ATF wants big

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PreserveFreedom

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A couple weeks ago, I stumbled accross a site that sells modern black powder gatling guns. They do not fall under BATF regulations for full auto because they are cranked. Since they are black powder, you don't even need to complete a yellow form. They were available in .36, .50, or .58 caliber. I went to their site this morning and found the following message on their main page:
Due to constraints set upon us by the BATF, we are (currently) only going to be able to offer the .58 caliber guns. We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused. All existing orders will be filled, but all new orders will have to be done to this caliber. We are very disappointed with this most recent turn of events.
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My question is, why? It's not that big of a deal as I'd rather spit out a larger bullet anyway if I was going to use it for defense. The smaller calibers did make sense for saving on lead and powder though. The only reasons I can think of are:

1) They don't want you to have an easy time finding anything but LRN/Lead Ball ammo (ie: no FMJ or JHP)

2) Last I heard, it was illegal to have more than five pounds of black powder in your posession. Maybe they are trying to limit the number of shots you can be ready to fire

3) The larger diameter lead bullet would have more trouble getting through a vest

The site in question is http://www.gatlinggun.net A new one costs quite a bit, but I can dream, can't I?
 
Robert,

I think that five pound figure you mentioned is the maximum you can have without haing an aproved powder magazine of some sort.

Dixie Gun Works sells an approed portable magazine that holds up to 50 one pound cans and is ATF approved.

Also according to Dixie's Catalog, they can sell up to fifty pounds with no special paperwork. To purchase over 50 pounds in your state of residence usually does not require a permit (varies by state I'm sure). To buy more than 50 pounds in another state requires a permit from ATF.

Of course Indiana regs might be stricter.

Doc Hudson
 
Oh wicked! ;)

I thought that it was five pounds no matter what. That makes me think even harder though, why only allow the big bore? Maybe they want to make you less portable by weighing you down with more lead.
 
It is probably because the .36 and .45 caliber guns would be convertible to using centerfire cartridges.

As I understood things, these Gatlings did not use fixed ammunition, but used reloadable chamber inserts that hold a medium charge of powder and the bullet.

This is just a supposition. I do not know the true answer, which probably lies solely amid ATF intransigence.

If I could get a Gatling Gun that fired .45-70 cartridges without all the Class III BS, I'd mortgage my dog and buy one.

Doc Hudson
 
Indiana Code Article 47, Regulation of Weapons and Instruments of Violence

has no references to blackpowder or smokeless propellant.
It is a class B felony to hurl or drop a bomb (35-47-5-9)
and a class C felony to own or possess (35-47-5-8)
it is a class C felony to possess a bomb, bombshell, grenade, bottle, or other container containing an explosive or inflammable substance, with knowledge that the item is to be used for an unlawful purpose. (35-47-5-1)

Has no restrictions on non-cartridge firearms, on rifles, pistols, shotguns, automatic weapons,
except that one cannot carry a loaded longarm during hunting season without a hunting license, and carrying a handgun requires a $25, 4-year shall-issue license to carry, and at least 1/3 of the weapon must be concealed from view. Short-barreled shotguns with shoulder stocks are prohibited. Pistol shotguns are okay.

Retired law officers and firearms dealers receive carry licenses free of charge.

Carrying without a license is a class A misdemeanor.

No restriction on carrying of knives except switchblades (class B misdemeanor) and I'm working on that with my local state senator.

Crime rate?
WHAT crime rate?
 
That makes sense!
I never thought of the other calibers matching modern ammunition. Well, that's a load off my chest. It will be a long time before I can afford one and I wanted to have some kind of hope that they might still be available years down the road. In a way, I almost wish they muzzleloaded. Sure, you would only have a six round capacity, but wouldn't it be fun to hunt with? ;)
 
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