would talk to your local law enforcement agency and have them explain where spudguns fall legally in your area. After you find out from them call your county sheriffs office also. You might be able to fire your launcher outside of city limits.

Just because the ATF has taken a positive stance on spudguns does not mean your local LE agency has. States and cities still have the option to outlaw many things the ATF has deemed legal. Look at states like NJ or CA and cities like DC or Denver. The ATF probably won't have your back in such a trivial offense, so play nice with your local LEAs.

Unless you personally know a member of this forum is from your local LEA do not trust what he/she says about the law in your area. Plain and simple.

[pizlo]

Well, you can always bust out this...
http://www.spudfiles.com/forums/viewtop ... 3324#13324

[Daegurth]

Notice the part where it says- and i quote:

Although "recreational" potato guns are not currently subject to the GCA or the NFA, they may still be regulated under state law or local ordnances. We suggest that you contact your local law enforcement agencies for additional information.

(page 2, paragraph 4)

the best advice is to do as it says- perhaps take along a copy of that letter in case they don't really have a stock answer, and they can see how cannons are classified by higher organisations.

[Jared Haehnel]

you were probably breaking a noise ordinance

In which case just quite it down a bit... 8)

[lockmanslammin]

Coop... Nice to see someone in the neighborhood. I know this is off topic, but I was wondering for a while if I was all alone out here in the mid-west. I live in Sioux Falls, SD. For all I know there is a fellow poster right here in Sioux Falls, who knows. We spudders seem to have an interest in these "toys", that most people think is odd. Well I guess I'm 30 years old so people are like"?!, what is that?? You built that?? Why??...You have to much time on your hands". Anyone else get this reaction?
Anyways... I think most towns/cities have specific local laws against any kind of "potato cannon" because they are all funless old codgers <probably miss-spelled. But just give them a call and find out.
I have only fired mine in my garage when in town, and even then because of the BOOM, I keep the firing to a minimum, so the neighbors don't get suspicious.
Happy spudding, Lock