Are Launchers and Projectiles Legal In Washington, DC?

Launchers and Projectiles in DC is Legal.

Treat as prohibited - do not purchase or carry in the District of Columbia A CO2-powered launcher firing kinetic or OC projectiles appears to be prohibited in the District of Columbia. DC's self-defense spray authorization does not cover it: D.C. Code Section 7-2502.13(a) permits self-defense spray only where it is propelled from an aerosol container, is labelled with clearly written instructions as to its use, and is dated to indicate its anticipated useful life. Outside that carve-out, the destructive device definition at Section 7-2501.01(7)(B) reaches any device which will, or is designed to, expel a projectile by the action of an explosive or other propellant through a smooth bore barrel, and subparagraph (C) separately reaches any device containing tear gas or a chemically similar lacrimator. The only pneumatic exclusion saves a pneumatic, spring, or B-B gun which expels a single projectile not exceeding .18 inch in diameter, which does not cover .50 or .68 calibre launcher rounds. Registration is not available as a cure: Section 7-2502.01(a) bars any person from receiving, possessing, controlling, transferring, offering for sale, selling, giving, or delivering any destructive device. Unlike firearms, there is no registration certificate pathway. Separate carry ban: 24 DCMR Section 2301.3 provides that it is unlawful to carry or possess outside any building in the District an air rifle, air gun, air pistol, B-B gun, spring gun, or any similar type gun. Transport by a person 18 or older is permitted only when unloaded and securely wrapped. Even on the most favourable reading of the code provisions above, lawful defensive carry in public is not available. Note for comparison: stun guns and self-defense spray are treated differently in DC and are not subject to this prohibition. Do not generalise from one product category to another in this jurisdiction. Statute dates: Section 7-2501.01 last amended April 21, 2023 (D.C. Law 24-347, Sec. 2(a), 70 DCR 928). Section 7-2502.01 last amended April 21, 2023 (D.C. Law 24-347, Sec. 2(b)). Section 7-2502.13 last amended May 19, 2017 (D.C. Law 21-281, Sec. 2(b), 64 DCR 1648). 24 DCMR Section 2301 traces to Commissioners' Order No. 64-1397F (September 29, 1964) and Article 9 of the Police Regulations (May 1981), with no later amendment listed. Official source (Council of the District of Columbia): https://code.dccouncil.gov/us/dc/council/code/sections/7-2501.01 Prohibition: https://code.dccouncil.gov/us/dc/council/code/sections/7-2502.01 Self-defense spray: https://code.dccouncil.gov/us/dc/council/code/sections/7-2502.13 DC regulations: https://dcregs.dc.gov/Common/DCMR/SectionList.aspx?SectionNumber=24-2301 Verified against those sources: August 26, 2026. This is general information, not legal advice, and reflects a reading of the statutory text rather than a published enforcement position. Laws change. Confirm with District of Columbia authorities or your own counsel before making any decision.