Cane Gun

Doriangray6 · #1 04-03-2025, 07:32 PM

Here's my Griffon Morris Lawing cane gun.
It appears to be 36 caliber and to load it you unscrew the long metal tube part of the cane from the 1.5" barrel and chamber and put powder, patch, and bullet into it like a typical muzzle loader.
You then pull the spring loaded hammer back and lock the button trigger into the notch and place a percussion cap on the nipple.
To fire it you simply push the button trigger to the side and the hammer slams forward into the cap.
Not an ideal defense weapon but in a pinch it would probably work and it is kinda-sorta concealed carry.

From the powder residue in the barrel and tube it has been fired before but I have no idea what the powder charge would be so I've never tried it.
Since it's an antique and the ATF doesn't classify muzzle loaders as firearms I could "theoretically" carry it with me as a cane on a plane or other places where firearms aren't allowed as long as there was no charge or cap in it but why invite the hassle that this would no doubt create?

diyj98 · #2 04-03-2025, 08:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Doriangray6

Since it's an antique and the ATF doesn't classify muzzle loaders as firearms I could theoretically carry it with me as a cane on a plane or other places where firearms aren't allowed as long as there was no charge or cap in it but why invite the hassle that this would no doubt create?

I'm betting the TSA would call it a firearm. I agree it would probably be quite the hassle.

Jack Flash · #3 04-03-2025, 08:35 PM

Boarding an airplane with that would be begging for trouble.

I'm guessing it would be classified as a curio or relic. Sounds like reloads would be slow indeed. A Deringer in the pocket would be a lot more practical for someone seeking protection back in the day.

2152hq · #4 04-03-2025, 09:07 PM

Just thinking that any place you wouldn't think it wise to carry an unloaded percussion pistol or revolver around,,the same thought would likely apply to a carrying a percussion Cane Gun.

Some States (and Local Laws) outlaw them,,Fed Antique Status or not.
A few States don't recognize the Fed Antique Status Firearm wording of the GCA either altogether.

But with any type of firearm,,,don't bring it into an Airport & try boarding a plane with it.

Muss Muggins · #5 04-03-2025, 09:16 PM

That’s a bold strategy, Cotton . . .

HardToHandle · #6 04-03-2025, 09:39 PM

Assuming the TSA and the ATF define firearms the same would be inconsistent with past practice.

Black powder and percussion caps are restricted from flying per the TSA:
Gun Powder | Transportation Security Administration

chief38 · #7 04-04-2025, 09:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Doriangray6

Here's my Griffon Morris Lawing cane gun.
It appears to be 36 caliber and to load it you unscrew the long metal tube part of the cane from the 1.5" barrel and chamber and put powder, patch, and bullet into it like a typical muzzle loader.
You then pull the spring loaded hammer back and lock the button trigger into the notch and place a percussion cap on the nipple.
To fire it you simply push the button trigger to the side and the hammer slams forward into the cap.
Not an ideal defense weapon but in a pinch it would probably work and it is kinda-sorta concealed carry.

From the powder residue in the barrel and tube it has been fired before but I have no idea what the powder charge would be so I've never tried it.
Since it's an antique and the ATF doesn't classify muzzle loaders as firearms I could theoretically carry it with me as a cane on a plane or other places where firearms aren't allowed as long as there was no charge or cap in it but why invite the hassle that this would no doubt create?

The event I'm posting here happened right before my - otherwise I'd not believe it! We went on a cruise about 20 years ago and my friends teenage son was wearing a bronze Civil War belt buckle with two crossed cap & ball revolvers cast into the buckle. TSA would not let him board the ship with it and forced him to hand it over or go home. When I spoke up on his behalf, they threatened to arrest me. This is over a "picture" on a belt buckle!!!!!

I guess the belt buckle now resides in the TSA guys belt collection.

So regarding a cane gun - no way!! I'd bet you would be arrested! They won't even allow a pair of tweezers!

jimmyj · #8 04-04-2025, 10:07 AM

I limp /shuffle with a cane. I have to give up my cane to the baggage person when flying. Upside is that a stewardes helps me to my seat.

H Richard · #9 04-04-2025, 11:25 AM

I have never had to give up my cane, other than to run through the X-Ray, and they offer me a substitute cane to go through security. Soon as it clears X-Ray they give it back to me. This has been out of St Louis, Atlanta, Zurich, Paris, Copenhagen, Seattle, Denver, and Detroit.

old bear · #10 04-04-2025, 11:39 AM

My dad had a friend who had one, it was chambered in 410. Very Neat..

Doriangray6 · #11 04-04-2025, 01:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jimmyj

I limp /shuffle with a cane. I have to give up my cane to the baggage person when flying. Upside is that a stewardes helps me to my seat.

I hobble along with a cane too but have never had to give it up when flying though it does get screened when I go through airport security.