First designed in 1942, and deployed heavily during World War II, the bazooka was part of the first generation of rocket-powered, anti-tank weaponry used in combat situations. Its name comes — interestingly enough — from a musical instrument known as a “bazooka,” invented and used by comedian Bob Burns in the 1930s. But the bazooka is certainly no laughing matter. These weapons have played a key part in various conflicts, ranging from the Vietnam War to the Falklands War. Its powerful blast can destroy tanks and other fortifications. And even though you might not be a military member today, you still have the option to legally own a bazooka — with some regulations, of course. (Here are the 39 most important rocket launchers in the last 100 years.)
In fact, the bazooka is not the only intense or military-grade weapon that you can own. Thanks to the National Firearms Act, and the regulatory basis of the Gun Control Act of 1968, you’re perfectly welcome to own a wide range of weapons from bazookas to flamethrowers (and many more). Surprisingly few weapons are illegal to own in the U.S., outside of nuclear, biological, and chemical weapons. But it is important to know that each state can enact separate laws. So make sure to have all the information possible before you buy. To identify the most unique weapons that you can own in America, 24/7 Wall St. explored data from military websites and other sources. We listed them in no particular order.
Why We’re Sharing
Many Americans engage in heated debates about firearms and other weapons — without understanding the full scope of existing regulations. The National Firearms Act, originally established in 1934, created surprising for civilian ownership of various weapons (some military-grade) through a tax and registration process. By understanding the Act, and what weapons it allows ownership of, you can approach discussions from a more informed perspective. Plus, maybe you’ll find something you want to own on this list.
Check out 14 weapons that are legal to own in America:
14. Privately Made Firearms
3D-printed guns are legal, but there is an effort to curtail their use.
With the rise of 3D printing, privately made firearms are all the rage. Known as “Ghost Guns,” they are surprisingly legal. While there are ATF regulations that govern homemade guns, they can be notoriously difficult to enforce. President Biden introduced executive action on Ghost Guns in 2022 to serialize them so they are easier to track. Many cities and states are also beginning to crack down on ghost guns, worried about violence.
13. Crossbow
First popularized in movies with plots set hundreds of years ago, crossbows are perfectly legal to own in the United States. No federal law prohibits them, provided they have been purchased for target shooting or hunting. However, certain states may regulate when you’re allowed to use crossbows.
12. Tactical Baton
Batons are legal across the US, though telescopic models require additional permits.
You might think of tactical batons, or a “telescopic” model, as being associated with police or military use. But owning a tactical baton is generally legal for all citizens nationwide. In states like Florida, you might need a concealed weapons permit, but this follows the same process as gun ownership. However, do not get a tactical baton if you live in California. They are not legal for civilians to carry.
11. Silencers
It’s a difficult process, but you can legally own a silencer with the proper approvals.
Interestingly, while silencers on weapons like pistols are not outright banned in the U.S., they are heavily regulated under the NFA. To own one, you must undergo an approval process, undergo a background check, and pay the appropriate tax. However, the use of silencers has been surging. The National Sports Shooting Foundation found that Americans purchased and registered 1.4 million silencers in the first six months of 2024.
10. Sawed-Off Shotgun
Surprisingly, it’s legal to own a sawed-off shotgun.
It might come as a surprise to learn that owning a sawed-off shotgun in the U.S. is perfectly legal as long as you pay the appropriate tax to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms. The NFA prohibits shotguns with a barrel under 18 inches, so you must register the weapon to maintain legal possession.
9. Stun Gun
Stun guns are legal in the US and can be carried on your person.
If you need a weapon for self-defense, consider owning a stun gun. As long as you plan to use it for protection, and are at least 18 years old, your stun gun is perfectly legal. In states like Florida, ownership of a stun gun is a felony if you have previously been convicted of a crime; otherwise, there are few restrictions outside of not taking it into a school or airport.
8. Katana Blades
Katana blades are legal to own but not necessarily carry around.
In the U.S., katana blades fall under the same general guidelines as knives — with some differences, of course. You must be 18 or older to own a katana, and may have restrictions on taking it outside (vs. just hanging it in your home). The only caveat is that if you purchase one in Japan, it requires legal paperwork to import.
7. Tanks
If the main gun doesn’t work, you can own a tank.
Private citizens in the US can own a decommissioned tank, albeit with some caveats. First and foremost, the main gun has to be disabled. Of course, the tank also cannot be currently involved in active service. However, if you have a “Destructive Device” permit, you can own a fully functioning tank. As you might expect, though, these permits are notoriously difficult for private citizens to acquire.
6. Grenade Launcher
With the right permits, you can own a grenade launcher in 2024.
While the NFA classifies a grenade launcher as a “destructive device,” you can still own one, assuming you have the permits, passed a background check, and purchased through legal means. Firing a grenade launcher might be more questionable and is not recommended.
5. Machine Gun
It’s not necessary, but you can legally own a machine gun.
The legality of owning a machine gun in America is interesting and not at all straightforward. Per the NFA, federal law prohibits the ownership of machine guns manufactured after May 19, 1986. However, machine guns manufactured after this date can be transferred to a new owner pending approval by the ATF.
4. Brass Knuckles
While some states have banned brass knuckles, they are legally owned elsewhere.
Somewhat ambiguous at the ownership level, multiple states prohibit ownership of brass knuckles, such as California, Florida, Illinois, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania. Brass knuckles are more famous in movies than in real life, but they can be carried for self-defense.
3. Flamethrowers
Surprisingly, owning a flamethrower isn’t outright banned in the US.
While flamethrowers are banned in California, you can surprisingly own one in most states. States like Texas, Florida, and New York permit ownership without specialized documents or licenses. Legal ownership became a central topic of discourse in America after Elon Musk’s The Boring Company sold a flamethrower online.
2. U.S. Rocket Launcher (Bazooka)
If you really want one, owning a bazooka is legal.
If you have been considering buying a Bazooka or a U.S.-made Rocket Launcher in your state, the good news is that you likely can. As with many weapons on this list, it just requires a $200 transfer tax, completing some forms, and you can own this weapon. But you probably don’t want to shoot a bazooka anywhere near your home.
1. Cannon
Under federal law, you can own a cannon.
Yes, you can surprisingly own a cannon in America. So long as it was manufactured before 1898 and is a muzzle-loading model, you must pay a $200 tax stamp, fill out forms, and ownership is perfectly legal under federal law. Although some lawmakers might not agree, there’s really nothing stopping you from setting up a cannon in your backyard.
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