YES, YOU CAN LEGALLY OWN A MACHINE GUN
Machine gun ownership in the U.S. is federally legal, but only for fully transferable models manufactured and registered before May 19, 1986.
How Many Transferable Machine Guns Are There?
BATFE reported approximately
234,718 machine guns in the NFRTR that are transferable to private individuals or between private individuals as of June 2025.
This number is not the same as the number currently owned by private individuals, because the NFRTR includes firearms that may be held by government or licensed entities, located outside the United States, or otherwise no longer in civilian possession.
States Where Private Machine Gun Ownership Is Legal
State laws vary and can change. The information below is provided as a general reference and should be verified against the current laws of the state where the firearm will be possessed and transferred.
Residents in the following states may legally own fully transferable machine guns (always verify local laws):
AL, AR, AK, AZ, CT, FL, GA, HI, ID, IN, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MI, MO, MS, MT, ND, NE, NJ, NV, NH, NM, NC, OH, OK, OR, PA, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, VT, WV, WY.
Prohibited states include: CA, CO, DE, IL, IA, MN, NY, RI, WA, WI, DC.
Three Legal Categories of Machine Guns
- Transferable: Registered before May 19, 1986—legal for private ownership.
- Pre‑May Dealer Samples: Registered between 1968 and May 1986—dealer-only ownership (can be retained after license termination).
- Post‑May Dealer Samples: Registered after May 1986—dealer/manufacturer/military-only.
Requirements to Buy a Machine Gun
- 21+ to purchase from a dealer
- 18+ for Form 4 transfers if allowed by your state
- U.S. residency in a permitted state
- No felony convictions or disqualifying history
- Pay the applicable $200 NFA transfer tax.
- Clear a BATFE background check.
Your Rights:
Owning a machine gun does not waive your privacy or rights. Contrary to myths, you won’t trigger BATFE visits solely for ownership. Privacy is protected under federal tax and privacy laws.
Transfer & Wait Times
NFA approval times vary due to high demand (BATFE processed ~2.4 million forms in 2020).
NFA processing times vary. Current ATF processing times should be checked before submitting a transfer application.
How to Own One — Step by Step
In Michigan:
- We help you find and buy a pre‑1986 MG.
- We transfer it to us, then we work together to submit the Form 4 and and pay the $200 tax.
- Once the NFA transfer is approved, you complete the dealer's required transfer process and take possession of the machine gun.
Out-of-State:
- You find the MG; we transfer it to a Class III dealer you nominate in your state.
- Once they receive the MG, they work with you to submit Form 4 and and pay the $200 tax.
- Pickup is handled by your dealer after approval.
Ownership Options: Individual, Trust, or Corporation
- Individual: Simple, affordable—but strict personal access rules.
- Trust: Best value and flexibility—allows multiple users and generational transfer without extra tax.
- Corporation: Similar to trust, but with higher costs—requires corporate structure upkeep.
(Consult a qualified attorney for legal advice.)
Don’t Delay!
The NFA market is limited. Delaying may mean missing out—or paying much more later. If you’ve always wanted a legal machine gun, start the process now.
Need Help?
Let us guide you in locating and transferring a fully transferable machine gun.
Remember, laws can change—consult local statutes before purchasing.
