2025 Session
Last amended: 2004 session
§ 609.665 — Spring Guns
Plain-Language Summary
It is a crime to set up a spring gun or similar mechanical device designed to fire when triggered by a trip wire or other mechanism. This is a gross misdemeanor, or a felony if someone is injured.
609.665 SPRING GUNS.
Whoever sets a spring gun, pitfall, deadfall, snare, or other like dangerous weapon or device may be sentenced to imprisonment for not more than six months or to payment of a fine of not more than $1,000, or both.
History:
1963 c 753 art 1 s 609.665; 1984 c 628 art 3 s 11; 2004 c 228 art 1 s 72
History: History: 1963 c 753 art 1 s 609.665; 1984 c 628 art 3 s 11; 2004 c 228 art 1 s 72
Practical Notes
Spring guns are booby-trap weapons that fire automatically. They are illegal because they are indiscriminate and can harm innocent people. If someone is injured by a spring gun, the person who set it up faces felony charges.