Potato Gun > Minnesota

Posted: 6/10/2008 6:54:15 AM EDT

Hey guys.

A co-worker asked me about the legalities of a potato gun. I don't know - do any of you?

Thanks,

Brad

Posted: 6/10/2008 8:09:09 AM EDT

[#1]

Spent a while looking, and didn't find anything saying that they were illegal...

But seriously, don't take my word for it. Try calling your local police's non-emergency line and asking. Or just go down to the station and ask.

Posted: 6/10/2008 8:29:28 AM EDT

[#2]

I think they are on the DD list.

Posted: 6/10/2008 10:53:34 AM EDT

[#3]

Hello, Police? This is Bradd76 from AR15.com. I would like to make a potato gun and I was wondering if that is OK.

Hello?

Hello?

(Bradd76 hears knock on door...)

Gee, I'm not expecting anyone. I wonder who that could be.

Posted: 6/10/2008 11:00:04 AM EDT

[#4]

Thanks guys: that pretty much answers my question.

My co-workers son-in-law was going to build one. She asked me if it is OK to do that. I told her that I thought it was illegal, but that I wasn't sure. I told her that I would post the question on AR15.com and ask.

Needless to say, she is going to advise her son-in-law to NOT build the potato gun.

Thanks!

Brad
JR

Posted: 6/10/2008 1:54:35 PM EDT

[#5]

I think the ATF addresses this one on their website someplace.

Posted: 6/10/2008 2:41:33 PM EDT

[#6]

Quoted:
Hey guys.

A co-worker asked me about the legalities of a potato gun. I don't know - do any of you?

Thanks,

Brad

Tell them to be sure and try some oxy-acetylene. It works wonders on a 2" barreled spud gun!

Posted: 6/10/2008 3:29:31 PM EDT

[#7]

Try a pneumatic one. Guaranteed to fire every time. Safer...?

Posted: 6/10/2008 4:07:05 PM EDT

[#8]

i always preferred Aqua-Net hairspray. i figure the right potato got 250-300 yards distance judging by the field i use to clear with them. i used mine ALL the time for years til i figured she was getting unsafe and brittle.

theres a website, some guy who made a business out of building and shipping them, he might have the legalities posted on it if you can find it

Posted: 6/10/2008 5:01:08 PM EDT

[#9]

Quoted:
Try a pneumatic one. Guaranteed to fire every time. Safer...?

My pneumatic would outshoot every other one that I've seen. It's just a little inconvenient due to the need for a source of compressed air.

Posted: 6/10/2008 5:08:57 PM EDT

[#10]

Our friends at the ATF wrote this lovely FAQ for us. Here's what they have to say on the subject:

(B17) How do I obtain a classification from ATF for my "potato gun?" [Back]

Any person desiring a classification of a “potato gun,” “spud gun” or similar device must submit a written request (not e-mail) to the Director and include a complete and accurate description of the device, the name and address of the manufacturer or importer, the purpose for which it is intended, and such photographs, diagrams, or drawings as may be necessary to make a classification. A final determination may require physical examination of the device. Such requests for classification should be submitted to: Bureau of ATF, Firearms Technology Branch.

Posted: 6/10/2008 5:08:58 PM EDT

[#11]

as per Spudtech.com:

Q: Are these things legal?

A: That depends on where you live/wanna shoot spudguns. The Fed's say they are OK as I obtained a letter from them concerning my SP9004. I have heard of several instances where they were 'not legal' but that has usually been due to the operator of such launcher using it in an unacceptable manner (shooting a hole in the neighbors house). Many cities and munincipalities have local ordances pertaining to the use of spudguns inside city limits. Ask someone that would know on the local level.

(emphasis mine)

Soo... ask the police. Asking isn't illegal... yet.

Posted: 6/11/2008 3:32:01 AM EDT

[#12]

I'd go so far as to check local ordinances yourself as well as get the ATF approval. My guess is that 95% of local LEO won't know what you're talking about.

Posted: 6/11/2008 6:50:32 AM EDT

[#13]

The book "Backyard Ballistics" talks about this.

I know the LEO up at our cabin and he is cool with it as long as there is no metallic objects ANYWHERE in the projectile nor do we use anything resembling an explosive or propellant.

He views it more as muzzle loader air gun.

CHECK WITH YOUR LOCAL LEO FIRST!!!

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