I've just received this letter from the Home Office in response to my request for advice on the legality of Smoke Grenade Launchers:
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Reference: T4323/11 5 April 2011
Dear Mr Michael
Thank you for your e-mail of 7 March about smoke grenade dischargers.
As you may know, some types of launching equipment are subject to control under section 5(1)(ae) of the Firearms Act 1968 (as amended) - ‘any rocket launcher, or any mortar, for projecting a stabilised missile, other than a launcher or mortar designed for line-throwing or pyrotechnic purposes or as signalling apparatus’.
Ultimately, only a court can decide on the status of any particular weapon but it is our view that many smoke grenade dischargers can be regarded as pyrotechnic launchers and, as such, they would not be subject to control under the Firearms Act.
Yours sincerely
M Young
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Based on that advice (and noting the understandable comment about the courts) I'd be happy to have live dischargers fitted with a copy of the letter in the vehicle.
Andy