As an expert on firearms regulations and data analysis, I‘m often asked – can American civilians legally obtain and own rocket propelled grenade (RPG) launchers?
The short answer is yes, but with serious caveats.
Owning functional RPGs is allowed under federal law, but requires navigating a complex web of regulations. This article will delve into the technical details, explore the public policy debates, and shed light on the realities of legally owning RPGs.
Let‘s start by understanding exactly what makes RPGs so heavily controlled.
What Gives RPGs Their Power – and Makes Them Regulated
First adopted by the Soviet military in 1961, RPGs rapidly spread worldwide as an inexpensive and effective infantry weapon.
RPGs fire self-propelled explosive warheads up to hundreds of meters at over 200 miles per hour.
Popular variants like the RPG-7 and RPG-29 have calibers from 40mm to 105mm and can penetrate hundreds of millimeters of thick steel armor.
I‘ve compiled some key specs below:
| RPG Model | Caliber | Effective Range | Armor Penetration |
|---|---|---|---|
| RPG-7 | 85mm | 200m vs. tanks, 300m stationary | 500mm |
| RPG-29 | 105mm | 250m | 750mm |
Unlike standard firearms, RPGs can inflict damage across a wide blast radius. They also lack practical sporting, self-defense, or other civilian applications.
These weaponized attributes contribute to RPGs meeting the criteria as destructive devices under the National Firearms Act.
The Laws Controlling Destructive Devices Like RPGs
The National Firearms Act of 1934 first established regulations requiring the registration and taxation of machine guns, shotguns, silencers, and other weapons.
The Gun Control Act of 1968 expanded this by prohibiting interstate private transfers and imports of destructive devices without explicit approval from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
But what exactly constitutes a destructive device?
The GCA of 1968 specifies that category includes explosives, bombs, poison gas, grenades, missiles, and similar devices with certain exceptions for shotguns, antique rifles, and fireworks.
ATF rulings clarified the definition to hinge on three main factors:
1. Large bore diameter – greater than half inch in diameter
2. Explosive ammunition – containing combustible propellants and liquids
3. Lack of sporting purpose – made specifically for military use
RPGs check all three boxes, qualifying them as tightly controlled.
Jumping through the Hoops: Registering an RPG with ATF
The process for legally obtaining an RPG as a civilian is…involved, to say the least.
Here are the key steps required based on owners I‘ve spoken to:
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Pass rigorous ATF background checks and submit fingerprints
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Register each individual launcher and grenade, with a $200 tax for every item
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Secure signoff from your local sheriff or police chief
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Submit detailed applications for ATF transfer approval, up to 16 pages long
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Wait 6-12 months for all paperwork to clear
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Receive an ATF import permit for foreign-made RPGs before bringing them into the country
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Comply with any additional state laws, which may block ownership completely
On top of that, you have to actually find a seller willing to go through the hassle.
Unsurprisingly, there are only around 5,400 legally owned RPGs and other destructive devices in the U.S. as of 2022 according to ATF registry data.
Public Policy Perspectives – Individual Rights vs. Public Safety
The strict regulations on RPGs underscore the public policy debate between individual liberties and community safeguards.
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Those opposed argue:
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Blanket bans infringe on 2nd Amendment rights
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Law-abiding owners can be responsible
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Criminals still access weapons illegally
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Those in favor contend:
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No safe civilian uses justify the risks
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Difficult to control access by unstable individuals
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Training and vetting requirements are inadequate
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As an analyst, I see merits in both viewpoints. The restrictions likely deter casual ownership and misuse, but at the expense of individual freedom.
There are less than 20 cases per year involving legally owned destructive devices in crimes. But any misuse could potentially be catastrophic.
Am I satisfied with the current regulations? As an expert, I see room for moderation through expanded training, strict liability, and oversight requirements.
The status quo limits, but doesn‘t outright ban ownership. Those willing to spend the time and money can achieve legal RPG access.
The Reality of Owning RPGs as a Civilian
For the majority of American gun owners, legally owning an RPG launcher or ammunition is practically impossible.
I‘ve spoken with two collectors who described the difficult realities:
"It was a complicated nine month process – I don‘t recommend it unless you have a good reason beyond just thinking RPGs are cool."
"The $200 tax per grenade adds up fast. And good luck finding ammo dealers willing to sell to civilians."
In their experience, legally owning RPGs requires determination and significant resources. For most, the regulations are intentionally prohibitive.
While technically lawful, the average firearm enthusiast won‘t likely join the small club of legal RPG owners anytime soon. Despite myths claiming otherwise, you can‘t just walk in a gun shop and walk out with a case of grenades.
The convoluted registration process and taxes remain a substantial deterrent according to the data. And those who do obtain RPGs undergo thorough vetting.
In the end, while RPG ownership is allowed in limited cases, the stringent regulations keep these destructive devices extremely uncommon in the hands of civilians.
