Can I Own a Transferable Machine Gun? A Complete Guide for U.S. Gun Owners

For many firearms enthusiasts, the idea of owning a fully automatic, transferable machine gun feels almost too good to be true. You may have seen videos of MG42s running at 1,200 rounds per minute, Vietnam-era M16s, or Cold War SMGs like the Uzi or MP5 — and wondered:

“Is it actually legal for a civilian in the United States to own a machine gun?”

The short answer is: YES — if it is a transferable machine gun and you follow the federal process.

The long answer (and everything you need to know) is explained below in simple, expert-guided terms.

Whether you’re brand new to NFA firearms or considering an investment-grade machine gun, this guide breaks down the laws, requirements, costs, and steps to ownership.

What Is a Transferable Machine Gun?

A transferable machine gun is a fully automatic firearm that was registered with the ATF before May 19, 1986, which is the date the Firearm Owners Protection Act (FOPA) closed the registry to new civilian machine guns.

This means:

• Civilians can own machine guns made and registered before May 19, 1986

• Civilians cannot own machine guns made after that date (with rare exceptions like LE demos)

Because no new transferable machine guns can ever be added to the registry, the supply is permanently limited — which is why prices rise every year.

These guns are commonly referred to as:

• Transferables

• Pre-86

• Class III Machine Guns

• NFA Machine Guns

• Registered Receivers, Registered Triggers, Sears, or Bolts

If the firearm (or registered component) is in the transferable registry, a U.S. civilian can legally own it.

Is It Legal for a Civilian to Own a Machine Gun?

Yes — but it must meet ALL of the following criteria:

1. It is a transferable (pre-1986) machine gun

This is the most important requirement.

2. Your state allows machine gun ownership

Most U.S. states do allow it, including Florida and the majority of free states.

A few states — like CA, NY, NJ, HI, IL, RI, and DC — effectively prohibit civilian MG ownership.

3. You pass the ATF background check (Form 4)

This includes fingerprints, photographs, and a federal NICS-type check.

4. You pay the $200 NFA tax stamp

This has not changed since 1934.

If you meet these requirements, yes — you can legally own one.

Why Are Transferable Machine Guns So Expensive?

Because the supply is fixed and demand increases every year.

There are only ~182,000 transferable machine guns in the U.S., and that number never grows.

As a result, machine guns often increase in value faster than traditional investments.

Average price ranges today(11/2025):

• Uzi: $15,000–$30,000

• M16: $28,000–$60,000+

• MP5: $40,000–$80,000

• Thompson: $25,000–$55,000+

• Rarer guns (MG34, MG42, PKM): $60,000–$150,000+

This is why many buyers think of transferable machine guns as collectibles and long-term appreciating assets.

How the ATF Form 4 Transfer Process Works (Step-by-Step)

The process is easier than most people expect — especially when using a reputable NFA dealer.

Step 1: Choose Your Machine Gun

This means selecting a fully transferable firearm, often from a Class III dealer like Full Auto LLC, a specialized brokerage or private seller.

Step 2: The Seller Submits the Firearm to ATF

Transferable machine guns move on a Form 3 (dealer-to-dealer) or Form 4 (private-to-customer).

If buying from an out-of-state seller, it first ships to your local Class III dealer.

Step 3: You Submit Your ATF Form 4 Packet

This includes:

• ATF Form 4 (paper or eForms)

• Two fingerprint cards

• Passport-style photos

• $200 tax stamp payment

• Your Responsible Person Questionnaire (if using a trust)

Step 4: ATF Runs Background Checks

This is similar to NICS but more thorough because it’s NFA.

Step 5: Approval

Form 4 approvals can take several months, depending on ATF workflow.

Step 6: Pick Up Your Machine Gun

Once approved, you can legally take possession and enjoy your fully automatic firearm.

Full Auto LLC can assist buyers with:

• Completing the Form 4

• Navigating trusts vs. individual registration

• Locating hard-to-find transferable guns

• Selling or consigning collections

Do I Need a Special License or Class III Permit?

No special license is required for civilians.

This is one of the biggest myths in the firearms world.

You do NOT need:

• A dealer’s license

• A manufacturer’s license

• Law enforcement credentials

• Military service

You only need:

• A clean background

• A state that allows MG ownership

• A Form 4 approval

• A $200 tax stamp

That’s it.

Can I Use a Machine Gun Trust?

Yes. Many buyers choose a trust to:

• Allow multiple responsible persons

• Ensure smooth inheritance

• Avoid re-filing paperwork later

Whether you register as an Individual or Trust depends on your goals.

Full Auto LLC can help you understand the pros and cons depending on your situation.

Where Can I Buy a Transferable Machine Gun?

You can purchase transferables through:

• Reputable NFA dealers

• Private sellers

• Brokered collections

• Estate sales

• Auction houses

Full Auto LLC specializes in:

• Buying and selling transferable machine guns

• Brokerage and consignment

• Nationwide NFA transfers

• Helping new buyers navigate their first Form 4

• Appraising and liquidating estates

Whether you’re looking for your first entry-level SMG or a rare collector-grade MG, we assist buyers throughout the entire process.

Common Misconceptions About Owning a Machine Gun

“It’s almost impossible to get approved.”

False. The approval rate is extremely high — nearly all applicants with clean backgrounds are approved.

“Only dealers can own machine guns.”

False. Civilians can own transferable machine guns in most states.

“Machine guns are dangerous to own legally.”

False. Transferable machine guns are among the most law-abiding firearms in circulation.

“It takes years to buy one.”

False. The average wait time is months, not years, and eForm processing has improved the experience significantly.

Frequently Asked Questions (Beginner-Friendly)

Do I need a tax stamp for each machine gun?

Yes. Each NFA item requires its own $200 stamp.

Do I need a safe or special storage?

Federal law does not require special storage, but a high-quality safe is strongly recommended.

Can I travel across state lines with a machine gun?Yes, but you must file an ATF Form 5320.20 before traveling.

Can I shoot my machine gun at commercial ranges?

Most ranges that allow full-auto fire will let you shoot your own transferable machine gun.

Are transferable machine guns a good investment?

Historically, yes. Due to fixed supply, values have risen consistently since 1986.

Final Thoughts: Yes, You Can Own a Transferable Machine Gun — and Full Auto LLC Can Help

Owning a transferable machine gun is completely legal for U.S. civilians who meet the requirements. With the right guidance, the process is straightforward and highly rewarding — whether you’re buying for enjoyment, collecting, or long-term investment.

At Full Auto LLC, we specialize in:

• Transferable machine gun sales

• Brokerage & consignment

• NFA estate purchases

• Helping new buyers navigate Form 4 transfers

If you’re ready to start the process — or even just want expert advice — we’re here to help.

👉 Contact Full Auto LLC today

👉 Explore our available NFA inventory

👉 Get assistance with your Form 4 transfer