Fact Check: Are RPG legal in US?

Are RPGs Legal in the US?

Introduction

The claim that rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs) are legal for civilian ownership in the United States has generated considerable discussion. Proponents of this claim assert that with the appropriate licenses and adherence to federal and state regulations, civilians can legally own RPGs. However, the complexities surrounding the legality of such weapons warrant a thorough examination of the available evidence and sources.

What We Know

1. Definition and Classification: RPGs are classified as "destructive devices" under the National Firearms Act (NFA) of 1934, which was amended by the Gun Control Act of 1968. This classification includes weapons that are not considered standard firearms and are subject to stricter regulations 14.

2. Ownership Requirements: To legally own an RPG, individuals must obtain a special NFA class 3 license. This process involves a tax stamp, background checks, and compliance with specific storage and safety regulations 39. The cost of obtaining an RPG can be prohibitively high, with prices for transferable models often exceeding $15,000 to $30,000 5.

3. State Regulations: In addition to federal laws, state laws vary significantly regarding the ownership of RPGs. Some states may impose additional restrictions or outright bans on such weapons, necessitating a thorough understanding of local laws 10.

4. Rarity of Ownership: While it is technically legal to own an RPG, the practicalities make it rare. The combination of high costs, regulatory hurdles, and limited availability means that very few civilians actually possess RPGs 35.

Analysis

The sources consulted provide a mix of information regarding the legality of RPGs in the United States.

• Expertbeacon and Survival Freedom both affirm that RPGs can be legally owned with the right licenses and adherence to regulations, emphasizing the rarity and expense involved 34. However, these sources may have a bias towards promoting survivalist or firearm ownership perspectives, which could influence their presentation of the information.

• Wikipedia entries provide a general overview of the NFA and the classification of RPGs but lack the depth of analysis regarding the implications of ownership and the specific legal requirements 12. Wikipedia is a useful starting point but should be supplemented with more authoritative sources.

• Gaming Pedia and NCESC provide similar conclusions, stating that RPGs are not illegal but require compliance with federal and state regulations 79. However, these sources may not be as rigorously vetted as others, and their focus on gaming may suggest a potential conflict of interest in how they frame the discussion around weapon ownership.

• The tomislavnews.com source lacks sufficient credibility and detail, making it difficult to assess its reliability 6.

Overall, while some sources provide clear information regarding the legal framework for RPG ownership, others may present a biased perspective or lack sufficient detail to be fully trustworthy.

Conclusion

Verdict: Mostly True

The claim that RPGs can be legally owned by civilians in the United States is mostly true, contingent upon compliance with federal and state regulations. Key evidence supporting this verdict includes the classification of RPGs as "destructive devices" under the National Firearms Act, which allows for civilian ownership with the appropriate NFA class 3 license. However, the practicalities of ownership, such as high costs and varying state laws, complicate the situation.

It is important to note that while ownership is technically legal, the rarity of RPGs among civilians suggests that many may not pursue this option due to the associated challenges. Additionally, the sources consulted present a mix of reliable and potentially biased information, which underscores the need for caution in interpreting the legality of RPG ownership.

Limitations in the available evidence include the variability of state laws and the potential biases of some sources, which may affect the overall understanding of the issue. Therefore, readers are encouraged to critically evaluate information themselves and consult multiple sources when considering the legality of owning RPGs or any other regulated weapons.

Sources

1. National Firearms Act - Wikipedia. Link
2. Rocket-propelled grenade - Wikipedia. Link
3. Yes, RPGs Are Legal For Civilians to Own in the US - Expertbeacon. Link
4. Can You Own an RPG in the US? (Is It Legal?) - Survival Freedom. Link
5. Is the RPG-7 Legal for Civilians to Own in the United States? - Expertbeacon. Link
6. Legal Rpg - tomislavnews.com. Link
7. Is it illegal to own an RPG in the US? - Gaming Pedia - NCESC. Link
8. Is it legal to own a RPG-7? - Gaming FAQ - NCESC. Link
9. Are RPGs illegal in the US? - Gaming Pedia - NCESC. Link
10. Can a US citizen legally own an RPG? - SplicedOnline. Link