Posted on Oct 4, 2015
Why are Machine Guns legal? What does anyone need with one?
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http://www.thetruthaboutguns.com/2011/04/robert-farago/question-of-the-day-should-americans-be-able-to-own-machine-guns/
I am all for the 2nd amendment. I myself do not own a gun....I have a brother that owns so many I lost count and couldn't possibly tell you what they are.
I'm all for owing a rifle or a shot gun or many numerous types of hand guns....Guns to go hunting, guns to protect one self and their family/loved one.
BUT! Why is it necessary to own a Machine gun? Machine guns are great for the Military. The military has a real purpose/need for machine guns....BUT! why does an average American citizen need to own a machine gun? What is the purpose or reason to have one?
Do we really need machine guns? I for one would like to see Machine guns stopped from being sold in the US....
Nearly every drive by shooting I have read about involved a machine gun...AK this or that...semi automatic this or that.
Seriously...I know a lot of you out there know a hell of a lot about guns...I don't....I know just enough....But I do know that nothing good seems to come from those who have possession of Machines guns...except for the military or maybe except for gun collectors who buy them for the collection.....otherwise what do you use one for? To go hunting? Naw....really not a way to go hunting....to defend onself....nope...not really efficient and or safe way to defend yourself of your family...
So....why exactly is it legal to own a machine gun? ....and who feels machine guns should be available and who feels they should not be?
Just curious.
I am all for the 2nd amendment. I myself do not own a gun....I have a brother that owns so many I lost count and couldn't possibly tell you what they are.
I'm all for owing a rifle or a shot gun or many numerous types of hand guns....Guns to go hunting, guns to protect one self and their family/loved one.
BUT! Why is it necessary to own a Machine gun? Machine guns are great for the Military. The military has a real purpose/need for machine guns....BUT! why does an average American citizen need to own a machine gun? What is the purpose or reason to have one?
Do we really need machine guns? I for one would like to see Machine guns stopped from being sold in the US....
Nearly every drive by shooting I have read about involved a machine gun...AK this or that...semi automatic this or that.
Seriously...I know a lot of you out there know a hell of a lot about guns...I don't....I know just enough....But I do know that nothing good seems to come from those who have possession of Machines guns...except for the military or maybe except for gun collectors who buy them for the collection.....otherwise what do you use one for? To go hunting? Naw....really not a way to go hunting....to defend onself....nope...not really efficient and or safe way to defend yourself of your family...
So....why exactly is it legal to own a machine gun? ....and who feels machine guns should be available and who feels they should not be?
Just curious.
Gun Control
Collecting Guns
2nd Amendment
Posted 10 y ago
Responses: 137
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If I could afford a SAW I would love to have one. But I'm not sure asking a bunch of military people about this gets you a good answer. I loved being on the range. One of the best parts of my military experience was firing weapons and blowing stuff up. I was an engineer. I miss that now 20 years later. I believe as an echo to other comments it comes down to choice. People in general see the military gear, think it looks cool and want it. Camo, personal armor, LBE, you name it. It just falls into place that they want the weapons too. I'm sure they love to shoot them, but probably don't know how to properly clean them. As we all know, sucks at times. Just like the choice of car, truck, clothes, etc. Jmho!
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I think it is little mans syndrome. How many military or exmillitary own a machine gun? I think it is just the wannabes that have more money than brains, who could buy that much ammo anyways.
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Sgt Kelli Mays I can add no response to this discussion that hasn't been explained already,except i own a number of firearms,none are automatic,a few are semi-automatic,including a large game hunting rifle,a .22 i use for small game,a shotgun i use for bird hunting and a couple of the handguns used for home protection.I only know a couple of people who own legal automatic weapons, they are licensed dealers,and to my knowledge only fire them in exhibitions.
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Because there are many collectors and they want them for their collection. And because there are many recreational shooters who get a kick out of shooting them. Especially military folks.
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When somebody asks this question I know they do not even know what a machine gun or "assault weapon" is , nor the actual laws governing them. Machine guns are legal like cocaine is legal. Very few people are legally allowed to have either one.
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I guess the first thing that pops into my head is;How does someone go through Basic and AIT and not know the difference of a single shot,semi-automatic,automatic or selector switch to convert one to the other.Maybe being trained to go to Vietnam by returning Vietnam veterans better prepared us for combat.Hope the authorities don`t find out I have a 17 shot,semi-automatic .22 I bought in 1957.
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Like SPC Cunningham, I'm going to be nice but I've got to ask. As a nn NCO do you not know the difference between 1) A machine gun and 2) a semi-automatic rifle ?
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Sgt Kelli Mays
No, I do not. Unlike the Army We in the Air Force are not trained on or taught anything about guns unless it's our field. When I went through Basic, I was handed and M16...told to shoot it in four different positions. I wasn't taught to clean the gun, take it apart and put it back together or anything about this gun or any other gun...I skipped text school, and went to my first assignment...I never touched another gun again...so NO...I do not know a thing about guns or any kind.
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MSG John Harris
I knew that as soon as I saw Air Force. My son is an AF doctor - when he deployed to Afghanistan a couple of years ago he was horrified that none of the AF troops knew anything about firearms at all - one nurse refused to have her loaded because she didn't "believe in guns". You've been given some good answers here - I would suggest that you continue to to read and learn about the history of personal weapons in the US and educate yourself on the different types of firearms. There is a lot of not just misinformation but lying propaganda about guns. As soon as you read "common sense laws" or "changing the gun-show loopholes" you can know that you're dealing with a dishonest politician who wants to take away our civil rights and make us subjects, not citizens, of the state.
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Why are Cheetos, or Mercedes legal, who needs these? We have rights to own things. We have obligations to behave ourselves with whatever we own.
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A Automatic Weapon is not legal. I am guessing when you say machine gun then you mean a weapon capable of firing in Automatic. However if an enemy would say start walking into your building with an illegal machine gun, I would prefer having someone there with a legal weapon and the training to use it. But no worries Crap don't happen here in the states, I suggest you start watching the news and check your local laws. More gun control does not stop those intent on our demise.
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SGT James Hammons
Here is my challenge, I got out of the service 12 years ago. I am old and not in shape. I am diagnosed with other stressors PTSD. This past year I have gotten involved again. Because you get out does not mean service is done. Our country is now looking weak because we have a Community organizer for a president. He is blind to the dangers that me and you have faced. Concerned Veterans for America believe that we can do better. We are none political veteran driven, policy changing organization that wants to fight to improve veteran services. It is time for you as a Soldier, Veteran, or Spouse to Get out the Vote. We do not tell you who to vote for we just want to make sure that your voice is heard. From the Smallest town to the largest town we want you to get back into action and help us make sure what you were promised is never taken away. Become an informed voter and look at voting records. Do the people who say they are for American soldiers have a record that proofs it. Who is holding up the VA Accountability Act in the Senate. If your officials are more for themselves than for keeping their word no matter which side then send them packing.
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Sgt Kelli Mays
SGT James Hammons but there are many on here who say automatic weapons are legal, just harder to qualify for to purchase.
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SGT Loren Hammons
Each state has its own laws and I hear the laws have changed and some states require more money and special license.
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MAJ (Join to see)
Federal Law says you can purchase a fully automatic firearm. State Laws sometimes restrict this to Law Enforcement only (i.e. NY, CA, etc...).
If you wish to purchase something that falls under the National Firearms Act (NFA), you will need to apply for a tax stamp from the BATFE (ATF) before you may take possession of said item. Now the stamp is only $200 or so, not a huge expense when you consider that any fully (legal) automatic weapon you purchase will likely cost you in the neighborhood of $20,000.00, plus tax. The application process will generally take about 6 months and can be done through most dealers. Same process applies to suppressors and short barreled rifles (SBRs). These are typically much cheaper, suppressors run between $400 - $1600~ and SBRs are usually about the same price as the same rifle in the standard barrel length.
If you wish to purchase something that falls under the National Firearms Act (NFA), you will need to apply for a tax stamp from the BATFE (ATF) before you may take possession of said item. Now the stamp is only $200 or so, not a huge expense when you consider that any fully (legal) automatic weapon you purchase will likely cost you in the neighborhood of $20,000.00, plus tax. The application process will generally take about 6 months and can be done through most dealers. Same process applies to suppressors and short barreled rifles (SBRs). These are typically much cheaper, suppressors run between $400 - $1600~ and SBRs are usually about the same price as the same rifle in the standard barrel length.
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