This article relies largely or entirely on a single source. Relevant discussion may be found on the talk page. Please help improve this article by introducing citations to additional sources. Find sources: "Destructive device" – news · newspapers · books · scholar · JSTOR(December 2014)
In the United States, a destructive device is a type of firearm or explosive device regulated by the National Firearms Act of 1934, revised by the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 and Gun Control Act of 1968.
Examples of destructive devices include grenades, grenade launchers, artillery weapons,[1] and firearms (2) any type of weapon by whatever name known which will, or which may be readily converted to, expel a projectile by the action of an explosive or other propellant, the barrel or barrels of which have a bore over one half of an inch (.50 inches or 12.7 mm), excluding some rifles and most shotguns, both semi automatic and manually operated. While current federal laws allow destructive devices, some states have banned them from transfer to civilians. In states where banned, only law enforcement officers and military personnel are allowed to possess them.
All National Firearms Act firearms including destructive devices, must be registered with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
The definition of a "destructive device" is found in 26 U.S.C. § 5845(f). The definition reads as follows:
(1) any explosive, incendiary, or poison gas, (A) bomb, (B) grenade, (C) rocket having a propellant charge of more than 4 ounces, (D) missile having an explosive charge of more than 1/4 ounce (109.4 grains or 7.09 grams), (E) mine or (F) similar device.
(2) Any weapon by whatever name known which will, or which may be readily converted to, expel a projectile by the action of an explosive or other propellant, the barrel or barrels of which have a bore of more than one-half inch in diameter (.50 inches or 12.7 mm), except a shotgun or shotgun shell which the Secretary finds is generally recognized as particularly suitable for sporting purposes; and
(3) Any combination of parts either designed or intended for use in converting any device into a destructive device as defined in subparagraphs (1) and (2) and from which a destructive device may be readily assembled.
The term destructive device shall not include any device which is neither designed nor redesigned for use as a weapon; any device, although originally designed for use as a weapon, which is redesigned for use as a signaling, pyrotechnic, line throwing, safety or similar device; surplus ordnance sold, loaned or given by the Secretary of the Army, pursuant to the provisions of section 4684(2), 4685, or 4686 of Title 10 of the United States Code; or any other device the Secretary finds is not likely to be used as a weapon, or is an antique or is a rifle which the owner intends to use solely for sporting purposes.[2]
The term "Secretary" originally referred to the Secretary of the Treasury, as the National Firearms Act is part of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986—since the BATF's transfer to the Department of Justice in 2002, the term "Secretary" now refers to the Attorney General.[3]
Muzzle-loading guns are not considered firearms in the US and do not fall under the regulations of the NFA. However, their projectiles may still be subject to NFA regulation. For instance, a person may manufacture, possess, and fire a black powder, muzzle-loading cannon of any bore diameter, but may not fire explosive shells from that cannon, as the explosive shell is itself defined as a destructive device.
^"Firearms - Guides - Importation & Verification of Firearms - National Firearms Act Definitions - Destructive Device | Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives".
^The National Firearms Act. Title 26 United States Code, Chapter 53, Internal Revenue Code.
^"Appendix A. NFA, 26 U.S.C. Chapter 53" (PDF). atf.gov. Retrieved 25 June 2023.
and 26 Related for: Destructive device information
In the United States, a destructivedevice is a type of firearm or explosive device regulated by the National Firearms Act of 1934, revised by the Omnibus...
machine guns, short or "sawed-off" shotguns and rifles, and so-called "destructivedevices" (including grenades, mortars, rocket launchers, large projectiles...
License fees. DestructiveDevice Importers and manufacturers of machine guns, short-barreled rifles and shotguns, and destructivedevices must also pay...
launcher must be registered with the BATFE as a destructivedevice. Possession of a destructivedevice is also restricted or banned by some local and state...
additionally considers rifles with integral rifle grenade launching devices as destructivedevices in accordance with the definition of such in section 16460 of...
destruction of an aircraft or public mass transportation vehicle Using a destructivedevice during and in relation to a crime of violence Attempted destruction...
are actually 37 mm devices. These 37 mm versions are considered a "title 1 firearm", and are not classified as "destructivedevices" under the NFA. These...
Streets Act of 1968) There are two broad classes of destructivedevices[citation needed]: Devices such as grenades, bombs, explosive missiles, poison...
initially hailed as a hero for being the first one to spot Rudolph's explosive device and helping to clear the area, Jewell came under FBI scrutiny in the days...
ISBN 978-0-307-80331-3. Wikimedia Commons has media related to Armsel Striker 12. Striker 12: Shotgun Turned "DestructiveDevice" Cobray Lady's Home Companion...
City, New York. The 1,500 lb (680 kg) urea nitrate-hydrogen gas enhanced device was intended to knock the North Tower (Tower 1) into the South Tower (Tower...
echocardiography, medical ultrasonography, and digital radiography. Non-Destructive Testing (NDT/ NDT testing) Techniques or Methodologies allow the investigator...
Russell pleaded guilty in federal court to possessing an unregistered destructivedevice and illegally storing explosives; in January 2018, he was sentenced...
concerning terrorism, weapons of mass destruction are defined as: any "destructivedevice" defined as any explosive, incendiary, or poison gas – bomb, grenade...
and was formally charged with attempting to blow up and placing a destructivedevice on an American civil aircraft. The hearing took place at the University...
federal officers (18 U.S.C. § 111) Conspiracy to use and carry a destructivedevice during a crime of violence (18 U.S.C. § 924) (2 counts) Conspiracy...
barrel over 12.7 millimeters (.50 inches) is legally considered a destructivedevice in the United States. A BATFE ruling was obtained stating that a firearm...
aggravated child abuse, arson, kidnapping, placing or discharging of a destructivedevice or bomb). It was committed for the purpose of avoiding or preventing...
federal officers (18 U.S.C. § 111) Conspiracy to use and carry a destructivedevice during a crime of violence (18 U.S.C. § 924) Making false statements...
with a diameter greater than .50 inches (12.7 mm) is considered a destructivedevice and as such is severely restricted. However, the ATF has ruled that...
adult Aircraft piracy Unlawful throwing, placing, or discharging of a destructivedevice or bomb Carjacking Aggravated stalking Resisting an officer with violence...
spud guns as devices using potatoes as projectiles and used solely for recreational purposes, do not meet the criteria of a destructivedevice defined by...
kidnapping Whitmer and to eventually violently overthrow the state government. Croft was also convicted possessing an unregistered destructivedevice....
CSG/Trident patented contract China Lake launchers are transferable as a DestructiveDevice in the United States.[citation needed] All CSG/Trident China Lake...
"firearm" shall not include an antique firearm or any device (other than a machinegun or destructivedevice) which, although designed as a weapon, the Secretary...
Global Information