Is It Legal to Own Hand Grenades?

A hand grenade—a small, handheld explosive device—is often seen in movies and video games, but in reality, its legal status in the United States is a serious matter. This article highlights just some of the legal repercussions of illegally possessing a hand grenade, what constitutes a hand grenade, and when you can get in trouble for having imitation or replica grenades.

What Counts as a Hand Grenade?

Hand grenades are regulated under the National Firearms Act (NFA). Owning a live hand grenade is illegal for civilians under both federal and state laws, with extremely limited exceptions for licensed entities and deactivated collector items. Even having the components of what could become a grenade could land someone in legal hot water.

Hand Grenades: Destructive Devices Under Federal Law

A hand grenade generally refers to any explosive device designed to cause damage, injury, or death when triggered. The federal law includes grenades in its definition of "destructive device," which is broadly defined as:

• any explosive, incendiary, or poison gas grenade
• a weapon that can, or may readily be converted to, work like a grenade by expelling a projectile through an explosive (such as a Molotov cocktails), and
• any combination of parts designed or intended to be used to convert any device into a destructive device.

Grenades that fit these definitions can include military-style grenades, defused grenades that contain an explosive charge, and components that can be built into a grenade.

(18 U.S.C. §§ 921(a)(4); 922; 26 U.S.C. §§ 5801, 5861 (2025).)

Are Flashbang and Smoke Grenades Destructive Devices?

Certain consumer-style grenades for use in airsoft or paintball games don't typically fall under the federal definition of a "destructive device." Consumer-style flashbang grenades and smoke grenades may also be exempted from this definition. But it's important to check the laws and guidelines and stay current on legal updates. For instance, in 2023, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (the ATF) rolled back that exemption for certain flashbang and smoke grenades that can start fires and pose a risk to public safety.

It's also important to check your state's laws, as their prohibitions could be broader. Michigan and New Hampshire, for instance, prohibit possession and use of smoke bombs (when not for official training or use). Michigan also prohibits possession of tear-gas grenades and any chemical irritant devices for unlawful purposes.

(Mich. Comp. Laws § 750.200j; N.H. Rev. Stat. § 644:16-b (2025).)

Can You Possess Collector Devices or Deactivated Hand Grenades?

The federal law excludes certain items from the definition of ‘‘destructive device," including:

• a device which is neither designed nor redesigned for use as a weapon
• a 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 law, or
• any other device which the Secretary finds is not likely to be used as a weapon, or is an antique.

State laws may be similar. For instance, California excludes from its definition of hand grenades any replica and practice grenades that are filled with permanent inert substances or otherwise permanently altered to prevent ready modification as a grenade. (Cal. Penal Code §§ 19200, 19205 (2025).)

But these definitions are not the end of the story. Possession of such devices might not be a violation of NFA registration requirements or certain state laws, but it can still be illegal to possess a collector or deactivated device in public places or with the intent of threatening someone. (More info below.)

What Are the Federal Penalties for Illegal Possession of a Hand Grenade?

It's illegal under federal law to possess any hand grenade that falls under the definition of "destructive device" unless properly registered under the NFA. Remember, this includes components that can be used to make a destructive device.

Penalties for unlawful possession include up to 10 years of federal prison time and a $10,000 fine. Prohibited persons (such as felons or persons under domestic violence protection orders) can face up to 15 years of prison time and even stiffer fines. Other federal laws and even harsher penalties can also come into play if the person transports, sells, or brings a hand grenade into an airport, for instance.

(18 U.S.C. §§ 921(a)(4); 922, 924; 26 U.S.C. §§ 5801, 5861, 5871 (2025).)

Do States Make Possession of a Hand Grenade a Crime?

State laws also prohibit possession of hand grenades. Many have penalties that increase when a person possesses a grenade intending to harm persons or property. New York, for instance, makes it a class D felony to possess a grenade and a class B felony to possess with intent to use against a person or property. Florida makes it a felony of the second degree to possess an explosive device with intent to harm persons or property. Similar to federal law, possession by a prohibited person or in prohibited places can also incur harsh penalties.

(Fla. Stat. § 552.22; N.Y. Penal Law §§ 265.02, 265.04 (2025).)

Unlawful Possession on Hoax Bombs and Imitation Grenades in Public

While certain types of grenades might not require NFA registration (like designated curios, relics, or deactivated devices), state and federal law may still prohibit their possession in places where they could trigger alarm and panic. Possession with the intent to perpetrate a hoax can also be an offense (even if the hoax never occurs).

For example, California law makes it illegal to knowingly possess replica, imitation, or a practice hand grenade in a public transit facility. Texas prohibits possession of a hoax bomb to make another person believe it's real or to get a public emergency response. In Ohio, possessing a hoax weapon can land you fourth-degree felony charge, and inducing panic carries second- and third-degree felony charges.

(Cal. Penal Code § 171.7; Ohio Rev. Code §§ 2917.31, 2917.33; Tex. Penal Code § 46.08 (2025).)

Get Legal Advice

Owning a live, military-style hand grenade is illegal for almost all civilians under both federal and state law, with severe penalties for violations. Safe alternatives exist for collectors, but due diligence is critical. Always seek legal advice or ATF guidance before attempting to possess or transport anything resembling a grenade. Possession of components that could be made into a device also carries potential consequences.