March 29, 2026, 09:01 PM
Rick LeeHow to determine the legality of a machine gun?
I should know this as an SOT, but this was a real random one. While standing in line at a funeral viewing today, a fraternity brother I hadn't seen in 30 yrs mentioned to me that his late father had been an FFL/SOT and had passed away with a machine gun in his inventory. But they never found any paperwork on it. I met his father many years ago, but had no idea he had an FFL and I don't think anyone knows if/when he mailed in his bound book when he retired or what happened with the paperwork. From the photo on his phone, it looked to be an old Suomi KP-31 or PPSH. So it's obviously well-pre-86. Is there a way to find out if it's a transferrable or post sample? He might be interested in selling, but obviously its legal status would make a big difference on the price it could command. What to do?
March 29, 2026, 10:20 PM
Creeping_DeathYou could submit a FOIA request to determine if the serial number has it papered as a transferable, pre-86 dealer sample, or post-86 dealer sample.
Just an idea…could you start a Form 3 or Form 4 in eForms and see what pulls up when entering the SN?
March 30, 2026, 08:08 AM
gearhoundsHas it been established that it is a functioning automatic weapon and not simply a deactivated sample? That might account for the fact there is no paperwork with it.
March 30, 2026, 05:36 PM
Rick LeeHe said he shot it many years ago, ran FA. Been sitting around in a closet since then. Does a FOIA trigger stuff, like a knock at the door?
March 30, 2026, 05:37 PM
Rick Leequote:
Originally posted by Creeping_Death:
Just an idea…could you start a Form 3 or Form 4 in eForms and see what pulls up when entering the SN?
Oh, that would be interesting. Might also trigger a knock at the door, though.
May 22, 2026, 12:25 PM
FenderBenderquote:
Originally posted by Rick Lee:
quote:
Originally posted by Creeping_Death:
Just an idea…could you start a Form 3 or Form 4 in eForms and see what pulls up when entering the SN?
Oh, that would be interesting. Might also trigger a knock at the door, though.
only if you proceed I suspect, fat fingers do happen.