Understanding the Core Concept: What Does “Full Auto” Mean?
The roar of a machine gun, the rapid-fire ballet of bullets – a visceral experience that captivates and, for many, holds a unique appeal. The ability to unleash a stream of lead with a single pull of the trigger represents a power and intensity unlike anything else. But in the realm of firearms, few areas are as heavily regulated as those involving full-auto weapons. Navigating this landscape requires a thorough understanding of the law, the history, and the limitations. This guide aims to demystify what **full auto guns can civilians buy**, exploring the complex world of machine gun ownership in the United States.
Before delving into legality, it’s essential to clearly define what we mean by “full auto.” A full-auto firearm, often referred to as a machine gun under federal law, is designed to fire continuously as long as the trigger is held back. With each pull of the trigger, the gun automatically loads and fires a new round until the trigger is released or the ammunition is depleted. This contrasts sharply with semi-automatic firearms, which fire one round per trigger pull. The difference is fundamental and the basis for the stringent regulations. This continuous firing capability is the core characteristic that separates full-auto firearms from their semi-automatic counterparts and makes them subject to different legal standards.
The Foundation of Regulation: The National Firearms Act and Its Impact
The primary law governing the ownership of machine guns in the United States is the National Firearms Act (NFA) of 1934. Born out of the era of Prohibition and rising concerns about organized crime, the NFA was initially intended to curb the flow of certain weapons, including machine guns, sawed-off shotguns, and silencers, into the hands of criminals. It did this by placing a significant tax and registration requirement on the possession and transfer of these types of firearms. This legislation was a significant step in controlling weapons considered dangerous and of particular interest to criminal elements at the time.
The NFA, as originally enacted, didn’t entirely ban machine guns; instead, it placed stringent requirements on their ownership. Individuals had to register their machine guns with the government, pay a tax, and undergo a background check. These measures, although not a complete ban, were successful in making it significantly more difficult for the average citizen to acquire a machine gun. This initial phase set the stage for further developments that would profoundly impact the civilian ownership of these firearms.
A crucial amendment, the Hughes Amendment of 1986, marked a turning point. This amendment, part of the Firearm Owners Protection Act, effectively prohibited the future registration of machine guns for civilian ownership. The amendment declared that any machine gun manufactured after May 19, 1986, could not be legally transferred to a civilian. This significantly restricted the number of machine guns available for civilian purchase. Essentially, it froze the market, creating a limited supply of legally transferable machine guns and significantly driving up their prices. This change in the law shaped the current landscape of machine gun ownership, making it vastly more restrictive than it had been before.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) is the federal agency responsible for enforcing the NFA. The ATF plays a critical role in every aspect of the process, from processing applications for machine gun transfers to conducting background checks and inspecting registered firearms. They are the gatekeepers of machine gun ownership, and every prospective owner must navigate their procedures and abide by their regulations. Understanding the ATF’s role is paramount to grasping the complexities of this area of law.
Navigating the Legal Requirements for Civilian Ownership
The Hughes Amendment created a complex system. While it effectively shut the door on new civilian registrations, it didn’t eliminate the possibility of owning previously manufactured machine guns. Owning a machine gun today is possible, but it requires meeting very specific and demanding criteria.
To legally own a machine gun, an individual must first meet these requirements: The machine gun must have been manufactured and registered with the ATF before May 19, 1986. This is the most critical factor, as it determines whether a particular firearm can be legally transferred to a civilian. Secondly, prospective owners must pass a comprehensive background check conducted by the ATF. This background check is more thorough than a standard check for a semi-automatic firearm, examining various areas, including criminal history, mental health, and any history of domestic violence. State and local laws must also be met. Some states and localities have laws that further restrict or even prohibit the ownership of machine guns, regardless of federal law. Understanding these local restrictions is an essential part of the process. Finally, a $200 transfer tax must be paid to the ATF. This tax is assessed for each machine gun transfer and is a significant financial consideration.
The process of acquiring a legal machine gun is a detailed one. It begins with finding a machine gun for sale, which is typically done through a licensed firearms dealer specializing in NFA items. These dealers, known as Class 3 dealers, are specifically licensed by the ATF to handle these types of firearms. Once a suitable machine gun is located, the buyer must complete an ATF Form 4, a detailed application for the transfer of an NFA firearm. This form requires extensive information, including the buyer’s personal details, a description of the firearm, and the dealer’s information.
After the form is submitted, the ATF conducts a comprehensive background check. This process can take a significant amount of time, often several months or even a year or more, due to the thoroughness of the investigation. Once the application is approved by the ATF, the transfer tax of $200 must be paid. After the tax is paid, the machine gun can be transferred to the buyer.
This detailed process highlights the complexity and restrictions involved in the acquisition of a legal machine gun. The requirements, the background checks, the transfer tax, and the lengthy waiting period all contribute to the challenges faced by those seeking to own these firearms.
Examples of Firearms Civilians May Be Able to Own
Given the limitations imposed by the Hughes Amendment, the number of machine guns available for civilian ownership is finite. This limited supply drives up their prices considerably, making them a luxury item.
Some popular examples of machine guns that may be available for civilian purchase (if pre-1986) include variations of the iconic M16/AR-15 platform. These firearms, once staples of military and law enforcement, can be legally transferred to civilians under the specific conditions mentioned previously. The Thompson submachine gun, often associated with the Prohibition era and gangsters, is another classic example. These firearms, with their distinctive design and firing capabilities, are sought after by collectors. The Uzi submachine gun, a popular Israeli design, is another example of a full auto weapon that could be legally transferred to a civilian, assuming it was registered before the cutoff date.
Various belt-fed machine guns, depending on their date of manufacture, may also be available for civilian purchase, though these are exceptionally rare and expensive. These heavy-duty weapons, often used for sustained fire, represent the upper echelon of machine gun collecting. Other machine guns, manufactured before the cutoff date, are eligible, though their specific types and models vary widely. Each firearm must meet the essential requirement – it must have been manufactured and registered before the crucial 1986 date to be eligible for civilian transfer.
Exploring Alternatives and Considerations
While full-auto firearms are subject to stringent restrictions, other options offer similar experiences. Semi-automatic firearms, while not firing continuously, provide a rapid rate of fire with each trigger pull. The AR-15 and AK-47 platforms, among others, are common examples. The ability to quickly reload and fire, while not the same as full auto, provides a high degree of firepower.
Historically, “bump stocks” were marketed as accessories that allowed semi-automatic rifles to fire at a rate similar to automatic weapons. These devices, which used the recoil of the firearm to cycle the action, were popular for a time. They were later, in many cases, regulated and restricted under federal law, effectively preventing civilian ownership. The legal status of bump stocks has evolved, highlighting the dynamic nature of firearms regulations.
Binary triggers are designed to fire one round each time the trigger is pulled and again when the trigger is released. While they increase the rate of fire compared to standard semi-automatic triggers, their legality under federal and state law varies. Some states may have specific regulations regarding binary triggers, so careful examination of local laws is essential.
The cost of a machine gun is a substantial factor. Due to the limited supply, prices are exceptionally high, often reaching tens of thousands of dollars or more. This high cost makes machine guns a purchase for a dedicated collector or enthusiast. In addition to the cost of acquisition, machine gun ownership carries a significant responsibility. Safe storage, secure handling, and adherence to all applicable laws are critical to prevent misuse or accidents. Responsible gun ownership is paramount, and individuals must be prepared to take all necessary steps to ensure the safety of themselves and others.
Potential Changes and The Future
The landscape of firearms regulation is constantly evolving, and future legislative changes could affect the status of machine guns. Increased restrictions or modifications to existing laws are possible, and so is the possibility of eased restrictions on certain types of weapons. However, such changes are subject to political processes, public sentiment, and judicial interpretations, making any predictions difficult. Stay up to date with current regulations and follow legal developments.
In Conclusion
The question of “**what full auto guns can civilians buy**” comes with a complex answer. While owning a machine gun is technically possible for civilians in the United States, it’s a heavily regulated process subject to strict requirements. These requirements include the manufacturing date, a thorough background check, compliance with state and local laws, and the payment of a transfer tax. The limited supply of pre-1986 machine guns has created a high-priced market, making ownership a costly undertaking.
This guide has provided an overview of the legal landscape, but it’s crucial to emphasize that this is not legal advice. Anyone interested in acquiring a machine gun should consult with legal professionals and firearms experts to ensure compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. Do your own research. Prioritize safe gun handling practices. Always stay informed and respect the legal framework surrounding firearms.
