Cannon Laws?

[Scott Evans]

I would love to make a cannon but have no idea what the legal requirements are. Can anyone here give me an overview as to what one needs to know before getting involved?

Thanks

 

[andrellj]

The more complete connoneer would be the book you need. It tells you everything you`d ever need to know about building and operating a cannon safely.
One thing is for sure, whatever you build, the barrel walls must be as thick as the caliber of the bore.

 

[strongarm]

Don't take your cannon to Vilas County, Wisconsin. A neighbor did that and shot the thing off with a real 3 inch ball thinking it would go in the lake. IT WENT OVER THE LAKE. And landed in somebody's front yard. Next week in court, the judge ordered the owner to get the (*&&^^%$ thing out of the county or he'd end up in jail and judge would throw the jail cell key in the lake!!!! :shake:

 

[robinghewitt]

Rule 1: You can't never have too many cannons.

Rule 2: Small is okay, bigger is better, flipping enormous is just about right.

Rule 3: Cannons should be fired whenever the opportunity comes along. Let there be no regrets.

Rule 4: The more you put in, the more fun you have when it comes out.

Rule 5: If everyone runs for cover when the see you load it, use a long fuse.

Rule 6: Assuming the ball will carry one mile, possibly two, always aim your cannon at something you can legally destroy.

:thumbsup:

 

[Flint50]

:rotf: Squire Robin, me thinks you have it all figured out!!! :rotf:

 

[John Taylor]

I got run off a state beach about 35 years ago on the 4th of July. Fireworks are not legal but every one was setting them off so we took the canon and started shooting at a large rock several hundred yard out to sea. We saw the park ranger watching from a distance and he didn't come over and say anything untill he got a complaint from someone. something about no firearms on state parks. He didn't know that a ML canon is not a firearm, but it can be called a distructive device.

 

I would love to make a cannon but have no idea what the legal requirements are. Can anyone here give me an overview as to what one needs to know before getting involved?

Thanks

For your state and local laws and regulations contact your local Sheriff or Police Chief, as well as the State Fire Marshall. Be sure to use the term "muzzleloading cannon" and "blanks" alot. But first make sure you have a good idea of what you're getting into.

"The More Complete Cannoneer" by M.C. Switlik is a good start. I would also reccommend visiting the following websites:
[url] http://www.americanartillery.org/aaa/marty.html http://www.civilwarnews.com/artillerysafety.htm http://members.tripod.com/New_England_Brigade/Artilleryinfo/Artilery Safety.html[/url]

This will provide you a good start in the right direction.

 

Don't take your cannon to Vilas County, Wisconsin. A neighbor did that and shot the thing off with a real 3 inch ball thinking it would go in the lake. IT WENT OVER THE LAKE. And landed in somebody's front yard. Next week in court, the judge ordered the owner to get the (*&&^^%$ thing out of the county or he'd end up in jail and judge would throw the jail cell key in the lake!!!! :shake:

Sorry, but your neighbor got what he deserved. There is no room for "OOPS!" in this hobby. "OOPS!" in this hobby is more likely to result in dismemberment and/or death, than simple embarassment. A three inch ball can penetrate both sides of a car, pass through the walls of a home, the sharpnel and splinters of such injuring all who stand nearby. Definitely no room for "OOPS!" or error of any sort when firing off a piece of artillery, no matter what the size!

CP

 

I got run off a state beach about 35 years ago on the 4th of July. Fireworks are not legal but every one was setting them off so we took the canon and started shooting at a large rock several hundred yard out to sea. We saw the park ranger watching from a distance and he didn't come over and say anything untill he got a complaint from someone. something about no firearms on state parks. He didn't know that a ML canon is not a firearm, but it can be called a distructive device.

State Parks usually have a regulation against the wanton destruction of naturally occurring rock formations. As for that Park Ranger, how do you argue with a cannon?

CP

 

Rule 1: You can't never have too many cannons.

Can't Argue with that. :grin:

Rule 2: Small is okay, bigger is better, flipping enormous is just about right.

If you can afford it. One day I hope to have a bombard.

Rule 3: Cannons should be fired whenever the opportunity comes along. Let there be no regrets.

Agreed, just make sure that its not going to turn out the local constabulary.

Rule 4: The more you put in, the more fun you have when it comes out.

Hmmm. An exploding cannon is no source of fun in my book. Make sure that your piece is in good condition and your load is within a somewhat sane amount. Also, remember that blank loads and shell loads are two entirely different matters.

Rule 5: If everyone runs for cover when the see you load it, use a long fuse.

And urge the idiots that stand there gawking they should take cover as well!

Rule 6: Assuming the ball will carry one mile, possibly two, always aim your cannon at something you can legally destroy.

Reminds me of when I was reading about a fellow with a rifled piece, some years ago. He would fill cans with concrete for projectiles. One such projectile had an air pocket. When fired, the projectile acted as a minnieball, it smooshed, filling the grooves of the rifling and creating a gas seal. What usually only went 400-500 yards, traveled several miles down the road and through a neighbor's attic, both sides of the roof. Remember cannon projectiles can easily travel beyond the horizion and your line of sight.

CP

 

[donk]

For your state and local laws and regulations contact your local Sheriff or Police Chief, as well as the State Fire Marshall. Be sure to use the term "muzzleloading cannon" and "blanks" alot. But first make sure you have a good idea of what you're getting into.

I would personaly not want the athoraties to know I have my cannon (Most in my town do now) because then they all know were that big boom came from on the 4th of july or New Years. :haha:

 

[2172]

a buddy of mine built his own cannon and would shoot concrete-filled frozen juice cans at an abandoned RR embankment that ran across the back of his property....one day he learned it was not abandoned as the engineer in an engine leaned out of the cab and began shaking his fist at him...gave up the practive of shooting at the embankment...Hank

 

I would personaly not want the athoraties to know I have my cannon (Most in my town do now) because then they all know were that big boom came from on the 4th of july or New Years. :haha:

Better they know ahead of time and tell you what you are allowed to do with it, rather than you have your piece confiscated, get hit with a heavy fine and you are led off in handcuffs. You can always build a piece, pack it with grease, shove it in a container and bury it for future rebellions. That's what our ancestors did.

CP

 

a buddy of mine built his own cannon and would shoot concrete-filled frozen juice cans at an abandoned RR embankment that ran across the back of his property....one day he learned it was not abandoned as the engineer in an engine leaned out of the cab and began shaking his fist at him...gave up the practive of shooting at the embankment...Hank

First rule of thumb, be sure of your target and backstop, no matter what size the firearm.

CP

 

[Pittsburghunter]

Jezum crow!!!