Comment Re:Sounds like win-win to me! (Score 1) 666
You have to live in a state that allows a class C weapon. This includes fully automatic firearms. If you live in such states, you can buy any fully automatic firearm from a licensed dealer regardless of the age of the firearm.
If you buy a pre 1986 device you can purchase it in any state provided you pass the background checks and pay your money.
No. No. No. and No.
The only entity that is allowed to purchase a machine gun that was manufactured post 86 is a government entity. Period, no exceptions.
A Type 1 Federally Licensed Firearms Dealer who maintains his FFL in good standing along with paying the accompanying Class 3 Special Occupational Tax may purchase a machine gun manufactured post 86 on behalf of a government entity if and only if the licensed firearms dealer first receives a letter, on official government letterhead, stating that the government entity is capable of purchasing and wishes for the dealer to procure the machine gun so they may sample. (this letter is colloquially known as a 'love letter from the Sheriff')
If you are not a Type 1 FFL SOT 3 that is procuring machine guns for a gov't entity then you are relegated to the Type II Pre-86 NFA machine gun market. The gun the sheriff can get for $500 will run you $25,000 because of the requirement for it to have been registered pre-86.
Further, if you live in a state that does not outlaw machine guns outright and you do find a pre-86 you wish to purchase, you better be in good standing with the sheriff or chief law enforcement officer of your area as he will have to sign off on paperwork before you even send it in to the BATFE. This is also entirely at the CLEO's digression. If he does not want to sign it, tough shit. If he will, great! Now it's time to get your mug shot taken, your prints digitally taken and a check for $200 to be made out to the BATFE and sent in. Then you wait for 6-12 months for the results of your background check and if you are squeaky clean they'll send you a tax stamp saying you are clear to posses your machine gun. Then you can finally take possession of it. Oh and did I mention, you need to plunk down the $15,000 for the weapon up front before you even send in your paperwork?