Virginia Gun Owners Forum - VGOF

I thought I understood this but I guess I don't. What is required for me to purchase a machinegun? I was thinking of buying an AK, (also are their semi AK's?) I THOUGHT you bought the gun, had it registered/approved by BATFE and there you go (I didn't think it happened quickly). But I'm being told by a guy that thats completely incorrect and that only dealers can have them which I know is not true. I know people own the things can somebody please tell me whats required to purchase/own full auto.

Yes you purchase the gun then get your stamp...transfer is a different matter...you cant assume possession of the weapon until you have the stamp and in some locales a signature from local LE...

I dont think you can legally get a fully auto AK...not sure but think it would have to undergo modifications before it could be imported and you cant modify unless you possess...I'd look at something different...

snatale42 wrote: What is required for me to purchase a machinegun?

Cash, lots of it.
Patience for the paperwork process, lots of it.

I was thinking of buying an AK, (also are their semi AK's?) I THOUGHT you bought the gun, had it registered/approved by BATFE and there you go (I didn't think it happened quickly).

Generally, correct.

You buy, send paperwork to ATF, wait for what seems like forever, get approved, take new gun home.

But I'm being told by a guy that thats completely incorrect and that only dealers can have them which I know is not true. I know people own the things can somebody please tell me whats required to purchase/own full auto.

Mostly wrong.... Anything YOU can own needs to have been registered prior to May of 1986. Dealers can posses newer made items.

There are a few folks here who've done the process, we'll be happy to guide you through it.

Last I saw full-auto AK was running 14-17 THOUSAND dollars. Hopefully you knew this was an expensive path... if not, you just found out.

Gotcha, makes more sense now. I was under the impression all AK's were full auto. (I'm a pistol guy) I don't know a whole lot about rifles. Didn't realize that much $$ was involved. Looks like my original plans to build an AR are back on that's been priced out already. Thanks Guys

snatale42 wrote:Gotcha, makes more sense now. I was under the impression all AK's were full auto. (I'm a pistol guy)

There is some sloppiness with terms because the cost/availability of the full auto makes them mostly unobtainable to the general firearm collector. Most people mean the semi-auto easy to obtain version of the military arm when they say AK-47/74, or M16, M4, G3, FAL etc....

There are some lower cost options if you want to get into FA things, but its not an inexpensive hobby.

snatale42 wrote:Didn't realize that much $$ was involved. Looks like my original plans to build an AR are back on that's been priced out already. Thanks Guys

The money's only for select fire. A regular semiauto AK can be had for five hundred bucks or less. They're cheaper than ARs.