Legality of a "potato gun"

[rpker]

So my son wants to build and test a potato gun for his science fair project in school. Two questions are these things even legal in this nanny state and how much trouble is the school district gonna cause me if I help him do this...

 

[BradMacc82]

Can't speak for the school, so I won't.

As far as the state and fed's go though, as long as you only use potato's (or produce in general) for ammo, then it's kosher.

I've built more than a few, from small ones that only shoot about 90 yards, to bigger ones that have single or dual chambers - those can get out beyond 300 yards on a good day.

View attachment 95616

If you put one of those ricer mufflers on (has to be a straight-thru type), it gives an interesting sound to them.

 

[Arcamm]

Can't speak for the school, so I won't.

As far as the state and fed's go though, as long as you only use potato's (or produce in general) for ammo, then it's kosher.

I've built more than a few, from small ones that only shoot about 90 yards, to bigger ones that have single or dual chambers - those can get out beyond 300 yards on a good day.

View attachment 95616

If you put one of those ricer mufflers on (has to be a straight-thru type), it gives an interesting sound to them.

So you suppressed it. Do you have a stamp for it?

 

[Mooseman]

Absolutely check with the school administration first.

 

[hvymax]

Absolutely check with the school administration first.

And have a safe place to use it.

 

[cm09578]

Absolutely check with the school administration first.

Agree!

 

[Threeband]

Is this the same school that suspended the kid for nibbling his Pop Tart into a gun?

 

[SWO Daddy]

So my son wants to build and test a potato gun for his science fair project in school. Two questions are these things even legal in this nanny state and how much trouble is the school district gonna cause me if I help him do this...

LOL, this is Maryland. He'd probably get suspended for eating a potato into the shape of a potato gun.

 

[Ab_Normal]

Just an FYI - you are supposed to get approval from the ATF before building a spud gun.

 

[Threeband]

I don't need approval from the ATF to build a real gun.

 

[Knuc]

Rpker If I remember correctly the state outlawed them a couple of years ago. Check with the MSP fire marshals office for sure but I think they were considered a destructive device.

 

[Ab_Normal]

I don't need approval from the ATF to build a real gun.

Title 1 that is correct. Potato guns fall in a gray area of destructive devices and therefore you are supposed to get approval.

 

[guthook]

Potato-schmamato. What I want to know is, where'd you get the H335?

 

[CLP]

Is the legality of it only based on if you are using a combustion method? If so just use compressed air, I had a nice "pear gun" as a youth that launched off 100psi

 

[Ab_Normal]

Is the legality of it only based on if you are using a combustion method? If so just use compressed air, I had a nice "pear gun" as a youth that launched off 100psi

From what I understand the definition of DD basically includes any type and method of propellant.

 

[CLP]

From what I understand the definition of DD basically includes any type and method of propellant.

So then a shart is a DD ?

 

[pilotguy299]

I think it would be a problem. The school system here is very strict about anything even remotely like a weapon.

If you do proceed please make sure you have their approval in writing, not just a verbal OK.

 

[fivepointstar]

that would make for a good CCW

 

[rseymorejr]

I seem to remember we made something similar at Boy Scout summer camp. We used tin cans taped together and launched tennis balls with lighter fluid. That was a lot of fun, and I don't think the state or the ATF got involved.

 

[shaddydan]

Just don't paint it black! It will be an assault potato gun!