This is what I would like to do legally in Massachusetts, I would like to make, small amounts of b.p. ( 10- 20 lbs ), flash ( 1- 2 lbs) and roll my own stars
And use this to make many small shells ( 2,3,4 inch) around 100 or 150 shells, for my own use only. I would also like to purchase and store some 1.4 class.
I don't want to shoot them in Ma. just store and produce them. From what I gather I have to make a small magazine and get it inspected by the atf then they give me a permit to store them in the magazine. Do I need a state permit and or a town permit for making and storing the fireworks?
I would also need to be able to transport them to a pyro club to shoot them.
Please help me to learn the steps to get legal. I've read about getting legal in other states but nothing for Ma. I would like nothing more than to be a legal firework hobbyist!
Colin
June 3rd, 2006, 04:19 PM
Boe is one of the most knowledgable guys around here when it comes to ATF laws, so he'll probably be able to help you out.
r1dermon
June 3rd, 2006, 04:29 PM
dude, first of all, you dont want to store 1-2lbs of flash together, second of all to buy more than 2lbs of german dark aluminum flake in a year you need a high explosives manufacturers permit from the ATF...you'll also need a permit to make your own black powder...im not sure on the state laws, but federally you cannot store more than 50lbs of bp and it must be for sporting use (fireworks is not a sport, no matter how much time you put into it). you're going to need so many permits that it wouldnt be worth it, not to mention they're anal in MA about stuff like that. i tried to get a permit to manufacture explosives (for high powered rocketry, using ammonium perchlorate, aluminum...and several other ingredients including resins and various catalists) and the state fire marshal told me it'd be impossible given the layout of my land, not to mention i'd have to build a safe house at a set distance from my main house and it had to be to their spec. if you bought your ingredients (skylighter sells flash i think, and BP is available at a lot of gun shops) then all you'd need is an LEUP most likely...still though, as fireworks are illegal in MA, you'd probably have a tough time getting the green light.
have you ever made flash before? 1lb is VERY dangerous...common M80's are normally 3g-5g in total weight of flash. also, depending on your composition, what type of oxidiser...etc...some flash is EXTREMELY sensitive to shock, heat, friction...etc...some can be set off by a feather, some can be set off by a drop of water...its a serious game, and 1lb or more of flash together will take you out.
rat440
June 3rd, 2006, 05:12 PM
I know all about flash. I didn't mean to store it in bulk. Flash isn't a necessity to me if I need a special permit just to have it.
rat440
June 3rd, 2006, 05:50 PM
As for the black powder I have a license to carry firearms and I have a few black powder riffles. I need black powder for hunting / sporting purposes. I think I'm limited to 5 lbs with a ltc permit.
rat440
June 3rd, 2006, 06:48 PM
I just need to bulk up my legal amount of b.p. up to 10 lbs or so in order to lift and break all the shells. I don’t need flash so you can take it out of the scenario. I would just like to be able to store and make some shells legally in MA and shoot them in nearby NH.
Also can I join a pyro club and shoot my own stuff or does it have to be manufactured from a company.
Marty
June 3rd, 2006, 07:04 PM
Hi Rat,
Welcome:)
To "Produce & Store" you need a BATFE manufacturing license. Then of course, from there you need to look into the state & local law. The state & local laws may be more stringent than the BATFE (and usually are).