Ever since I was a kid playing with models of Huey and Cobra gunships I've always thought it'd be extremely cool to own a deactivated (i.e. all firing systems, wiring, etc. removed) 7 or 19 round pod.

Is this even in the realm of possibility? What's the legality involved? I mean realistically it's just a steel cylinder with holes in it I swear I've seen surplus ones for sale years ago but can't recall the details. And I know I've seen inert training 2.75"/70mm rockets for sale. I believe someone on ARF has one, same guy that's got an inert AIM-9 maybe?

Sorry if this is a stupid question. Thanks for any information guys.

I'm not a lawyer, but I believe that the rockets themselves would be the DD, not the aerodynamic fairing and ignition system.

The pod itself is just a carrying device so no. Here is one being offered by ordnance.com

2.75" pod.

Thanks!

Why quibble over $200 when you're activating a 19 shot rocket pod?

I'm going to take the contrary view and ask why a rocket pod WOULDN'T be considered a DD.  It's a serial numbered, reloadable, rocket launcher that launches rockets that are clearly destructive devices themselves.  It really wouldn't be any different than a bazooka except it has more barrels.

Of course, a few discreet holes and cross pins would qualify one for removal from the NFA restrictions but I'd contend an all original example would be subject to registration.

If you do some searching on 'Security Aviation Alaska Rocket Pod' you will find a case where the feds brought charges on rocket pods.  The short story is that they got off after spending crazy money on the defense.

The did an 'American Greed' episode on the larger events around this incident that you'll come across reference to.  The rocket pods were just the first charges in a much larger case.

Rocket Pod Charges