Is it legal to own an RPG?

Nowhere Man · January 17, 2013, 03:35 PM

I keep hearing the talking heads say it's illegal to own machine guns and RPGs. I know they are half wrong. Is it legal to own an RPG?

Dave

Dr. Sandman · January 17, 2013, 03:36 PM

It depends. How about some more information?

Nowhere Man · January 17, 2013, 03:42 PM

The press says we can't own machine guns. Yes we can. We can own cannons. We can own tanks. We can own fighter jets.

With the proper paperwork, is there any law that says we can't own an RPG?

Dave

JohnnyK · January 17, 2013, 03:48 PM

look on gun broker they have rpg on there...

Fryerpower · January 17, 2013, 03:49 PM

It can't be totally illegal or they would not have been able to do the Myth Buster's episode about the scene from the movie "Red".

Jim

Diamondback6 · January 17, 2013, 03:52 PM

Depends on State laws. Federally, machine guns are registered under the National Firearms Act of '34, and to be legally transferable for civilian ownership it needs to have been registered before the registry closed in 1986. $200 tax and a Form 4 to register.

For an RPG, it'd be an Explosive Destructive Device... assuming it was legally imported, again, $200 and a Form 4.

Let's say you could get somebody to sell you an Abrams, roll-away, just as a thought experiment. The coaxial 7.62 and the commander's hatch gun would be illegal MG's and have to be scrapped, the main gun at greater than 1/2" bore and no sporting purpose is a Large Bore Destructive Device ($200 and a Form 4), and each shell is an Explosive DD (which means $200 and a Form 4 EACH). And, oh by the way, you ALSO have to make sure it's kosher under all State and Local laws too...

IANAL and I'm not even a meber of the NFA-owner club, but I've been following the subject ever since college, and hopefully this'll help you out a little.

Zardaia · January 17, 2013, 03:53 PM

Depends on your state, some have there own ban on nfa items others you only got jump through all the right fed hoops. Are there any transferable rpg's? I mean live rockets not just the tubes. If so i imagine the price'd be sky high for a cheap military weapon. Just because somthing's technicaly legal dosn't mean it isn't legislated into practical non-existence or at least non-existent at a fair market price rather than locked supply prices.

Nowhere Man · January 17, 2013, 04:03 PM

Oh man, you guys are getting way more specific/technical than I wanted to go with my hypothetical question.

To be expected, I guess.

Dave

brnmw · January 17, 2013, 04:18 PM

It would not be worth the "Red tape" and or responsibility of owning one.... fun to shoot taking out a tree stump, yes...Not own. IMO.
(But Law State to state would be the answer to that.)

SharpsDressedMan · January 17, 2013, 04:58 PM

There ARE registered RPG rocket launcher in civilan hands. Many were "built" or "re-watted" after being made into a dewat or demilled. The paper work and approval is filed first, then the entity (manufacturer or individual) fabricates the weapon. DOWNSIDE? Each individual rocket fired from an RPG launcher, which are pretty much non-existent as original, explosive warhead, would also be subject to a $200 tax for each one (same as a hand grenade), and classified as a destructive device (DD), and require the same approval by BATF. Once you fired it, the cost of the rocket and the extra $200 tax is gone up in smoke. Lots of people have registered 40mm grenade lauchers, like M79's or M203's, but most just shoot practice rounds, flares, smoke, or tear gas grenades that do NOT require the $200 tax as those projectiles are not classified as destructive device/explosive warheads. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N7vCww3j2-w.................................. [IMG]

[/IMG]

Nowhere Man · January 17, 2013, 07:31 PM

Thanks guys!

Dave

Prince Yamato · January 17, 2013, 09:18 PM

You can also shoot 40mm buckshot rounds too.

JustinJ · January 18, 2013, 09:57 AM

How did explosive projectiles make their way to private ownership and are the same routes no longer available?

SharpsDressedMan · January 18, 2013, 03:40 PM

If you know HOW to make HE rounds for an RPG, and file the correct app's for licenses and permits, you can register your own (destructive device -grenade). Contact BATF.

Nasty · January 18, 2013, 04:41 PM

An M79 can also be fired with a 12ga reducer...rounds of skeet could be great fun!

el Godfather · January 20, 2013, 08:57 PM

This is very interesting.

Where I live, I can own a Glock 18C, but not RPG. I am not sure how to manage RPGs in civilian use. Not against it, but not sure how to manage it.

Registering each rocket would be a pain. There should be some way to cover that in one paperwork. May be a commercial less lethal projectiles should be made available to handle that. Not sure. Just discussing ideas.

This entire AWB should be scraped. It is just another reason for illegal weapons.

mboylan · January 22, 2013, 07:40 PM

The storage requirments and licenses needed to own high explosive rounds are way beyond people who don't work with HE for a living. The $200 NFA tax is the lowest obstacle.

SharpsDressedMan · January 23, 2013, 07:51 AM

The requirement to have a magazine (storage area) for a DD is no different than those required for black powder storage for gun stores that sell black powder.

Kramer Krazy · January 23, 2013, 10:56 PM

Forget the RPG, I want THIS - http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/Vie...Item=326776075

Nowhere Man · January 24, 2013, 06:50 AM

That's AWESOME!!

Dave

SharpsDressedMan · January 24, 2013, 01:01 PM

Too heavy. I'd still take the RPG! Before you turned that big baby around, you could fire an RPG about 5 times.

Kramer Krazy · January 24, 2013, 10:53 PM

Quote:

Before you turned that big baby around, you could fire an RPG about 5 times.

That's why I'd also have a buddy with a rifle and a sidearm ready for you as I turn that beastie around. Regardless, I'd still majorly trump you on cool factor alone.

RetiredUSNChief · January 24, 2013, 11:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kramer Krazy

Forget the RPG, I want THIS - http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/Vie...Item=326776075

Yeah?

Well forget the RPG AND what you want...I actually have THIS!

xquercus · January 29, 2013, 04:14 PM

About two years ago one of the dealers with a good online presence (wish I could remember who) had an RPG with launcher for sale. Maybe someone on this site will recall the details of the listing as it was somewhat unusual. The description said that it originated from Lebanon if I recall correctly. I believe the asking price was $13k. My question at the time was how a live DD was legally imported into the US.

G21NE · February 6, 2013, 02:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Diamondback6

Depends on State laws. Federally, machine guns are registered under the National Firearms Act of '34, and to be legally transferable for civilian ownership it needs to have been registered before the registry closed in 1986. $200 tax and a Form 4 to register.

For an RPG, it'd be an Explosive Destructive Device... assuming it was legally imported, again, $200 and a Form 4.

Let's say you could get somebody to sell you an Abrams, roll-away, just as a thought experiment. The coaxial 7.62 and the commander's hatch gun would be illegal MG's and have to be scrapped, the main gun at greater than 1/2" bore and no sporting purpose is a Large Bore Destructive Device ($200 and a Form 4), and each shell is an Explosive DD (which means $200 and a Form 4 EACH). And, oh by the way, you ALSO have to make sure it's kosher under all State and Local laws too...

IANAL and I'm not even a meber of the NFA-owner club, but I've been following the subject ever since college, and hopefully this'll help you out a little.

Actually there are tank shells that are non-explosive: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M829#M829A3

A depleted uranium penetrator, but there may be issues with owning the uranium, even if it is depleted.............

January 17, 2013, 03:35 PM	#1
Nowhere Man Member Join Date: February 24, 2008 Location: North Port, FL Posts: 475	Is it legal to own an RPG? I keep hearing the talking heads say it's illegal to own machine guns and RPGs. I know they are half wrong. Is it legal to own an RPG? Dave

January 17, 2013, 03:36 PM	#2
Dr. Sandman Member Join Date: January 20, 2010 Location: Northern Indiana Posts: 202	It depends. How about some more information? __________________ I think that reloading your own ammo is very similar to making your own beer. It can be fun, educational, and may be a good skill to have in a pinch. Rarely, you can really come up with something special. Most of the time, however, better product is available for less money at the store, all things considered.

January 17, 2013, 03:48 PM	#4
JohnnyK Member Join Date: October 17, 2011 Location: TEXAS Posts: 690	look on gun broker they have rpg on there... __________________ I'm sure I don't need to remind you that NOT all Democrats are anti-gun... then again, not all Nazis were antiJew... but that didn't alter the outcome did it? I buy AKs/ AK parts with date stamp 1978... pm me if you have one like this you are willing to sell.

January 17, 2013, 03:52 PM	#6
Diamondback6 Member Join Date: April 30, 2006 Location: The cesspool of the Upper Left Coast Posts: 808	Depends on State laws. Federally, machine guns are registered under the National Firearms Act of '34, and to be legally transferable for civilian ownership it needs to have been registered before the registry closed in 1986. $200 tax and a Form 4 to register. For an RPG, it'd be an Explosive Destructive Device... assuming it was legally imported, again, $200 and a Form 4. Let's say you could get somebody to sell you an Abrams, roll-away, just as a thought experiment. The coaxial 7.62 and the commander's hatch gun would be illegal MG's and have to be scrapped, the main gun at greater than 1/2" bore and no sporting purpose is a Large Bore Destructive Device ($200 and a Form 4), and each shell is an Explosive DD (which means $200 and a Form 4 EACH). And, oh by the way, you ALSO have to make sure it's kosher under all State and Local laws too... IANAL and I'm not even a meber of the NFA-owner club, but I've been following the subject ever since college, and hopefully this'll help you out a little. __________________ Don't tread on me... Please. Only left-handers are truly in our right minds...

January 17, 2013, 04:58 PM	#10
SharpsDressedMan Member Join Date: February 18, 2007 Location: NE Ohio Posts: 5,233	There ARE registered RPG rocket launcher in civilan hands. Many were "built" or "re-watted" after being made into a dewat or demilled. The paper work and approval is filed first, then the entity (manufacturer or individual) fabricates the weapon. DOWNSIDE? Each individual rocket fired from an RPG launcher, which are pretty much non-existent as original, explosive warhead, would also be subject to a $200 tax for each one (same as a hand grenade), and classified as a destructive device (DD), and require the same approval by BATF. Once you fired it, the cost of the rocket and the extra $200 tax is gone up in smoke. Lots of people have registered 40mm grenade lauchers, like M79's or M203's, but most just shoot practice rounds, flares, smoke, or tear gas grenades that do NOT require the $200 tax as those projectiles are not classified as destructive device/explosive warheads. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N7vCww3j2-w.................................. [IMG][/IMG] __________________ 1)Beware of the man with only eight rounds.......he MAY be scared enough to make them count! M1 Garand & M1911 2) "What would Genghis Khan do?" Last edited by SharpsDressedMan; January 17, 2013 at 05:08 PM.

January 17, 2013, 03:42 PM	#3
Nowhere Man Member Join Date: February 24, 2008 Location: North Port, FL Posts: 475	The press says we can't own machine guns. Yes we can. We can own cannons. We can own tanks. We can own fighter jets. With the proper paperwork, is there any law that says we can't own an RPG? Dave

January 17, 2013, 03:49 PM	#5
Fryerpower Member Join Date: June 23, 2006 Location: Tennessee Posts: 420	It can't be totally illegal or they would not have been able to do the Myth Buster's episode about the scene from the movie "Red". Jim

January 17, 2013, 03:53 PM	#7
Zardaia Member Join Date: April 14, 2011 Posts: 196	Depends on your state, some have there own ban on nfa items others you only got jump through all the right fed hoops. Are there any transferable rpg's? I mean live rockets not just the tubes. If so i imagine the price'd be sky high for a cheap military weapon. Just because somthing's technicaly legal dosn't mean it isn't legislated into practical non-existence or at least non-existent at a fair market price rather than locked supply prices.

January 17, 2013, 04:03 PM	#8
Nowhere Man Member Join Date: February 24, 2008 Location: North Port, FL Posts: 475	Oh man, you guys are getting way more specific/technical than I wanted to go with my hypothetical question. To be expected, I guess. Dave

January 17, 2013, 04:18 PM	#9
brnmw Member Join Date: October 26, 2012 Posts: 259	It would not be worth the "Red tape" and or responsibility of owning one.... fun to shoot taking out a tree stump, yes...Not own. IMO. (But Law State to state would be the answer to that.)

January 17, 2013, 07:31 PM	#11
Nowhere Man Member Join Date: February 24, 2008 Location: North Port, FL Posts: 475	Thanks guys! Dave

January 17, 2013, 09:18 PM	#12
Prince Yamato Member Join Date: August 16, 2006 Location: Texas Posts: 4,176	You can also shoot 40mm buckshot rounds too.

January 18, 2013, 09:57 AM	#13
JustinJ Member Join Date: February 15, 2011 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 3,427	How did explosive projectiles make their way to private ownership and are the same routes no longer available? __________________ Experience demands that man is the only animal which devours his own kind, for I can apply no milder term to the general prey of the rich on the poor. Thomas Jefferson

January 18, 2013, 03:40 PM	#14
SharpsDressedMan Member Join Date: February 18, 2007 Location: NE Ohio Posts: 5,233	If you know HOW to make HE rounds for an RPG, and file the correct app's for licenses and permits, you can register your own (destructive device -grenade). Contact BATF. __________________ 1)Beware of the man with only eight rounds.......he MAY be scared enough to make them count! M1 Garand & M1911 2) "What would Genghis Khan do?"

January 18, 2013, 04:41 PM	#15
Nasty Member Join Date: March 28, 2004 Posts: 534	An M79 can also be fired with a 12ga reducer...rounds of skeet could be great fun! __________________ Above is based on the opinion of a 20 year Small Arms Marksmanship and Training Unit USAF instructor with more than 30 years in competitive shooting sports. Your mileage may vary.

January 20, 2013, 08:57 PM	#16
el Godfather Member Join Date: February 4, 2012 Posts: 1,064	This is very interesting. Where I live, I can own a Glock 18C, but not RPG. I am not sure how to manage RPGs in civilian use. Not against it, but not sure how to manage it. Registering each rocket would be a pain. There should be some way to cover that in one paperwork. May be a commercial less lethal projectiles should be made available to handle that. Not sure. Just discussing ideas. This entire AWB should be scraped. It is just another reason for illegal weapons. __________________ Never be a tyrant. Never live under a tyrant.

January 22, 2013, 07:40 PM	#17
mboylan Member Join Date: September 23, 2009 Posts: 227	The storage requirments and licenses needed to own high explosive rounds are way beyond people who don't work with HE for a living. The $200 NFA tax is the lowest obstacle.

January 23, 2013, 07:51 AM	#18
SharpsDressedMan Member Join Date: February 18, 2007 Location: NE Ohio Posts: 5,233	The requirement to have a magazine (storage area) for a DD is no different than those required for black powder storage for gun stores that sell black powder. __________________ 1)Beware of the man with only eight rounds.......he MAY be scared enough to make them count! M1 Garand & M1911 2) "What would Genghis Khan do?"

January 23, 2013, 10:56 PM	#19
Kramer Krazy Member Join Date: December 1, 2004 Location: Easley, SC Posts: 921	Forget the RPG, I want THIS - http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/Vie...Item=326776075 __________________ My website - http://www.kramerkrazy.com

January 24, 2013, 06:50 AM	#20
Nowhere Man Member Join Date: February 24, 2008 Location: North Port, FL Posts: 475	That's AWESOME!! Dave

January 24, 2013, 01:01 PM	#21
SharpsDressedMan Member Join Date: February 18, 2007 Location: NE Ohio Posts: 5,233	Too heavy. I'd still take the RPG! Before you turned that big baby around, you could fire an RPG about 5 times. __________________ 1)Beware of the man with only eight rounds.......he MAY be scared enough to make them count! M1 Garand & M1911 2) "What would Genghis Khan do?"

January 29, 2013, 04:14 PM	#24
xquercus Member Join Date: May 31, 2007 Location: Central Maine Posts: 55	About two years ago one of the dealers with a good online presence (wish I could remember who) had an RPG with launcher for sale. Maybe someone on this site will recall the details of the listing as it was somewhat unusual. The description said that it originated from Lebanon if I recall correctly. I believe the asking price was $13k. My question at the time was how a live DD was legally imported into the US.