No, shell catchers are not illegal in the United States. There is no reason to make these illegal or to have any legal debate around such kind of attachment. Why? Well, first of all, this is just an extra accessory for convenience and not to enhance something in your shooting skills. But just to be more clear about this topic, we’ll advise you to keep on reading about the legality side of these shell catches.
So, What Exactly Is a Shell Catcher?
A shell catcher is a pretty straightforward device that you can hook up to a gun, which is mostly semi-automatic rifles. And? Like, what is the use of it then? The thing is, it’s there to grab the empty shell casings (which are also called brass) that are the parts of the gun that eject when you shoot. If you don’t have one, then those hot casings are thrown out and land wherever the ground is. But with a shell catcher in place, the shells are easily and neatly collected, which certainly is a huge convenience in itself. Plain and simple!
Those who practice shooting usually employ a shell catcher for different purposes. One of these people is a person who wants his brass to be clean so that he can reload it later. Another group of people is the ones who do it in order not to leave their casings at the range or in the woods. In the same way, a hunter can find it very convenient, particularly when he doesn’t want to make a mess of brass. It is simply an efficient device, no more than that.
Are Shell Catchers Legal?
Let’s be clear: shell catchers are allowed by law. No law at the federal level in the United States prohibits their use. Plain and simple! They are not considered in the same category as silencers or fully automatic firearms, which are very controlled. To tell you the truth, a shell catcher is not even considered a gun accessory that needs to be registered or licensed. That’s how it is!
There is no requirement for a background check, a license, or any kind of special paperwork in order to purchase one. The action is basically the same as if you were buying a sling, a scope, or any other non-regulated accessory for your firearm. Very simple!
What About State or Local Rules?
At the federal level, there is nothing that prohibits the act. But how about state laws or local regulations?
The response is just as simple: not a single state in the U.S. has prohibited the use of shell catchers. Yes! In fact, these devices are legal to purchase, keep, and use in each and every one of the 50 states. Nevertheless, if you happen to be at a public shooting range or are taking part in a shooting competition, it is possible that there might be some specific rules of the range regarding the use of attachments. These are safety-related regulations, not legal ones, just keep that in mind.
Therefore, no matter if you are in Texas or in New York, there is no law that prevents you from employing a shell catcher on your rifle.
Are Shell Catchers Military Gear?
Not at all. Some individuals think that if a clip is attached to an AR-15, then it has to be tactical gear. That is a pretty common misconception right there.
Shell catchers aren’t part of a soldier’s arsenal. Nah! Just so you know, they’re made just for the everyday use of non-military shooters, those who reload, hunters, or simply people who want to maintain the cleanliness of the shooting area. That’s pretty much it!
