Who Can Buy a Machine Gun?
When it comes to shooting, there’s nothing more exciting, or more rewarding, than pulling the trigger on a fully automatic weapon. You’ve seen machine guns in the hands of your favorite action heroes from Rambo to John McClane, but here’s the truth: you can own one too.
That’s right, machine guns aren’t just for Hollywood or the military. Any American citizen who meets the legal requirements can own a Class 3 transferable machine gun, and it’s easier than most people think.
Who Is Eligible to Own a Transferable Machine Gun?
Any U.S. citizen who is at least 21 years old, not prohibited by federal law (e.g., no felony convictions, not adjudicated mentally unfit, etc.), and resides in a state that allows machine gun ownership, can own a transferable Class III machine gun if the firearm itself is eligible. All transferable machine guns in civilian hands were manufactured or lawfully registered before May 19, 1986, when Congress effectively froze the civilian supply by capping transfers under the National Firearms Act (NFA). That scarcity is exactly why these firearms appreciate over time.
Put simply: if you can get approved on a Form 4473 for a pistol or other standard firearm background check, you’re very likely to qualify to own a transferable machine gun as long as you complete the NFA transfer paperwork, aren’t a prohibited person, and your state law permits it.
The ATF Form 4 Process: Step-by-Step
Owning a transferable full-auto firearm requires an approved ATF Form 4 (“Application for Tax Paid Transfer and Registration of Firearm”). Here’s what the typical civilian buyer does:
Select a transferable machine gun (must have been on a Form 4 prior to May 19, 1986, to be transferable to civilians).
Have it sold/transferred to you via an authorized Class III FFL/SOT dealer (such as Midwest Tactical).
Submit ATF Form 4, including:
Two passport-style photographs
A full set of fingerprints (usually on standard FBI cards, duplicated)
$200 one-time NFA tax stamp payment
Notification to your local Chief Law Enforcement Officer (CLEO) as part of the submission process.
Background check and waiting period: The ATF reviews your application; typical current processing times vary but often run several months to over a year.
Upon approval, the tax stamp is issued, and you can take possession of the machine gun from your dealer or trust.
You can apply as an individual or use a gun trust, which can simplify shared ownership and succession; trusts have their own responsible person questionnaires (e.g., ATF Form 23) and slightly different internal paperwork.
Common Misconceptions
**“Machine guns are illegal” **Not true. Civilians can legally own fully automatic machine guns if they were made before the 1986 transfer cutoff and the buyer complies with the NFA/Form 4 process and isn’t a prohibited person.
“You need a Class III license to own one” No. A Class III FFL/SOT is needed to deal in them. Individuals (or trusts) do not need that license to own; they just need an approved Form 4.
Why Machine Guns Are a Unique Ownership Opportunity
Owning a transferable machine gun isn’t just about legality, it’s about scarcity, collectibility, and enjoyment. Because no new transferable machine guns can enter civilian circulation (the pool is fixed and sometimes even shrinks if one is destroyed), their value tends to rise over time. That, combined with the fact that you can actually shoot and enjoy the firearm while holding a collectible appreciating asset, makes it a rare intersection of passion and investment.
State Law & Final Caveats
Federal approval via Form 4 is only part of the equation, you must also ensure your state allows machine gun ownership. Some states impose bans or additional restrictions, so always verify state/local law before purchase.
Get Started with Midwest Tactical
If you’re ready to own your first fully automatic firearm, or add to a collection, Midwest Tactical and our partners at GunSpot.com are your NFA experts. We guide buyers through eligibility, paperwork (Form 4 submission), and delivery so you can confidently and legally take possession of a transferable machine gun.
Contact Midwest Tactical today! Your dream full-auto machine gun is waiting, and the process is more accessible than most people realize.