Ready on the Right--Ready on the Left--Ready on the firing line
Excellent, can't wait! I do this from time to time on my own blog, am actually in the midst of writing a small SKS feature.
This should be fun!
But remember, you live in New Hampshire and New Hampshire law does not even mention Machine Guns. Just satisify Federal Law and you're good to go.
Seth from Massachusetts
Hi Seth,
You are right on New Hampshire law. Federal law states the local law enforcement official still must sign off on a machine gun tax application. We wouldn't mind acquiring a fully automatic weapon if for no other reason than the investment potential. However, the bank account vetoes the purchase. Around $3,000.00 for a Mac 10, yikes.
Isn't there something about doing legal conversions on semi-automatic rifles? I thought (and please do not rely on MY memory!) that one could get some sort of exemption or absolution from the ATF and convert AR-15s, M1s, etc.?
If this is the case, a WWII issue M1 carbine could be converted to an M2 machine gun with little trouble. And it would cost well under $1,000...
Jay G
Hi Jay G,
I am not a lawyer so take the following with that in mind. You can buy a conversion kit for an M1 Carbine and make it full auto. Similarly you can buy parts kits for certain AR-15s that will make them full auto.
However, you are required to register those parts with the same paperwork, tax stamp, cost, and approvals as you would a purpose-built macine gun. In effect the auto sear or "lighting link" is a machine gun and your gun is simply its container.
This is fine for the shooter (although I would be a bit non-plussed to pay a $200.00 tax on a $10.00 part). For the collector though, converting an M1 Carbine is not the same as owning an M2 Carbine. The serial numbers and other markings on each are different as are certain other features.
If one wants to go through the process to be able to shoot full-auto, then legal parts kits are the way to go. Jay G. is right that you can do this on the cheap.
Addendum to the Above Comment:
One thing I did not mention, auto sears and other parts are registered and I believe have to be made before 1986. This drives the price up and if you find a registered, completely legal part you will be looking at a fairly large expense. I don't know how large since I have never bought one or really searched for them.
I do know you have to be careful with parts since having an unregistered auto sear in your posession can cost you $250,000 and 10 years in prison. Remember we are talking out a small piece of machined metal.
hi i seen a chicago palm pistol 1893 i noticed the back cover and metal piece that holds it on was not the original , how much does this bring the price down on the weapon thx mike m
My Latest Gun collecting frenzy have been guns that I wawnt to get, that I am worried might get banned in the next couple years!
I am interested in purchasing a trapdoor but I am a novice. Where do I look to purchase and what do I look for to make certain the gun is correct. What can I expect to pay for one is good condition, complete with matching numbers?
Commenting by HaloScan
