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It is possible for a civilian to legally own a full auto firearm in the US, but it's a bit more complicated than a "yes/no" answer would imply.

The National Firearms Act was passed in 1934, which set up a system of licencing and tax stamps for certain classes of firearms and destructive devices.

In 1968, under the Gun Control Act of 1968, the further importation of fully automatic firearms for civilian sales was prohibited. Thus, an imported full auto firearm must have been imported and NFA registered prior to the Gun Control Act of 1968 in order to be transferable to civilian buyers.

As a stipulation for passage of the Firearms Owners Protection Act of 1986, domestic manufacture of full auto weapons for civilian sales was ceased (this included imported rifles with enough US parts to be 922r compliant). Thus, a domestically manufactured/converted full auto must have been manufactured and/or converted prior to the passage of the Firearm Owners Protection Act in order to be transferable to civilian buyers.

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Q: Is it illegal for a civilian to have a fully automatic weapon in the US?
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What is the process for a Civilian to purchase a fully automatic weapon?

The BATFE web site has all the pertinent information.


What is the difference between a full automatic weapon and a semi-automatic weapon and which one is legal in the US?

A fully automatic weapon means you can hold down the trigger and it will continuously fire. Semiautomatic means you fire one round for each pull of the trigger. A selective fire weapon is capable of fully automatic fire, and lets you select between the two. To own a fully automatic weapon in the US, you need a Class III National Firearms Act tax stamp for the firearm. The importation of fully automatic weapons for civilian sales was barred in 1968, and the domestic manufacture of fully automatic weapons for civilian sales was barred in 1986 - however, weapons of either type manufactured before the effective date of their import/manufacture can still legal be transferred between licenced civilian owners.


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G3 is a military fully automatic weapon, the HK 91 is the semi-automatic civilian version.


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Anyone can buy the M16 small parts - but it is illegal to use them to create a fully automatic weapon without the correct NFA paperwork. Adding these parts to a semi-automatic AR15 will not make it fully automatic, and some parts will not fit the semi-automatic lower receiver at all.


Why are AK47 illegal?

AK-47 models are not fully illegal, it's that the fully automatic variants are restricted to military usage and thus a typical civilian cannot get easy ownership of such rifle. However, semi-automatic versions are legal for civilians to own. If you live in a place where semi-automatic rifles aren't restricted, then you're in luck to getting the semi-auto AK-47.


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Explosive munitions,and rockets unless you have a class III license. Fully automatic weapons are completely legal, but you have to pay a pretty penny for the weapon, plus $200 to the ATF.


How do you make gun fully automatic?

You will need to consult the BATFE web site. <><><><> With the exception of a few businesses that have a special license to do so, what you are asking is how to accomplish a VERY illegal action. An unlicensed fully automatic weapon carries a penalty of 10 yrs in a Federal Prison with no parole, and a fine of up to $250,000. Wikianswers does not give advice on how to commit illegal acts.


Can you help fix a model 720 shotgun that is firing as an automatic When the trigger is pulled the gun will fire all three shells?

GET TO A GUNSMITH IMMEDIATELY!! It is against the law to own a fully automatic weapon that is not properly registered with the federal government. Even though a part(s) failure is causing it, you are in possession of an illegal weapon.


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Is it illegal to own a fully automatic gun in Georgia?

No, it is NOT illegal to own a fully automatic weapon (and/or silencer) in Georgia. There are, however, additional hoops to jump through such as completing extra Class III paperwork and paying a federal tax stamp. Instead of taking dubious advice from Internet commandos, stop in and talk to a reputable Class III dealer (such as Autrey's Armory of Fayetteville, GA) for yourself.


Is it legal to own a fully automatic weapon?

In America, yes. You must have the proper paperwork and taxes paid.