毁灭性武器是指在美国1934年制定的国家枪支管制法下的任何受限制的枪械或者爆炸设备。例如手榴弹或者口径超过0.5英寸的枪支，一些半自动霰弹枪也被纳入其中。现在美国联邦法例已经可以允许这些较大杀伤力武器销售，但是在某些州份的法律条例依然禁止这类型武器流入民间市场。在这些被禁止销售的州份只有执法人员或者是军方才能拥有及使用。

In the United States, a destructive device is a type of firearm or explosive device regulated by the National Firearms Act of 1934, revised by the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 and Gun Control Act of 1968.

Examples of destructive devices include grenades, and firearms with a bore over one half of an inch (.50 inches or 12.7mm), including some rifles and shotguns, both semi automatic and manually operated. While current federal laws allow destructive devices, some states have banned them from transfer to civilians. In states where banned, only law enforcement officers and military personnel are allowed to possess them.