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I just read the US section and it seems to contradict what you just stated above. If you use incendiary tennis balls it qualifies as a "destructive device" but then it's not really a potato cannon anymore.

It also says if you use compressed air that completely disqualifies it from "destructive device" potential classification in the eyes of the law.

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take note that dangerous device, and destructive device are different classifications.

"it must be muzzle loaded, not rifled, and not use any projectile which is intended to be used as a weapon."

compressed gas propulsion is not a firearm, unless it [gas] is produced by combustion or explosion of a chemical [incl. propane. ]

magazine or breech loading, rifled barrel, a cartridge holding projectile, and charge as part of design will seal the deal for definition as firearm.

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