Is it illegal to own an automatic weapon in the US?

Question

My brother-in-law told me that automatic weapons are illegal to own.However I've seen numerous videos on yahoo or google where you have gun clubs shooting automatic pistols,rifles,submachine guns,etc. Are automatic weapons legal in some states?

Answer 1

Unless you have a permit, then yes, they are illegal.

Answer 2

Wow almost every answer here is WRONG.

No federal permit or license is needed to buy, sell, or own a machinegun. An ATF form is used to buy or sell, and ATF form 1 is used to build one. These are tax forms, not permits.

Far from the paperwork being “out of this world”, the paperwork is not hard at all. Submit an ATF form 4 in duplicate, two photos, two fingerprint cards, citizenship certification form, and a $200 check. The only hard part for most people who can afford to spend $4000 to $200,000 on a machinegun is getting the local sheriff to sign the ATF form.

A person is not required to carry the ATF form 4 with them, but it is a good idea. Some rifle ranges will want to verify that the gun has the form to go with it. The owner is not legally required to show the form 4 to anyone except the ATF. Permission to take the machinegun across state lines is easily obtained by sending a form to the ATF prior to traveling.

An ATF form 4 used to buy a machinegun is routinely approved by the BATFE when submitted with the required $200 tax, fingerprint cards and sheriff’s signature. They are not allowed to disapprove a form if the person is legally allowed to own a gun, as long as machineguns are legal in their state.

There are no restrictions at the state or federal level on use of privately owned machineguns. Local ordnances will have rules, usually for noise pollution.

Machineguns registered in accordance with the NFA of 1934 are properly called title II weapons. The term class 3 is for manufacturers.

Ranb

Answer 3

It is possible to own a fully automatic weapon. But the paper work and rules are out of this world. For instance anytime you take it out shooting you must carry all the paper work and logs with you.
Then of course law enforcement really doesn't like to give the permits.
Check with a local gun shop owner he can fill you in and direct you where you will need to go.

Answer 4

They are legal - in certain States and with certain restrictions. You have to get very specific licenses to own them - called Class 3 - but yes, they can be owned legally. (Of course, you can't do anything illegal with them - or it's illegal again!)

If you look around, I think there is a website called subguns.com but I can't be sure - it has info - and some for sale too. (Only to properly licensed people!)

Answer 5

You have to be a collector or a dealer, with the appropriate license, to own an automatic weapon.

Answer 6

There are collectors who own fully auto weapons. One can still get semi autos here (I personally own an SKS and an AK-47). They are semis, but if one has a bit of knowledge and talent, they can be converted easily enough. Of course, that's ilegal as well.

Answer 7

Not illegal to own but use in an act considered illegal.
You can't use an automatic weapon legally.

Answer 8

I think if you get the right licenses and follow the right rules, you can own an automatic weapon.

Answer 9

You must have a Federal Firearms License from the ATF; else, you go to jail for a very long time.

Answer 10

you can own them but you must get a license from the A.T.F
this is hard to do very few are granted you must show a need
IE. you film movies or sail on the open sea

Answer 11

Yes...you just need a special licence. The BATF regulate such licences.