I read that only full auto guns produced and registered before May 19, 1986 are legal, barring police/military?
December 17th, 2009 by eranio
The article said "machine guns" but im not totally sure what that means. I would guess that means automatic, but in some places, guessing gets you killed…. I’m not looking to get mine just yet, as i need to do more research before i commit on doing anything. I am a gun enthusiast (as im sure im not alone :^) and would just like to get filled in on this subject matter. Thanks for any replies!
Posted in military guns
December 17th, 2009 at 3:45 pm
See 26 USC 5841
December 17th, 2009 at 3:45 pm
this only applies to full-auto guns that were produced before 5-19-1986. you should be able to still purchase the gun though
December 17th, 2009 at 3:45 pm
If I understand you correctly, you’re wondering if it’s legal to possess a fully automatic weapon if the weapon was produced prior to 1986?
If that’s the case, the only legal way to possess a fully automatic weapon is if you have an FFL, or federal firearms license, and you have the Level Three component. If I remember correctly, it’s not that big of a deal to get, you just have to request the proper forms from the local branch of the BATF, and subject yourself to a background investigation. Once you’ve done that and pass, you have to register the machine gun with the ATF.
I think that’s it, but the laws may have changed in the last few years.
December 17th, 2009 at 3:45 pm
Start saving now.
Paperwork and permits aside, fully transferable, legal class 3 weapons are VERY expensive.
I have never seen one for sale in person for less than $10,000. I’m a gun enthusiast too, but I just don’t have that kind of cash to blow on a gun.
December 17th, 2009 at 3:45 pm
Your info is correct, what you are talking about is called a pre 86 machine gun. Very expensive and a moderate amount of paper work required. Also they are illegal in some states. You don’t need a class three license, that is only for gun dealers who want to also deal in machine guns.