What's the ATF classify a flamethrower?

Status
Not open for further replies.
I believe it's none of the above. A "flamethrower" has many legitimate agricultural and construction related duties, albeit not in the form you're thinking. :evil:

As far as I know it doesn't fall under any taxable designations, but if you build one, do your homework for sure!
 
Who knows, but I'm sure "constructive possession" can get a fourteen year old girl with aquanet and a cigarette in a lot of trouble with the right type of F-trooper.:neener:
 
I have no intent to build or purchase one, I was just curious. I've seen videos online at "machine gun" shoots (I put machine gun in parenthesis because most the time it's assault rifles and submachine guns) in which sometimes there's a flame thrower or to and I was wondering if one were to purchase one what it'd even be listed as. I've never seen one on anything like autoweapons.com or anything, I'd imagine it'd be a rare collectible.
 
Flamethrowers are not regulated by ATF, however, several states have regulations regarding their possession.

When you are on fire, people get out of your way - R Pryor.

flame.jpg
 
I'm reminded of a quote in someone's sigline, I believe attributed to a Marine upon seeing a flamethrower for the first time: "where does the bayonet go?" :)
 
Wait a minute why would a LAW M72 or an RPG-7 be under ATF regulation but not a flamethrower? I mean a rocket propelled grenade launcher isn't a firearm or is it? I thought it'd just be classified as a small arm. Ok I'm confusing myself :banghead: is everyone SURE it's not labeled as something by the ATF?
 
Dude,there is a huge difference between an RPG or shoulder fired missile and a flamethrower. I have a brush-burner that would be a flamethrower if it had more pressure, it's pretty harmless.
 
READ THE NFA!!!!

Congress has not to my knowledge passed a law regulating flame throwers
 
Ok under Title II it gets vague under "any other weapon" and "destructive devices." I guess that's up to the ATF to decide. So, if you haven't guessed my next question, under the ATF what is the exact definition of "any other weapon" and "destructive devices" or do they label them case by case? (which really wouldn't surprise me, sounds like they are labels meant for deciding case by case) I mean I've heard Streetsweeper shotguns are "destructive devices" but short barreled shotguns are AOWs sometimes? I don't get it.
 
A destructive device in the case of something like a LAW or RPG fall under the "over 4 ounces of propellant, over 4 ounces of explosive" rule.

You could always call and ask Sterling Nixon.

I use a 'flamethower' every spring and summer to deal with weeds.
 
I'm just going to accept majority vote that it isn't under the ATF. So then someone can just straight out purchase an M1A1 flamethrower? Where would someone even buy one?
 
So under this it's a "destructive device" because incendiary weapons were listed after examples along with or similar device. Ah God wait a second, "projectile" does a flame thrower propel a projectile? My answer would be that fire is not a projectile but theres probably is that it IS a projectile... then it comes down to the legal definition of projectile. You know what? This is too much work. :banghead:
 
A flamethrower is not classified under any ATF laws but is regulated on the state level (Only CA I think). I'd assume if you committed a murder with it, you'd be charged with (besides murder) assault with a deadly weapon, destruction of (surrounding) property, and possible arson, torture, and God knows what else.
 
"I'd assume if you committed a murder with it, you'd be charged with (besides murder) assault with a deadly weapon, destruction of (surrounding) property, and possible arson, torture, and God knows what else."

Yeah... uhh... I'll be sure to remember that the first time I murder someone... which would be never :) lol
 
A flamethrower does not expel a projectile by an explosive force, it is not a firearm.
An RPG or LAW are not small arms, but they do in fact expel a projectile by an explosive force, so it is not such a stretch.

However many states have laws conflicting with the use of them. In all states there is arson laws, and in many laws against using an accelerant in legal fires or agricultural burns. Flamethrowers are based on using an accelerant.
 
From the definition by the ATF of what a destructive devise is:"expel a projectile by the action of an explosive or other propellant" Doesn't have to be an explosive, could be a propellant. But to kill this thread I will accept the majority rule that the ATF has no jurisdiction on flame throwers.
 
I'd assume if you committed a murder with it, you'd be charged with (besides murder) assault with a deadly weapon, destruction of (surrounding) property, and possible arson, torture, and God knows what else.
Click to expand...

Smoking in a public place?
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Similar threads

B
  • Locked
Write your Congress critter for flamethrower-control!
Replies
1
Views
668
cameroneod
C
B
  • Locked
Why isn't the upper of an AR-15 classified as the receiver?
Replies
10
Views
3K
Quiet
Q
J
  • Locked
Flamethrower question: legal restrictions?
Replies
7
Views
863
HiWayMan
H
Ryanxia
  • Locked
ATF reclassifies flares/chalk rounds
Replies
15
Views
2K
Caliper_Mi
C
L
  • Locked
Pistol gripped smoothbore gun
Replies
22
Views
1K
Hkmp5sd
H
Back
Top