Tennessee Firearms Assoc. Inc.

We have had a report this date of local government codes inspectors going to houses asking whether the individual has black powder and/or smokeless. If the individual indicates that they do, then the local inspectors want to know how much and to inspect the storage. Apparently, the local governments have and/or are adding limits on the amount of black powder and smokeless powder that can be stored at an individual, non-commercial residence.

John,

Do we know from out of what city/county this is coming? I would like to investigate further if possible...

Questions to ask ourselves: Is there any statute that allows this action in the city/county in question, or is it just someone that is power hungry? Is there a law against providing a false answer to the official doing the questioning? Have codes been recently amended to allow for this action? Does this violate the 4th Amendment?

Suggestions to all: If you have your reloading equipment in a garage or out-building, make sure that you either put closed curtains in the windows, or cover the windows with the translucent film (sold at building supply stores) that allows light transmission but blocks the view of those that would try to "peek" and see what they could. (This is the kind of film used on the windows in bathrooms on ground level, usually has a frosty pattern or a diamond pattern that causes anyone outside to not be able to see anything contained within.) If you buy your reloading supplies locally, it might be worth noting the crowd standing around the shop before you take your items to the register. I wait until there is no one around that I do not personally know before I even pick up my required items. (I know that in Maury County, the building inspectors would hang out in the parking lot of Lowes or other building supply companies, watching to see who was purchasing a large supply of lumber - they would then follow them home to see if they had the "proper permits.") If you are in a mixed crowd, be careful of what you say regarding anything firearms/reloading related - you could end up with either of the two types of theives at your door: the criminal thief, or government thief there to require you buy a permit for your reloading supplies on hand.

This is just over-the-top... Storing gasoline for your mower in your garage is much more dangerous than storing powders in their containers within the same environment. Sounds like a "back door" way to get at those of us who believe in exercising our 2nd Amendment rights...

-Mike

I believe it was Cheatham county but I will need to check. I am told that Davidson also has a restriction on the amount of powder that can be kept on private, non-commercial property.

Has anybody reported this to local news agencies? Aside of the 4A violation what do codes inspectors have the right to come into your home and see if it is up to code once you live in it?

I have said all along that the new gun control is going to be ammunition control.

This will required research and close scrutiny.

Black powder, being an explosive, is regulated under separate auspices than smokeless powder, which is a flammable solid, not an explosive. To be more specific, black powder is a mechanical mixture of ingredients and is classified as an explosive, "smokeless" powder is a chemical combination and it considered a flammable solid. Sans confinement to create pressure, smokeless powder is not explosive in nature, can be shipped as ORM-D where Black Powder can not.

Most municipalities use the National Fire Protection Agency's publication NFPA 495 as law. It, in part, states that smokeless powders intended for individual use shall not exceed 20 pounds unless stored in a wooden cabinet or box with the walls of at least 1" nominal thickness. Even then the storage quantity shall never exceed 50 pounds per location.

Metal magazines located outside habitable buildings can add to storage capacity. Single aggregate storage shall never exceed 50 pounds per container. I will find the separation distance and post that as well.

There is no law that I can find limiting possession if NFPA requirements are satisfied.

I found out today that our city uses the 2000 international regulations.They seem to be the same as NFPA.
How much authority does a city inspector have to search my home or outbuilding?
Butch Butler

Does NFPA 495 has authority as a Federal law to force that requirement on individuals, or is it another infringement aimed at the commercial sector? Is it a requirement at all, or just a recommendation?

My understanding is that it functions as a recommendation only for individuals, but that some Home Owner insurance companies subscribe to it's recommendations, and require it's adherence for their policies to be in force.