What Fully Automatic Guns Can Civilians Buy in the United States?
The question of what fully automatic guns civilians can buy is complex and heavily regulated in the United States. The short answer is: very few. The process is stringent, expensive, and requires navigating a maze of federal and sometimes state laws.
The National Firearms Act (NFA) of 1934
The foundation of civilian ownership of fully automatic firearms rests on the National Firearms Act (NFA). This act established a system of registration, taxation, and licensing for certain types of firearms, including machine guns (fully automatic weapons). Crucially, the NFA imposed a tax stamp on the transfer of these weapons, effectively making them extremely expensive to acquire legally.
The Significance of Pre-1986 Machine Guns
The most significant factor limiting civilian access to fully automatic weapons is the Hughes Amendment of 1986, an amendment to the Firearm Owners Protection Act. This amendment effectively banned the registration of new machine guns for civilian ownership. This means that the only fully automatic weapons civilians can legally purchase are those that were already registered with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) before May 19, 1986. This makes them extremely rare and exceptionally valuable collector's items, often costing tens of thousands of dollars.
The Process of Purchasing a Pre-1986 Machine Gun
Even if you find a pre-1986 machine gun for sale, the process of acquiring it is far from simple. It involves:
- Finding a licensed dealer: Only licensed dealers who are registered with the ATF can legally transfer NFA items.
- ATF Form 4 application: This extensive application requires detailed personal information, background checks, and fingerprints.
- Significant waiting period: Expect a substantial wait for ATF approval, potentially lasting several months.
- High transfer tax: The current transfer tax for machine guns is $200.
- State regulations: In addition to federal regulations, individual states may have additional requirements or restrictions on the ownership of machine guns. Some states outright prohibit them.
Alternatives: Semi-Automatic Weapons
It's essential to distinguish between fully automatic and semi-automatic weapons. Semi-automatic firearms fire one round per trigger pull, whereas fully automatic firearms continue firing as long as the trigger is depressed. While semi-automatic firearms are much more readily available to civilians, they are subject to their own sets of state and federal regulations, including background checks and waiting periods.
Disclaimer:
This information is for educational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. The laws surrounding the ownership of fully automatic weapons are complex and frequently change. Always consult with a qualified legal professional and the ATF before attempting to purchase or own any NFA-regulated firearm. Improper handling of firearms can be extremely dangerous and even lethal. Safe firearm handling practices are paramount.
