Two ways to own an automatic in the US. We have to follow the National Firearms Act (NFA)

1st are what we call fully transferable MG's. These are guns that were added to the NFA registry prior to 1986. Since then no new weapons have been added to the registry. Because of this transferable MG's are in high demand and are very expensive. A transferable Bren gun would start at $20,000 and go up from there, nice examples of early Mk1 Brens on tripods can cross $100,000 at auction (Several were observed doing so this summer). There is a $200 transfer tax that must be paid when transferable guns change hands. This tax also applies to silencers, short barrel rifles, etc. The paper work to do this can take 4 to 6 months to clear. These MG's can also be classified as curio and relics which can eliminate the need for a dealer to dealer transfer.

The second way is what we call demo or dealer samples. A licensed manufacturer can build automatics if they have a demo letter from law enforcement or the military. They are called dealer samples and if the demo gun was built before May of 1986 the gun can be kept by the owner after their manufacturing license has expired but it can only be sold to other dealers and licensed manufacturers. Guns made after may of 1986 must be sold or destroyed if an individual's license expires. These are often called "pre-May" and "post May" dealer samples. These guns are much less expensive than transferable MG's but they cannot be owned by most people.

There is more to it that simple explanation I gave above, and State law trumps federal law with regard MG's. Some states do not allow them at all. Or any other NFA item.

---------- Post added at 08:58 AM ---------- Previous post was at 08:50 AM ----------

Here is a good example of the real cost of transferable machine guns in the US. This collection sold at auction earlier this year. The prices are sobering to say the least....


4/30/2013 - Firearms and Militaria: Richard L. Wray Collection - Live Salesroom Auction - Cowan's Auctions