Excitement at the Gun Show

[Jim Nasium]

All,
An interesting story developed this past weekend at a gunshow North of here. As I was strolling past the entrance, I happened to overhear a conversation between the gun safety checker (a uniformend LEO) and a man whom he and his family were about to come in. I heard something to the effect " this slot on the side is for the M2 switch". Of course, that turned my head.
I stopped immediately and stood behind the LEO. Sure enough, they were talking about a carbine... The sponsoring club's "expert" was there looking at the rifle in his hands, and explained to all who were listening that the slot was common on late carbines and the wood could be fited to either a M1 or an M2. M1 carbines, he further expostulated, simply did not have the switch. He then handed the rifle back to the owner.
The carbine's owner was a pretty affluent appearing man, shock of steel grey hair, with teen or early twentys male offspring in tow, complete with female accompanyment. He proudly explained that he had the M2 switch parts in a zip-lock bag at home.!!
When the LEO handed the man back the rifle, and he started to come in the show, I asked him if I could have a quick look. He immediately handed me the carbine. One look was all it took. On the receiver it was plainly marked "M2".
I handed the rifle back to him and begged him not to bring the rifle into the show. That it was plainly marked M2, and even without the switch assy., it was a machine gun, and unless he had the proper license, a federal offense to possess either the gun or the parts kit.
He promptly asked one of his sons for the car keys, and took it away. Later, he and his entourage passed by our table, and he thanked me for keeping him out of possible trouble. He further explained that he had inherited the rifle from his father, who had brought it back from WWII. That all he was wanting to do was find out about what it was worth, as he would be passing it down to his sons.
I told him I admired his wanting to pass the gun along, but assurred him that he was doing them no favors. It was indeed a "hot potato". There was no way that he could legally own, sell, or pass along an unlicensed machine gun. He or his heirs would do federal time if caught.
Well, he said, they had it at their ranch, and had killed many a hog with it. He thought he'd just take it back and continue to use it as before. I cautioned him that he needed to be very careful about who knew he had the gun.
Just shows to go ya', you never know what'll show up, nor who will be the bearer of the next --- collectable. In this case, collectable by the feds...

jim

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