Is this legal?

[cenzo188]

my friend made a pneumatic cannon that will shoot a model rocket vertically straight up, and after about five or ten seconds a timer ignites the engine. the rocket goes twice as high as it would if launched from its launch pad. I have heard that this is illegal, but he insists that it is 'just fine'. is it legal or not? because if it is legal i want one for my model rocket!

[c19o]

Well it's pneumatic powered and the rocket itself is legal so I'd think its just fine too.

[Hubb]

Why would you think it is not legal?

[blind909]

because they go alot higher and could do some damage when it comes down from that hight.

[Hubb]

It is not illegal in America. I don't know about other countries. Besides, this sounds awesome and should be posted for all to see

[frankrede]

Essentially you have made a Rocket Launcher.
Launching a projectile with a solid propellant inside.
Making the device a "Destructive Device"
Therefore it may be illegal.

[Hubb]

According to US Code Title 18, Section 921, this would not classify as a firearm or destructive devise. According to the definitions, a devise with a solid propellant can be launched, as long as it does not contain more than 4 ounces of propellant charge.

[cdheller]

IIRC in u.s.a 4 oz burning compound ... 1/4 oz of exploding is the legal limit Per A.T.F for firearms.
I don't know if that applies to stuff other than firearms though.

[Hotwired]

Yeah it's a pneumatically assisted rocket launcher.

Against rules here (see rule 3)

Model rocket yep.

Pneumatic cannon yep.

Model rocket fired from pneumatic cannon does not also equal yep.

[cdheller]

http://www.atf.gov/press/fy06press/0811 ... nition.htm

WASHINGTON – The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) published a proposed rule in the Federal Register today to clarify that hobby rocket motors are not propellant actuated devices, due to the nature of their design and function. Therefore, hobby rocket motors are not covered by the exemption such devices have from the requirements of Federal explosives law and regulation


but if my butt was on the line I think I would do MY OWN SEARCH
if your usa the atf has a search able website

http://www.atf.treas.gov/
maybe printout the regs and keep them with you when you launch

[benstern]

RULES! THIS FORUM HAS THEM FOR A REASON!

[MrCrowley]

RULES! THIS FORUM HAS THEM FOR A REASON!

According to the ATF thing cdheller posted, rocket motors aren't propellent actuated devices, so I would say it's fine on this forum.

[Hotwired]

Code: Select all

Discussion of solid propellants, explosive devices or incendiary projectiles fired specifically from a spud cannon is prohibited, and may result in a permanent banning of your account.For the purpose of this forum, these definitions will be used:

         1. Rocket propelled projectiles, pyrotechnic smoke bombs, or any other burning projectiles would qualify as an incendiary projectile.

[bluerussetboy]

check with your local law enforcement. here in the US the use of a pneumatic launcher may be restricted in some areas due to city noise ordinances. simple solution would be to use it out of city limits.

[PCGUY]

This seems to be a grey area with what has been posted above, plus the existing knowledge that the spudding community has had... forever about this.

As far as forum rules go, it is now allowed. Actual USA laws may differ however...

I would have said they were illegal (which has been understood this whole time) until the information above was posted.