Placerville, CA. 95667
www.fireiron.net
email: info@fireiron.net
Phone 530-621-0586
Fax 530-621-0586
No License is required to purchase or own one of these cannons. They are classified by the U.S. Department of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms as saluting and signaling devices and not as weapons.
The Gun Control Act of 1968 exempts all Muzzle/Breech loading antiques and replicas from the federal definition of "firearm". In June of 1968, the Omnibus Crime Control Act, with an exemption for "antique firearms" and replicas of them, placed tight federal controls on many types of firearms. Question then arose as to whether muzzle loading cannons, regarded not firearms under the old definition, and could be antique firearms under the new one. Though plainly intended, no specific exemption for antique ordnance had been spelled out and the classification as "firearms", for reason of being not firearms, was imminent.
Several weeks of research, documentation and letters finally led to a White House opinion supporting earlier Congressional opinions. Mr. Harold Serr, then Director of the BATF, wrote an opinion confirming the legislative exemption. The Gun Control Act, passed in October of 1968, further spelled out the exemption. A 1974 amendment to the Organized Crime Control Act of 1970 spelled it out again. The Organized Crime Control Act of 1970 did place some very heavy restrictions on black powder.
The Indiana Sportsmen's Council and many other national organizations worked for four years to obtain legislative easement. Hearings on the Senator Bayh's proposed relief bill S. 1083 were held before the Senate Judiciary Committee in 1973 and before the House Judiciary Committee in 1974. Senate Bill 1083 was passed unanimously by Congress and signed by President Ford in January of 1975. That amendment raised the old five-pound limit to a more realistic 50 pounds, subject to reasonable ordnance.
There are no federal restrictions on the manufacture, sale, shipping or possession of antique or antique/replica ordnance.
Local Law
Should you assume the responsibility of converting and of these non-firing display cannons to be a fully functional cannon, then you must also take the responsibility to check into what State and local laws apply to you. it is certain that where they do exist that they vary. Some cities even have a noise ordnance even if you are just shooting blanks. Should you have questions regarding these laws please seek qualified advice.