once a machine gun always a machine gun

[mikebaker1129]

ltcboy ,not all BM59's were semi auto . There are quite a few that are select fire .
I cannot get a close up of the left front of the receiver to tell for sure, but I believe, that the rifle in question is most likely a semi auto only rifle, the rifle would need the round cut in this area for the selector mechanism as well as a few other features. These are often made from welded or unwelded M1 garand receivers.
You can have a M1 receiver converted to a semi BM59 by CMP armory for $450. Golden State and National Ordnance made some of the from welded M1demills back in the 60's and 70's.

Information

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[Larry McLarty]

I might know an 81 year old gunsmith, who bought a well known M14 action that was and is semi-automatic only. He built an M14 with all military parts and a USGI stock. He might have said, "I can maki it full auto if I want to" Then he might have proceeded to do so with no metal alteration to the receiver, any metal on the rifle, and no alteration to the trigger group.

If a person were to own such an item, What could it become? Could you apply for a Cl. 3 permit and possess it?

Could you sell the secret mfg. process?

[Ramboueille]

If a person were to own such an item, What could it become?

Ten years in Leavenworth.

[Larry McLarty]

Ten years in Leavenworth.

WHY?

There has been no metal alteration. The item never was a MG.

[TDH]

The Bm-59 was/is a select fire weapon. Beretta made a semi auto only version deginated as the BM-61 (IIRC)

[Calif-Steve]

Gun sold. This looks like trouble, even if only semi-automatic. One to be happy to have missed.

[Tom in N.J.]

I had one of those rifles, M1 Type 7, they called it. It was built on a US M1 rifle receiver, a welded one, that had been opened up for a magazine. I also have the modified M1 bayonet, large muzzle ring and serial number added (matching scabbard). You note there were no pictures of the receiver markings. Old Sacramento Armoury sold them years ago.

[Sunray]

"Once a machine gun, always a machine gun" is an ATF regulation they've made into a law. Call your elected representative and ask why a government agency is allowed to make laws.

[BrianQ]

A government agency didn't make that law. The 73rd Congress did in 1934 when they wrote "The term shall also include the frame or receiver of any such weapon..." in the definition of a machinegun.