What to Do if You Inherit a Machine Gun From a Relative

If a family member passes away and you discover a machine gun in their belongings, you might be wondering: Is this legal? Can I keep it? How do I transfer it?

The rules are different for machine guns compared to regular firearms because they are regulated under the National Firearms Act (NFA). Handling it the wrong way can lead to serious legal trouble — but if it’s a registered transferable machine gun, you could be holding a valuable investment worth tens of thousands of dollars.

This guide will walk you through exactly what to do if you inherit a machine gun.

Step 1:

Secure the Firearm and Don’t Move It Yet

When you find a machine gun in an estate, your first instinct might be to take it home, shoot it, or sell it. Don’t.

Under federal law, possession of an unregistered machine gun is a felony. Keep it exactly where it is, make sure it’s safe from theft, and do not transport it until you confirm its legal status.

Step 2:

Look for NFA Registration Paperwork

Legally owned machine guns come with ATF Form 4 (transfer to an individual) or ATF Form 1 (homemade NFA firearm) paperwork showing it’s registered to the deceased.

Search the gun safe, file cabinets, or estate documents for this paperwork.

If you inherit a registered NFA firearm, you can legally transfer it using the proper ATF forms. If there’s no paperwork, it may be unregistered — and that’s a completely different situation.

Step 3:

Understand the ATF Form 5 Process for Heirs

The ATF allows tax-free transfers of NFA firearms from a deceased owner to a lawful heir using ATF Form 5. This is the safest and most common way to inherit a machine gun legally.

You will need:

• A copy of the death certificate

• Proof you are the rightful heir (will, probate, etc.)

• The firearm’s existing NFA registration paperwork

Once approved, the machine gun can be legally transferred into your name without paying the $200 transfer tax.

Step 4:

What If There’s No Registration?

If you find a machine gun without paperwork and it’s not in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record (NFRTR), there is unfortunately no legal way to register it now. Federal law requires unregistered machine guns to be surrendered to the ATF.

While that’s not what anyone wants to hear, turning it in is the only way to avoid serious criminal charges.

Step 5:

Know the Value of a Transferable Machine Gun

If your inherited firearm is a transferable machine gun (registered before May 19, 1986), it can be worth anywhere from $10,000 to over $50,000 depending on model and condition. Many NFA firearms have historically outperformed the S&P 500 as long-term investments.

Step 6:

Contact a Licensed Machine Gun Dealer

The safest and most profitable way to handle an inherited machine gun is to work with an experienced FFL/SOT dealer who specializes in NFA firearms. At MyFullAuto.com, we:

• Confirm legal status

• Handle all ATF Form 5 transfers

• Provide free market value appraisals

• Connect sellers with qualified buyers nationwide

Final Word

Inheriting a machine gun is not like finding an old hunting rifle. Federal law treats these firearms differently, and knowing exactly what to do when you find a machine gun can protect you legally — and financially.

If you’ve inherited a machine gun or other NFA firearm, contact MyFullAuto.com today for a free consultation. We’ll guide you through the process from start to finish.