Are Automatic Guns Legal in Any States?
The legality of automatic guns in the United States is a complex and often controversial topic. While some states allow the possession and use of automatic weapons, others have strict laws prohibiting them. In this article, we will explore the current legal landscape of automatic guns in the United States, highlighting the states where they are legal and those where they are prohibited.
Direct Answer: Are Automatic Guns Legal in Any States?
Yes, automatic guns are legal in some states, but with strict regulations and requirements. The National Firearms Act (NFA) of 1934 and the Firearm Owners Protection Act (FOPA) of 1986 regulate the possession and transfer of automatic weapons. The NFA requires that automatic weapons be registered with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and imposes a tax on their transfer.
States Where Automatic Guns are Legal
The following states allow the possession and use of automatic guns, but with specific requirements and regulations:
- Alaska: Automatic weapons are legal in Alaska, but they must be registered with the state police and the owner must obtain a permit.
- Arizona: Arizona allows the possession and use of automatic weapons, but they must be registered with the Arizona Department of Public Safety and the owner must obtain a permit.
- Florida: Florida allows the possession and use of automatic weapons, but they must be registered with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the owner must obtain a permit.
- Georgia: Georgia allows the possession and use of automatic weapons, but they must be registered with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and the owner must obtain a permit.
- Idaho: Idaho allows the possession and use of automatic weapons, but they must be registered with the Idaho State Police and the owner must obtain a permit.
- Indiana: Indiana allows the possession and use of automatic weapons, but they must be registered with the Indiana State Police and the owner must obtain a permit.
- Kentucky: Kentucky allows the possession and use of automatic weapons, but they must be registered with the Kentucky State Police and the owner must obtain a permit.
- Louisiana: Louisiana allows the possession and use of automatic weapons, but they must be registered with the Louisiana State Police and the owner must obtain a permit.
- Michigan: Michigan allows the possession and use of automatic weapons, but they must be registered with the Michigan State Police and the owner must obtain a permit.
- Mississippi: Mississippi allows the possession and use of automatic weapons, but they must be registered with the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation and the owner must obtain a permit.
- Montana: Montana allows the possession and use of automatic weapons, but they must be registered with the Montana Department of Justice and the owner must obtain a permit.
- Nebraska: Nebraska allows the possession and use of automatic weapons, but they must be registered with the Nebraska State Patrol and the owner must obtain a permit.
- Nevada: Nevada allows the possession and use of automatic weapons, but they must be registered with the Nevada Department of Public Safety and the owner must obtain a permit.
- New Hampshire: New Hampshire allows the possession and use of automatic weapons, but they must be registered with the New Hampshire State Police and the owner must obtain a permit.
- North Carolina: North Carolina allows the possession and use of automatic weapons, but they must be registered with the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation and the owner must obtain a permit.
- Ohio: Ohio allows the possession and use of automatic weapons, but they must be registered with the Ohio State Highway Patrol and the owner must obtain a permit.
- Oklahoma: Oklahoma allows the possession and use of automatic weapons, but they must be registered with the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation and the owner must obtain a permit.
- Pennsylvania: Pennsylvania allows the possession and use of automatic weapons, but they must be registered with the Pennsylvania State Police and the owner must obtain a permit.
- South Carolina: South Carolina allows the possession and use of automatic weapons, but they must be registered with the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division and the owner must obtain a permit.
- Tennessee: Tennessee allows the possession and use of automatic weapons, but they must be registered with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and the owner must obtain a permit.
- Texas: Texas allows the possession and use of automatic weapons, but they must be registered with the Texas Department of Public Safety and the owner must obtain a permit.
- Virginia: Virginia allows the possession and use of automatic weapons, but they must be registered with the Virginia State Police and the owner must obtain a permit.
- West Virginia: West Virginia allows the possession and use of automatic weapons, but they must be registered with the West Virginia State Police and the owner must obtain a permit.
States Where Automatic Guns are Prohibited
The following states prohibit the possession and use of automatic guns:
- California: California prohibits the possession and use of automatic weapons, except for those that were legally owned prior to the passage of the state’s assault weapon ban in 1989.
- Connecticut: Connecticut prohibits the possession and use of automatic weapons, except for those that were legally owned prior to the passage of the state’s assault weapon ban in 2013.
- Delaware: Delaware prohibits the possession and use of automatic weapons, except for those that were legally owned prior to the passage of the state’s assault weapon ban in 2013.
- Hawaii: Hawaii prohibits the possession and use of automatic weapons, except for those that were legally owned prior to the passage of the state’s assault weapon ban in 2013.
- Illinois: Illinois prohibits the possession and use of automatic weapons, except for those that were legally owned prior to the passage of the state’s assault weapon ban in 2013.
- Maryland: Maryland prohibits the possession and use of automatic weapons, except for those that were legally owned prior to the passage of the state’s assault weapon ban in 2013.
- Massachusetts: Massachusetts prohibits the possession and use of automatic weapons, except for those that were legally owned prior to the passage of the state’s assault weapon ban in 2014.
- New Jersey: New Jersey prohibits the possession and use of automatic weapons, except for those that were legally owned prior to the passage of the state’s assault weapon ban in 2013.
- New York: New York prohibits the possession and use of automatic weapons, except for those that were legally owned prior to the passage of the state’s assault weapon ban in 2013.
- Oregon: Oregon prohibits the possession and use of automatic weapons, except for those that were legally owned prior to the passage of the state’s assault weapon ban in 2013.
- Rhode Island: Rhode Island prohibits the possession and use of automatic weapons, except for those that were legally owned prior to the passage of the state’s assault weapon ban in 2013.
- Washington: Washington prohibits the possession and use of automatic weapons, except for those that were legally owned prior to the passage of the state’s assault weapon ban in 2013.
- Wisconsin: Wisconsin prohibits the possession and use of automatic weapons, except for those that were legally owned prior to the passage of the state’s assault weapon ban in 2013.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while automatic guns are legal in some states, they are prohibited in others. It is essential for individuals to understand the laws and regulations regarding automatic guns in their state and to ensure that they are in compliance with those laws. Additionally, individuals should be aware of the potential consequences of owning and using automatic guns, including the risk of legal penalties and the potential for harm to themselves and others.
