Is Your NFA toy Legal?

[Graves]

I'm just curious, how many of you actually been approached to prove it while on the range with one?

I've already heard about a couple yahoos who've been caught with unregistered weapons, I just want to see how many of you been able to to say "HA! It's legit"

[Irving]

You aren't actually required to prove legality to anyone but an ATF agent. You can even tell the police that they'll have to bring an agent down if they want to see your stuff. It'd be stupid to do that though. It's just as easy as showing a copy of your stamp and using the opportunity to educate.

ETA: That's the way I understand it anyway, I haven't had an opportunity to put it to the test. Also, I believe Colorado law says possession of such items is illegal, and the defense is proof of your paper work.

[Circuits]

Yes and no.

You are not required to show your registration form (which is a tax document) to anyone except an ATF agent or other designee authorized by the head of the ATF.

However, most states specifically outlaw machineguns, unless possessed in accordance with federal law (meaning, registered properly under the NFA). Failure to show that tax document could result in Deputy Barney seizing your NFA toy, and arresting you for illegal possession of the same, unless and until you can prove otherwise. You're not "innocent until proven guilty" when something is illegal except for an affirmative defense, and you don't provide that affirmative defense.

In states which do not outlaw mg's, John Law still probably doesn't know the rules, and might arrest you, but you might have a chance of suing for wrongful arrest after you get out of the hoosegow.

It's a safe and smart practice to keep copies of your registrations with your toys, present them to law enforcement if they want to see them, and do your best to be polite and educate them about NFA laws.

[Graves]

I was just curious if there were any other hassles ahead even after you've done all the right things. I am aware of not having to prove anything to Joe Schmo, but I wanted to know if anybody has ever been harassed by anybody at the range (other than the vultures wanting to fondle your toy lol)

[CareyH]

I have never had anyone ask. but I always bring my paper work with me and would gladly produce it if asked. why would anyone want to get in a pissing match with any law enforcement.


now that I think about it I did have a guy ask me about my SBR one day. He asked how long the paperwork took and I looked him in the eyes straight faced and said "what paperwork?" LOL. he just looked at me for a min.... then I laughed and told him how long it took.

[HunterCO]

99% of the time nobody ever asks includeing cops. The only time I have ever shown cops my paper work was one time at a club shoot and they did not ask I offered.

All the other times nobody even asked I guess they figure that when your being as blatant as I am about it, it must be legal.

[ryanek9freak]

I was with my buddy one time at Rampart with his legal M2 Carbine (which BTW , lucky bastard got in an inheritance, didn't even have to pay the tax stamp) , we had a crowd of people around us wanting to know about it.

When we showed them it was legal, it's like they all just instantly lost interest, like it wasn't fun anymore cause it was legal.

Really fun and cheap gun to shoot. Ibet it's the best deal you can get in NFA firearms. Has a unique sound, like an AK47.

[Circuits]

.30 carbine's one of those funny "intermediate" calibers. Basically similar in energy to .357 magnum, but with a lighter bullet and higher muzzle velocity which actually makes it capable of defeating most soft body armor, like other "rifle class" cartridges.

The select-fire M2/M3 carbine is America's first true "assault rifle" in that regard, and we had one fielded in limited numbers in 1945, shortly after the germans had introduced the MP/StG-44, and way before the russians fielded the AK47. However, the commies went on to equip their entire front-line force with assault rifles, which the US didn't do until the widespread introduction of the M16 in the 'nam.

[ryanek9freak]

Oh yeah the paratrooper stock rocks. Choate tool makes a nice folding/colapseable stock for it as well.