How far can I go and not break the law?

zephir · Mon Jan 14, 2008 2:28 am

I've been working on my first spud gun for the last three years. So far, its been a half-hearted effort. Around December I started getting back into building the gun. I think I would only build one spud gun ever, so I have some questions as to how far I can add stuff and still not break the law.
I live in the California, United States, and there is no specific law banning spud gun ownership or manufacture. My local city is also okay with spud guns. But I've added some very unique features to my spud gun design that on a firearm would otherwise be banned and land me in jail.

My current design features:
semi-automatic gas-operated bolt
barrel shroud (I've always like the "evil" TEC9)
pistol grip (its from an airsoft pistol)
folding stock (airsoft gun)
detachable magazine
Threaded muzzle (allows me to attach 'stuff')
scope rail

Would these feature be legal on a spud gun? I've only built the PVC barrel shroud so far.

And how legal would it be if I used some actual gun parts in place of building my own. For example, the piston to shove the bolt backwards would probably be bought as a replacement part for a rifle rather than cast my own out of lead or tin.

I know that in my area there are no specific laws about features on airsoft or BB guns, for example the CA legal max of 10 rounds doesn't apply to air softs, air rifles, or BB guns.

And have I gone too far adding gun-like features onto my design?

Eddbot · Mon Jan 14, 2008 2:42 am

i live in california too, before i went into spudding my dad was really worried about the law side so i researched it and there isn't much information on legality, so i know where your coming from, i usually use the same laws as for airsofting, a spud gun is just a suped up airsoft gun. all of that sounds perfectly legal, but if it at any point starts to look like a real gun i suggest painting the orange tip on the end like airsoft guns, and if you plan on making a "barrel extension" then don't leave it lying around, those ARE illegal

zephir · Mon Jan 14, 2008 2:51 am

Its not a barrel extension. its like barrel shroud, like the ones found on NFA machine guns or machine pistols.

The threaded muzzle is actually for launching projectiles larger than the barrel (1/2" copper).

And barrel extensions are legal. Suppressors (also screw-on) require a class 3 permit.

Check out my YouTube SpudGun Channel! · Mon Jan 14, 2008 3:54 am

Sounds legal to me, how are you going to build this gun? Do you have the right tools?

You should post a topic on it, we would be very interested to see your design.

mtronic · Mon Jan 14, 2008 4:15 am

im very interested

sounds like it will be a beast of a canon.

zephir · Mon Jan 14, 2008 4:58 am

Believe it or not, I have 3 main tools: a drill (with drill bits), a PVC scissor, and a soldering torch. No dremel, none of that other stuff.

My guide is my rifle. Amazing why no one else came up with the idea. I will copy my gun's design and adapt it to my spud gun. I'm amazed as to how simple it is.

Check out my YouTube SpudGun Channel! · Mon Jan 14, 2008 5:07 am

Well good luck with that

Are you going to keep your plans under the table until you finish? Otherwise we'd be happy to 'look them over' for you

jackssmirkingrevenge · Mon Jan 14, 2008 5:10 am

semi-automatic gas-operated bolt

You mean like this? What sort of valve and pressures are you planning on using?

rna_duelers · Mon Jan 14, 2008 5:41 am

Just go all out,I'm sure it will be fine in your land of light gun laws.

bluerussetboy · Mon Jan 14, 2008 7:04 am

the ATF said spudguns are legal. silencers for spudguns are not legal. check your local ordinances for noise laws. spudguns can be quite loud. fire outside of city limits if there is a noise ordinance.

http://www.atf.treas.gov/firearms/faq/

frankrede · Mon Jan 14, 2008 8:11 pm

bluerussetboy wrote:the ATF said spudguns are legal. silencers for spudguns are not legal. check your local ordinances for noise laws. spudguns can be quite loud. fire outside of city limits if there is a noise ordinance.

http://www.atf.treas.gov/firearms/faq/

Silencers for spudguns are not illegal.
Spudguns are not firearms.

DYI · Mon Jan 14, 2008 8:16 pm

@Frank: unfortunately, if the silencer could be attached to a firearm in some way, and could lower its sound output by 1dB or more (which it inevitably would), then it is technically considered a firearm in itself, by some strange regulation in US law. Silencers are best avoided in my opinion, in the US at least; while you probably won't get busted, you could theoretically be thrown in jail for quite a long time, and it really isn't worth it in most cases.

Zen/// · Mon Jan 14, 2008 8:18 pm

Surpressors for spudguns are not illegal.
Spudguns are not firearms.

jackssmirkingrevenge · Tue Jan 15, 2008 12:41 am

bluerussetboy wrote:the ATF said spudguns are legal. silencers for spudguns are not legal.

it's a grey area

sparkey · Tue Jan 15, 2008 1:16 am

I have seen a legal .22 cal suppressed air rifle. The Talon rifle, it's legal.
There are silenced barrels for paintball guns.
To my knowledge so long as the projectile, propellant and primer are contained in together, that is a firearm.
spud guns, air guns, airsoft etc category. Even here in Cali
I know how you feel, the assault weapons ban here is bull. Glad I bought my boom sticks before it.

How far can I go and not break the law?

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