My Naval Gun

[sledgemeister]

If we don't hear from you, we will assume , No, you can't have a cannon.  

Well I sent off an email the other day and they havent locked me away, and I got a response.

The initial response:

-----Original Message-----
From: xxxxx.xxxxxx@police.tas.gov.au
[mailto:xxxxxxxxxxx@police.tas.gov.au]
Sent: Tuesday, March 02, 2010 8:44 AM
To: Robert
Subject: Re: Enquiry - Re Black Powder Cannon

Good morning Bob,

Funnily enough, a cannon is classed a a cat B1 firearm, so all you'd need to do application wise is submit an application for a permit to acquire in the usual fashion.

I'd suggest a decent explanatory letter being attached, cos it's probably likey to raise a few eyebrows.

I am not sure what you'd need to do re securing it though. What size cannon are you looking at acquiring?


Regards,

XXXX XXXXXX
Firearm Services
Tasmania Police

So I sent off another email stating what where how and why.

response: (He even managed to get my name correct, and was quite helpful  )

Good afternoon Robert,

in reference to your email, i can advise the following:

1) if it is an original pre-1900, it'd be exempt unless you have on-hand ammunition for it, and intend to use it. if it's a 'user', it'll need to be registered, permit-to-acquire'd and stored as any other firearm.

2) full size would be somewhat tricky, anything smaller, and having the barrel stored in a gunsafe, and the woodwork left out wuold be fine (same as a firearm - the stock isnt defined as a firearm 'part' under the Firearms Act 1996).

3) if you were going to have one manufactured, it'd need to be done by a licensed gunsmith (but i'm sure you knew that already), registered by him/her, and then transferred to you in the usual manner. if it was for club (shooting) purposes, your application for permit to acquire would probably need to be endorsed by a club official, cos i can be 98% sure the eyebrows would go up when it was processed on our end.

4) not sure what calibre you'd be interested in acquiring, but i recall processing a couple of CVA brand (Connecticut Valley Arms) mini-cannons a few years back in both .44 and .45. they were ~6 inches in length, made from turned stainless steel, and even had the bores rifled. they came mounted on wooden bases too. just something to consider...

5) you might find a dealer by the name of John PRESSER a very interesting chappie to talk to about cannon and the like, as i know he has had some dealings with them over the years. let me know if you dont have his contact details, and i'll pass his number along.


Regards,

XXXXXXXXXXX
Firearm Services
Tasmania Police

So I sent anothet back and mentioned how it would be worth it to apply just to see the look on their faces.

response:

Robert,

we've had applications for howitzers, bazookas and rpgs, and even on one occasion a tank...

that being said, most of the staff here arent firearms enthusiasts, so the expression would indeed be worth seeing.

keep me posted if you decide to go ahead with it, and i'll see if i can pass on how far their jaw(s) drop.

best of luck with it.


Regards,

XXXXXXXXXXXX
Firearm Services
Tasmania Police

Hehee, it seems that this gentleman may be a shooter of some sorts, and at least good value. It also means to me that most in that department are bureaucrat public servants who have no interest in their chosen employment. I mean why would a place employ people who have no interest in that fireld? another example of Govt ##&#wittery!

But least theirs hope 

[fightingquaker13]

In Fl. fire works are severly restricted. Basically, if it flies or explodes, you can't have it. UNLESS, you are using it to scare birds away from crops or ornamental shrubbery. All you have to do is sign a paper to that effect when you buy your flying, exploding whizbang. Its amazing how many farmers show up on July 4 and New Years Eve. It sounds like you've got a potential mate in the PD. My advice? Invite him to go shooting with something non-threatening like a shotgun for skeet or a bolt action on the range. Shout him a round afterwards. It will be money and time well spent because you never know when that type of contact will save your butt.
FQ13 who is a bit cynical, but would rather great a a cop with "Hey Bob what's up?" than "I would like to speak to an attorney". Just sayin'.

[sledgemeister]

In Fl. fire works are severly restricted. Basically, if it flies or explodes, you can't have it. UNLESS, you are using it to scare birds away from crops or ornamental shrubbery. All you have to do is sign a paper to that effect when you buy your flying, exploding whizbang. Its amazing how many farmers show up on July 4 and New Years Eve. It sounds like you've got a potential mate in the PD. My advice? Invite him to go shooting with something non-threatening like a shotgun for skeet or a bolt action on the range. Shout him a round afterwards. It will be money and time well spent because you never know when that type of contact will save your butt.
FQ13 who is a bit cynical, but would rather great a a cop with "Hey Bob what's up?" than "I would like to speak to an attorney". Just sayin'.

I agree in your sentiments, I actually had a meeting today with my states Attorney General/Deputy Premier of Tasmania to discuss aspects of the firearms legislation and bias towards us LAFO's as opposed to the criminal. It went as well as could be expected and the offer is there for future discussions and correspondence. Her position is the equiv of your deputy govenor and deputy district attorney.

[Pathfinder]

In Fl. fire works are severly restricted. Basically, if it flies or explodes, you can't have it. UNLESS, you are using it to scare birds away from crops or ornamental shrubbery. All you have to do is sign a paper to that effect when you buy your flying, exploding whizbang.

Since when? I was in FL for the faux millennium (1999-2000), went to a local store, and bought a ton of flying and banging things. Don't recal ever signing anything.

Then sat out with a couple of County Sheriff's deputies at a block party and shot them all off.