# How could I legally own "destructive devices"? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [March 30, 2009, 8:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-could-i-legally-own-destructive-devices/491348 "2009-03-30T20:41:11Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 6\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Lumpy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lumpy/32/446_2.png) [@Lumpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lumpy)\ **Post date:** [March 30, 2009, 8:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-could-i-legally-own-destructive-devices/491348/1 "2009-03-30T20:41:11Z")
So let’s say that I’m tired of shooting those wimpy .50 cal rifles, and decide I need a [Lahti 20mm rifle/cannon](http://www.cnccookbook.com/img/OthersProjects/lahti.jpg) just in case I run across Hogzilla. And a M203 grenade launcher. And mebbe’ a coupla RPGs. Let’s say I have a completely clean background, and money is no object. If I was willing and able to do what it took to get the required license/ certification/ permits, how could I own military-grade weaponry? ---
**Author:** ![HorseloverFat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/8e8cbc/32.png) [@HorseloverFat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HorseloverFat)\ **Post date:** [March 30, 2009, 9:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-could-i-legally-own-destructive-devices/491348/2 "2009-03-30T21:38:16Z")
I believe you’d need to start first with getting a [Class III weapons license.](http://www.recguns.com/Sources/IIF1.html) More on classes and types here: > **[Federal Firearms License](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Federal_Firearms_License#Federal_Firearms_License_types)** > > A Federal Firearms License (FFL) is a license in the United States that enables an individual or a company to engage in a business pertaining to the manufacture or importation of firearms and ammunition, or the interstate and intrastate sale of firearms. Holding an FFL to engage in certain such activities has been a legal requirement within the United States since the enactment of the Gun Control Act of 1968. The FFL is issued by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (BATFE, ... ---
**Author:** ![Projammer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/projammer/32/559_2.png) [@Projammer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Projammer)\ **Post date:** [March 30, 2009, 9:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-could-i-legally-own-destructive-devices/491348/3 "2009-03-30T21:49:11Z")
The Lahti would be fairly simple. Class 3 registration and fees. Explosives really complicate things. Reams and reams of paperwork. [Minnesota](http://www.bca.state.mn.us/Invest/Documents/Page-02-001.html). Most states have similar guidelines and policies. ETA: The simpler solution would be to buy some property in a less restrictive country and enjoy your weekends there. ---
**Author:** ![sweeteviljesus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/898d66/32.png) [@sweeteviljesus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sweeteviljesus)\ **Post date:** [March 30, 2009, 10:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-could-i-legally-own-destructive-devices/491348/4 "2009-03-30T22:04:17Z")
Note also that the 203 counts as a destructive devices as well as each round of ammunition. Good thing money is no object as the tax stamp is $200 per. FWIW, Rob ---
**Author:** ![PatriotGrrrl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/9dc877/32.png) [@PatriotGrrrl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PatriotGrrrl)\ **Post date:** [March 30, 2009, 10:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-could-i-legally-own-destructive-devices/491348/5 "2009-03-30T22:52:41Z")
> [@HorseloverFat](#): > > I believe you’d need to start first with getting a [Class III weapons license.](http://www.recguns.com/Sources/IIF1.html) > > More on classes and types here: > > [Federal firearms license - Wikipedia](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Federal_Firearms_License#Federal_Firearms_License_types) Personally, I’d think it rather odd for a person to try to become a dealer or manufacturer of NFA weapons if they had neither owned one, nor been a regular FFL holder. You don’t get a license just to own NFA weapons, you apply for permission for each one you buy. The best thing to do, at least for your first one, is to find a local dealer who will order whatever you want for you, and help you with the paperwork if necessary. ---
**Author:** ![PatriotGrrrl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/9dc877/32.png) [@PatriotGrrrl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PatriotGrrrl)\ **Post date:** [March 30, 2009, 11:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-could-i-legally-own-destructive-devices/491348/6 "2009-03-30T23:03:13Z")
[Here](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Firearms_Act) is the right wikipedia link.