Just a reminder to all...

[Double D]

This from the FAQ's ATF website.

http://www.atf.gov/firearms/faq/faq2.htm#m28

M28) Are muzzleloading cannons classified as destructive devices? [Back]

Generally, no. Muzzleloading cannons not capable of firing fixed ammunition and manufactured in or before 1898 and replicas thereof are antiques and not subject to the provisions of either the GCA or the NFA. [26 U. S. C. 5845, 27 CFR 179.11]

PART 179--MACHINE GUNS, DESTRUCTIVE DEVICES, AND CERTAIN OTHER FIREARMS--Table of Contents
 
                         Subpart B--Definitions
 
Sec. 179.11  Meaning of terms.


    ...Antique firearm. Any firearm not designed or redesigned for using
rim fire or conventional center fire ignition with fixed ammunition and
manufactured in or before 1898 (including any matchlock, flintlock,
percussion cap, or similar type of ignition system or replica thereof,
whether actually manufactured before or after the year 1898) and also
any firearm using fixed ammunition manufactured in or before 1898, for
which ammunition is no longer manufactured in the United States and is
not readily available in the ordinary channels of commercial trade.

In the past we have allowed the posting of Modern mortar tubes made to fire with fuse and black powder. Those mortars do not appear to meet the criteria in ATF regulations, and will  no longer be allowed.  The conversion to fuse and blackpowder alone powder doesn't make them antique replicas. They also must be replicas of firearms made in or before 1898.

If your mortar or cannon doesn't meet the ATF definition of antique cannon it can't be posted here.  We will delete any post that doesn't meet this standard, unless you can show us historical data that supports the antique cannon classification.

[Cat Whisperer]

DD has again taken the lead in making a mature decision about what we post and don't post here.  There is a lot to be said for taking the safe, narrow path route in life (I know that because I knew for YEARS that I'd never live to see 21).

Very simply, there's a lot of neat stuff out there that is either illegal or might be illegal; this is not the place for it.  

I overbuild cannon and mortars because I don't want to give any cause for hitting the national news.  The same principle goes here - some things you do because it's just prudent.

[Cat Whisperer]

OK, OK, that is ME in the pictures holding the golf-ball 'hand-gonne' firing into the woods.  But it IS legal!

[Double D]

In the past few months we have had a couple  post here that were of are of questionable and possibly illegal practices and another questioning our practices.

I don't want some do-gooder with either good or malicious intent running off to ATF and reporting us all here as the latest wave of domestic terrorist.  ATF has their hands full now going after real bad guys.  

Second I don't want this site become a gathering place for those wild eyed save the world wannabe's.  

I want it very clear right up front  to anyone dropping by here, that the activities we discus here are legal and done in a safe and sane manner.

I want to this site to remain a site  for the hobbyist who have an interest in building blackpowder muzzleloading cannons; in learning a little bit maching skills: learning a bit of history; and in safely having a bunch of fun.

Douglas

[Gargoyle]

Double D
 
The mortars and cannon on this forum do NOT fire fixed ammo.  The powder and projectile are separate items.

[Double D]

You have to read the whole law:

Generally, no. Muzzleloading cannons not capable of firing fixed ammunition and manufactured in or before 1898 and replicas thereof are antiques and not subject to the provisions of either the GCA or the NFA. [26 U. S. C. 5845, 27 CFR 179.11]

There is an and in there so the gun has to meet both requirements; doesn't shot fixed ammo and made in or before 1898.