"I Just Found a Grenade!" - Dangers in the Gun Locker — GMP #252

Published on September 27, 2024
Duration: 42:23

This podcast episode, featuring former law enforcement officers Brent Wheat and Roy Huntington, delves into the significant legal and safety risks associated with discovering unexpected items like military ordinance, explosives, or illegal firearms when cleaning out estates or storage units. They emphasize the critical importance of not handling such items and immediately contacting authorities, highlighting that ignorance is not a defense against federal felonies. The discussion also covers the dangers of old fireworks and improvised explosive devices, stressing that even seemingly inert items can pose extreme risks.

Quick Summary

Discovering military ordinance, explosives, or illegal firearms in inherited property poses severe safety risks and can lead to federal felony charges. Do not touch these items; immediately evacuate and contact law enforcement or a bomb squad for safe handling and disposal.

Chapters

  1. 00:04Introduction to the Guns Magazine Podcast
  2. 00:20The Topic: Unexpected Finds in Gun Lockers
  3. 00:36Types of Dangerous Discoveries
  4. 00:43Legal and Safety Concerns
  5. 01:10Sponsor Message: Right On Optics
  6. 01:52Roy Huntington Joins the Discussion
  7. 02:18The Problem of Finding Unwanted Items
  8. 02:31Example: Military Smoke Grenade
  9. 03:06Focus: Legal and Safety Aspects
  10. 03:17Story: Dynamite Discovery at Police Station
  11. 03:46Roy's Experiences in San Diego
  12. 04:06Ordinance Range Discoveries
  13. 04:41Story: Claymore Mine in Storage Unit
  14. 06:01Safety Aspect: Live Ammunition and Explosives
  15. 06:10Types of Ordnance Found
  16. 06:42When to Say 'Leave Now'
  17. 07:03Trusting Your Gut Feeling
  18. 07:14Identifying Potential Hazards
  19. 07:49Don't Be a Hero
  20. 08:02Dynamite's Nitroglycerin Hazard
  21. 08:45Story: M2 Carbine Discovery
  22. 10:46The Temptation of Illegal Firearms
  23. 11:09Federal Law on NFA Items
  24. 11:38Police Department Collections
  25. 12:10Federal Felony Consequences
  26. 12:30The 1928 Thompson Example
  27. 13:16San Diego Businessman's Thompson
  28. 14:11Routine Gun Turn-Ins
  29. 14:49Dangerous Explosives in Homes
  30. 15:04Military Town Discoveries
  31. 15:21Story: M60 Grenade Launcher Discovery
  32. 16:56Markings on Military Ordinance
  33. 17:09Uncertainty with Training Aids
  34. 17:30Improvised Devices vs. Military Ordinance
  35. 18:42If You Don't Know, Let It Go
  36. 18:46Personal Experience: Hand Grenade in Step Van
  37. 20:07EOD Response to Grenade
  38. 20:45Better Safe Than Sorry
  39. 20:58The 'Hold My Beer' Mentality
  40. 21:01The Feeling of Discovering a Grenade
  41. 21:56Disposal of Ordinance and Illegal Firearms
  42. 22:14Old Disposal Methods (Rivers, Oceans)
  43. 22:34Modern Detection Technologies
  44. 23:33Caution Against Dumping in Water
  45. 23:48Cameras and Surveillance
  46. 24:17Roy's Harbor Unit Experience
  47. 24:39What to Do with Old Ammunition
  48. 24:54Safest Ammunition Disposal
  49. 25:19Risks of Throwing Ammo in Trash
  50. 25:42Calling Law Enforcement for Turn-Ins
  51. 26:02Police Ammunition Disposal Methods
  52. 26:40Transporting Illegal Items
  53. 27:21Proper Procedure for Turn-Ins
  54. 28:02Fireworks Dangers
  55. 28:22Yield Explosives vs. Fireworks
  56. 29:07Fireworks Burn-Offs
  57. 29:22Instability of Old Fireworks
  58. 30:16Deteriorated Sparklers
  59. 30:42Fireworks Similar to Bombs
  60. 31:08Summary: Key Takeaways
  61. 31:13Call Professionals for Dangerous Items
  62. 31:21No Trouble for Reporting
  63. 31:31Risk of Injury and Criminal Charges
  64. 31:53Resist Temptation to Keep Illegal Items
  65. 32:34Proactive Planning for Collections
  66. 33:33Ammo in Water or WD-40 Myths
  67. 34:39Ammunition Still Fires After Abuse
  68. 35:08Legality of Bump Stocks and Long Barrel Pistols
  69. 36:08Dr. Google vs. Official Sources
  70. 36:45Calling the ATF for Answers
  71. 37:05Pistol Barrel Length and Stocks
  72. 37:35Braces Legality Today
  73. 37:51Don't Take Chances with Freedom
  74. 38:13Examples of Risky Items
  75. 38:25Illegal Ammunition (Tracers)
  76. 38:41Braces and Boat Accidents
  77. 39:39Cameras and Surveillance Everywhere
  78. 40:05Consequences of Improper Disposal
  79. 40:16Think Beyond the End of Your Nose
  80. 40:24Don't Play with Fire or Dynamite
  81. 40:38Concluding Remarks
  82. 40:52Call to Action: Like and Subscribe
  83. 41:10Sponsor Message: Right On Optics
  84. 41:30Sister Publications and Books
  85. 41:55Final Thoughts from Brent Wheat

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the primary dangers of finding unexpected ordinance or explosives?

The primary dangers are severe safety risks, including accidental detonation causing injury or death, and significant legal consequences, such as federal felony charges for illegal possession of firearms or explosives.

How should one safely handle the discovery of military ordinance or old explosives?

The safest approach is to not touch the item at all. Evacuate the immediate area and contact local law enforcement or a bomb squad. They are trained professionals equipped to handle these hazardous materials safely.

Is it legal to keep unregistered fully automatic firearms found in an inheritance?

No, possessing unregistered fully automatic firearms is a federal felony in the United States. Even if inherited, these items cannot be legally kept without proper registration, which is often not possible for older unregistered NFA items.

What is the recommended method for disposing of old ammunition?

The safest and most recommended method is to contact your local police department. They can arrange for the safe collection and disposal of ammunition, preventing environmental contamination or accidental detonation.

Can old fireworks be dangerous, even if they appear inert?

Yes, old fireworks can be extremely dangerous. As they age, their chemical compounds can degrade and become unstable, increasing the risk of accidental ignition or explosion. It's best to treat them with extreme caution and contact professionals.

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