What Fully Automatic Guns Can Civilians Buy in the United States?
The question of what fully automatic guns civilians can buy in the United States is complex and heavily regulated. The short answer is: very few. The process is stringent, expensive, and requires navigating a labyrinthine system of federal and sometimes state laws.
While the term "fully automatic" often conjures images of rapid-fire machine guns from Hollywood films, the reality for civilian ownership is vastly different. The primary legislation governing this is the National Firearms Act (NFA) of 1934. This act imposed significant restrictions on the manufacture, transfer, and possession of certain firearms, including fully automatic weapons.
The NFA and the Process of Purchasing a Fully Automatic Weapon
The NFA classifies fully automatic weapons as "machine guns," and their purchase and ownership are subject to strict regulations:
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Registration: Any machine gun manufactured after May 19, 1986, is generally prohibited from civilian ownership. This means the vast majority of fully automatic weapons available for civilian purchase were manufactured before this date. These pre-1986 machine guns must be registered with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
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Tax Stamp: A $200 tax stamp is required for each registered machine gun. This is levied under the NFA and signifies the completion of a rigorous background check.
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Background Check: The background check process is far more extensive than for standard firearms. It includes a comprehensive review of the applicant's criminal history, mental health records, and any other factors that might disqualify them from owning a firearm.
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Waiting Period: There's a significant waiting period involved in processing the paperwork and completing the background check. This can take months, even years, depending on the ATF's backlog.
Types of Fully Automatic Weapons Available to Civilians (With Caveats)
Because of the 1986 cutoff and the stringent regulations, the selection of fully automatic weapons available for civilian purchase is extremely limited. These are typically:
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Pre-1986 Machine Guns: These are the only fully automatic weapons legally available to civilians. However, finding one requires navigating a specialized market, and their cost is significantly higher than semi-automatic equivalents. The prices vary wildly depending on the specific model, condition, and rarity.
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Specific Military Surplus: Occasionally, surplus military-grade machine guns become available for sale to civilians who meet all legal requirements. However, this is rare and subject to the same regulations as pre-1986 machine guns.
State Laws and Restrictions
It's crucial to remember that federal regulations are not the only hurdle. Many states have their own laws and restrictions on fully automatic weapons, often going beyond the federal requirements. Always check both federal and state laws before attempting to purchase a fully automatic firearm.
Conclusion
Owning a fully automatic weapon in the United States is a complex and highly regulated process. The number of legally available options is extremely limited, and the cost and time commitment are substantial. Anyone considering pursuing this should thoroughly research all applicable federal and state laws and consult with legal counsel specializing in firearms regulations. The information presented here is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice.
