Machine Gun (MG)

The National Firearms Act, 26 U.S.C. 5845(b), defines a machine gun to include any weapon which shoots, is designed to shoot, or can be readily restored to shoot, automatically more than one shot, without manual reloading, by a single function of the trigger. This is also known as “fully automatic” or “select fire”.

Machine guns are a little different from other NFA items in how they are transferred within the NFA. This is because there are a finite number of machine guns in existence that civilians are allowed to potentially posses. Therefore, civilians can not simply apply to manufacture a new MG from an existing firearm.

Only machine guns manufactured prior to May 19, 1986 (18 USC § 922(o) & 27 CFR § 478.36) and already legally registered with the NFA are considered available for civilians to own. These are known as “Fully Transferrable” machine guns and have become extreme valuable over the years. These days, you can easily spend $10,000 to upwards of $50,000 or more to purchase a fully transferrable MG.

To legally purchase / register or possess a Machine Gun (MG) you must:

• Be 21+ years of age to purchase a MG from a dealer.
• Be 18+ years of age to purchase a MG from an individual on a Form 4 to Form 4 transfer (contingent on state laws).
• Be 18+ years of age to possess a MG as a beneficiary of a trust or as a member of a corporation (contingent on state laws).
• Be a resident of the United States.
• Be legally eligible to purchase a firearm.
• Pass a BATFE background check.
• Pay a one-time $200 tax to register or transfer the item.
• Reside in a state that currently allows ownership of MG’s.

In addition to meeting the legal Machine Gun (MG) ownership criteria above (always following your specific state laws), you must submit the following information to the ATF and your local CLEO (Chief Law Enforcement Officer), varying slightly depending upon your method of purchase.

Note that you typically first purchase (pay for) the item from the seller, but not physically take ownership immediately. The seller must hold the item while you complete the NFA application process and wait to receive your application approval and tax stamp. After you receive official approval and your tax stamp, you can then legally pick up and take ownership of the item.