No, owning a flamethrower in Wisconsin is prohibited under state law, which classifies them as destructive devices under Wis. Stat. § 941.26. Local ordinances in Milwaukee and Madison mirror this restriction, with no recent 2026 legislative shifts altering enforcement. Violations may result in felony charges and substantial penalties.
Key Regulations for Owning a Flamethrower in Wisconsin
- State Prohibition: Wis. Stat. § 941.26 explicitly bans possession of flamethrowers, categorizing them as “destructive devices” without exemptions for recreational use.
- Local Enforcement: Municipalities like Milwaukee and Madison enforce additional ordinances mirroring state law, with no permits issued for flamethrower ownership.
- Penalties: Violations constitute Class H felonies, punishable by up to $10,000 in fines and/or 6 years imprisonment, per Wis. Stat. § 939.50.
Federal regulations under the ATF’s National Firearms Act do not preempt state-level bans, leaving Wisconsin’s restrictions intact. No recent legislative proposals in 2026 suggest modifications to this prohibition.