As a firearms expert with extensive knowledge in the legal aspects of gun ownership in the United States, I can provide a detailed explanation regarding the legality of fully automatic guns.

The United States has a complex set of laws and regulations that govern the ownership and use of firearms, and fully automatic weapons are no exception. The primary federal legislation that addresses this issue is the National Firearms Act (NFA), which was enacted in 1934. The NFA is a comprehensive law that regulates the sale, possession, and transfer of certain types of firearms, including fully automatic weapons.

Under the NFA, fully automatic firearms, also known as machine guns, are subject to a strict regulatory framework. It is important to note that the NFA does not make it illegal to own fully automatic weapons outright; however, it imposes significant restrictions and requirements on those who wish to legally possess such firearms.

One of the key provisions of the NFA is that it is **illegal for any private civilian to own any fully automatic weapons manufactured after May 19, 1986**. This means that civilians can legally own fully automatic firearms that were manufactured before this date, but there are several conditions that must be met:


1. Registration: The firearm must be registered with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). This involves a thorough background check of the prospective owner.


2. Tax: Owners are required to pay a special tax when registering the firearm. As of 2024, this tax is $200.


3. Transfer: Transferring ownership of a fully automatic firearm is a complex process that involves both the buyer and seller going through a rigorous approval process with the ATF.


4. State Laws: Even if a fully automatic firearm is legally owned under federal law, state and local laws can further restrict or prohibit ownership. Some states have outright bans on machine guns, while others have specific requirements for ownership.


5. Trusts and Legal Entities: Some individuals form legal trusts to facilitate the ownership and transfer of NFA items, including machine guns. This can provide a legal mechanism to bypass some of the individual ownership restrictions.

It is also worth mentioning that there are certain exemptions to the NFA restrictions. For example, certain government entities, such as law enforcement and military organizations, are allowed to possess and use fully automatic weapons without the same restrictions faced by civilians.

Furthermore, the NFA also regulates other types of firearms and devices, such as short-barreled rifles, silencers, and destructive devices, each with its own set of regulations and requirements.

In conclusion, while the NFA does not make it entirely illegal to own fully automatic weapons in the United States, it does impose a strict set of regulations that make legal ownership a complex and often costly endeavor. It is crucial for anyone interested in owning such firearms to thoroughly understand and comply with both federal and state laws to ensure they are in full compliance with the law.

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The main federal law governing fully automatic weapons is called the National Firearms Act, or NFA. ... Under the NFA, it is illegal for any private civilian to own any fully automatic weapons manufactured after May 19, 1986.Oct 2, 2017read more >>