I was just messing around and got into a weird thought. After reading a lot about laws and restrictions in the U.S. regarding owning a CV 33 tank, it seems like there’s not much stopping you from having one, unless you’re a criminal or just don’t have the money or a place to store it. Now, let’s say you somehow have a big house and a CV 33 inside it. It’s 3 a.m., and you’re making a sandwich when you hear someone break into your home. So you hop into your tank, aim the machine gun at the intruder, and fire. I’m curious about the legality of this situation. Could I be charged, or would I be okay? I’m not a U.S. citizen and don’t know much about American laws, so please correct me if I’m wrong about anything.
The weirdest part about all of this is that in your vision, the tank is indoors.
That said, reading through it definitely made me laugh out loud. Imagine scoping a house for weeks and planning a break-in, just to crack the door and look down the barrel of a tank.
I have nothing to contribute about the legal questions.
@BillSmith
Lol, never thought about it from the perspective of the intruder, that’d either be scary as heck, disappointing as heck, or funny as heck lmao
Why specifically are you asking about a nearly 100 year old Italian mini-tank?
MissNicklaus said:
Why specifically are you asking about a nearly 100 year old Italian mini-tank?
In the USA you can own a tank that’s been demilitarized without restrictions on your own property. But to drive it on public streets, you’d need it to be street legal and registered as a car or truck.
To own a tank with active weapons, you’d need to submit fingerprints, pass a background check, and get a $200 tax stamp for each tank gun and each shell or full auto machine gun.
If you used a tank for self-defense, it would be treated like using any other weapon for defense. A prosecutor might argue that once you’re inside the tank, you’re no longer in danger and charge you with murder.
You can own a muzzle-loading cannon without a special license.
Some states don’t allow such items.
@Diana
As I understand it, the only rounds you need a tax stamp for are high explosive (HE) and fragmentation (frag). Practice, solid, canister, and sabot ammo don’t require it.
@Diana
An actual legal answer, I’m surprised, but thanks brother
Rhett said:
@Diana
An actual legal answer, I’m surprised, but thanks brother
FWIW I used to have a Mark 1/2 Ferret Scout Car with a dummy machine gun and had it licensed for the street as a historical vehicle. Fun times. lol