What States Allow Automatic Guns: A Comprehensive Overview
In the United States, the debate over gun control has been a hot topic for decades. One of the most contentious issues revolves around the sale and ownership of automatic firearms. While automatic weapons are generally illegal under federal law, there are some states that have taken it upon themselves to allow or restrict the sale and ownership of these guns. This article will provide a comprehensive overview of what states allow automatic guns, their reasoning, and the implications of such laws.
Background on Automatic Firearms
Automatic firearms are guns that can fire multiple rounds with a single pull of the trigger. They are categorized into two types: fully automatic and semi-automatic. Fully automatic firearms, also known as machine guns, can fire continuously as long as the trigger is held down. Semi-automatic firearms, on the other hand, fire one round with each pull of the trigger but can continue to fire as long as the magazine is loaded.
Federal Laws on Automatic Firearms
The sale and ownership of automatic firearms are heavily regulated at the federal level. The National Firearms Act of 1934 (NFA) made it illegal to manufacture, sell, or transfer fully automatic firearms to civilians. The Gun Control Act of 1968 (GCA) further restricted the sale and ownership of machine guns and other firearms classified as “any other weapon” (AOW) to individuals, including those with a federal firearms license (FFL).
States with Permissive Automatic Gun Laws
Despite federal restrictions, some states have enacted their own laws regarding the sale and ownership of automatic firearms. Here is a breakdown of states that allow automatic guns:
1. California: California has some of the strictest gun control laws in the country, including a ban on the sale and ownership of fully automatic firearms to civilians. However, certain exceptions apply, such as for individuals with a valid FFL or those who legally possessed a machine gun before the state’s ban took effect.
2. Connecticut: Similar to California, Connecticut has a ban on the sale and ownership of fully automatic firearms to civilians. Exceptions include individuals with a valid FFL or those who legally possessed a machine gun before the state’s ban.
3. Illinois: Illinois has a long history of gun control laws, including a ban on the sale and ownership of fully automatic firearms to civilians. However, the state allows individuals with a valid FFL to purchase and own machine guns.
4. Massachusetts: Massachusetts has a ban on the sale and ownership of fully automatic firearms to civilians. Exceptions include individuals with a valid FFL or those who legally possessed a machine gun before the state’s ban.
States with Restrictive Automatic Gun Laws
Most states have stricter laws regarding the sale and ownership of automatic firearms than the federal government. Here is a list of states with restrictive automatic gun laws:
1. New York: New York has a ban on the sale and ownership of fully automatic firearms to civilians. Exceptions include individuals with a valid FFL or those who legally possessed a machine gun before the state’s ban.
2. New Jersey: New Jersey has a ban on the sale and ownership of fully automatic firearms to civilians. Exceptions include individuals with a valid FFL or those who legally possessed a machine gun before the state’s ban.
3. New Mexico: New Mexico has a ban on the sale and ownership of fully automatic firearms to civilians. Exceptions include individuals with a valid FFL or those who legally possessed a machine gun before the state’s ban.
4. Oregon: Oregon has a ban on the sale and ownership of fully automatic firearms to civilians. Exceptions include individuals with a valid FFL or those who legally possessed a machine gun before the state’s ban.
Conclusion
The issue of what states allow automatic guns is complex and varies widely across the United States. While federal law restricts the sale and ownership of fully automatic firearms to civilians, some states have chosen to allow or restrict the sale and ownership of these guns. Understanding the laws in each state is crucial for individuals interested in purchasing or owning automatic firearms.
