Global Security, Privacy, & Risk Management

(Guest Post)- Own a Flamethrower Legally! May 20, 2016

Last week I was contacted by Flamethrower Rob who introduced himself and his company FlamethrowerPlans.com.  Rob’s company provides instruction on how to build legal flamethrowers.  Additionally, he supports St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.  As many people are likely wondering (as I was) whether flamethrowers are legal, Rob has offered to write a post.  

Flamethrowers have been a popular topic lately and in the recent years it’s become very easy to get your hands on your very own flamethrower. If you have the money for it you can buy a flamethrower through a couple of online suppliers or you can build your own for a fraction of the cost of buying one.

But before your arm yourself with a flamethrower like a WW1 soldier, you may be asking, “Are flamethrowers even legal?” It’s something that you might assume would be completely illegal all over the United States, however you may be surprised to learn that’s not the case.

At the time of this writing, flamethrowers are Federally legal in the US. That’s right there are no federal laws preventing the ownership of a flamethrower. Ironically enough, a flamethrower is not considered a “firearm” under the National Firearms Act and there are no Federal regulations restricting the ownership or use of a flamethrower.

There are however 2 States that have placed regulations on flamethrowers. If you live in California or Maryland then you’re one of those unlucky few who will have to curb your flamethrower appetite.

California has restricted the use and ownership of a flamethrower and in the Health and Safety Codes 12750-12751 defines a flamethrower as a device designed to propel a flammable liquid more than 10 feet. California’s State Fire Marshall however may issue a flamethrower permit to certain people as outlined in Health and Safety code 12755-12759 which would allow an exception to the restriction. Health and Safety 12760-12761 outlines the potential penalties of violating California’s law, stating that a violator may be subject to up to 1 year in county jail or state prison and/or be fined up to $10,000. Do as you wish in California but don’t say I didn’t warn you!

Maryland is a little less fortunate for us flamethrower enthusiasts. This State’s fire code completely prohibits the use and possession of a flamethrower; no ifs, ands or buts. A flamethrower isn’t as specifically defined in Maryland’s fire code as it is in California’s, but my suggestion is to not push the envelope with this one and just play by the rules.

If you live outside of these States you can launch flames until your heart is content! You can buy a flamethrower online if you’re willing to spend $1200-$1800 for one, or you can learn how to build one yourself using many of the tools you already have in your garage and spend only $450.

I started Flamethrowerplans.com and published the very first how-to guide for building your own military quality flamethrower back in 2009 and I have been building flamethrowers since 2007. My very detailed ebook and video series will teach you everything you need to know to make your own flamethrower from buying your parts and tools, an over-the-shoulder step-by-step tutorial with both photos and videos, and safe demonstration and operation. My ebook has clickable links so you buy all the same parts and tools I use, mostly purchased through Amazon. It’s very easy if you have a little bit of mechanical know-how and you really can complete your flamethrower without even leaving the comfort of your home.

By following my ebook, you’ll build the same high quality flamethrower that you would expect from the others for sale out there with a range of 45+ feet and a total burn time of about 60 seconds.

So what’s the cost? You can buy all your flamethrower parts for only about $450 plus the cost of some of the tools that are needed if you don’t already have them. Head over to Flamethrowerplans.com to learn more and download my free parts and tools guide so you know what tools and parts you need and how much you’ll spend before investing in my ebook or video series. I’m even available by email if you have any questions along the way.

Check out my website at Flamethrowerplans.com to learn more about my company and flamethrower tutorial.

Flamethrower Rob

Rob@Flamethrowerplans.com