firearm - not firearm

[wheelgun1958]

Yeah, we all know what is considered a firearm. However, I have been perusing 18 USC chapter 44 (aka GCA of 1968). Section 921(a)(3)(A) defines a firearm as "any weapon (including a starter gun) which will or is designed to or may readily be converted to expel a projectile by the action of an explosive;" We also know that smokeless powder is a propellant, not an explosive. Just thinking.

[TexDotCom]

Excellent attention to detail. Good luck using that as a technicality to call your wheelgun and/or semi-auto a non-firearm, though.

[jimlongley]

Smokeless powders are classified as division 1.3 explosives

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HAZMAT_Class_1_Explosives" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

True, they undergo deflagration ie. they burn (subsonic combustion) as opposed to detonation (supersonic combustion) - but they are still classified as explosives.

Unfortunately, that's a ploy that has been attempted before.