laws i need to know.

[exilednerd]

the more I learn the more I realize I know nothing. I hate not knowing, and I hate bothering people. is there a web site or even better a place with a human I can talk to, where I can learn all about the rules of owning/buying firearms. my prime example is I've wanted a HK VP-70 for years now. in my former state (ny cough) its an absolute no go.
I've read you need special paperwork to purchase SBR's. What constitutes an SBR. and what precisely do I need to do. lots of questions like that, and I feel the more I read here the more I know, but also the more questions I have. And walking into a busy retail shop to ask these mundane questions has gotten me a few you grew an extra head looks. and more often a really annoyed salesman.
I greatly appreciate your help, and more importantly your patience with the newbie <-- Thank you.

[MarcSpaz]

Code of VA...

http://leg1.state.va.us/000/src.htm

Most of what you want will be in 18.2, specifically 18.2-308.

As far as someone to talk too... we can help guide you with opinion, but don't take any of our comments as fact. Your best bet is if you need help understanding the law, you need to speak to a lawyer.

As far as I know... the VP70-Z and VP70 are both legal to own in VA, but if you want the VP70, you will need to get one that is from the 70's or early 80's to own one legally by federal law as a non-licensed manufacturer / dealer.

[exilednerd]

that's great thank you.

the VP70-Z and VP70 are both legal to own in VA, but if you want the VP70, you will need to get one that is from the 70's or early 80's to own one legally by federal law as a non-licensed manufacturer / dealer.

and im specifically interested in the vp70z with the stock. is that still ok do you know? and why would it have to be from the 70s or early 80s to be legal? that's the specifics i'm interested in knowing. Thanks a bunch!

[BertMacklin]

NFA (National Firearms Act), assuming you want the stock that fires bursts, any machinegun made after 1986 is non-transferable to an non-LEO individual but anything before 1986 is right as rain. Of course you have a lot of paper work and a then a 9 month wait time but its still doable. Non-burst stock (Semi-auto only) would make it an SBR, similar process but SBR's don't have the 86 rule.

[jdonovan]

What constitutes an SBR.

a rfile, with a barrel < 16" or an overall length < 26"

dude, first page hit in google when you put in "SBR", http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Short-barreled_rifle please try and make just a tiny bit of effort to educate yourself. More narrowly focused questions will get you better answers.

Im specifically interested in the vp70z with the stock

That would be a SBR, and would require you to comply with NFA ( national firearms act). Compliance is fairly easy, but there is a small bit of paperwork involved.

Of course you have a lot of paper work

It takes 1 sheet of paper, with LESS questions on it than a BATF 4473. it is __NOT__ a lot of paperwork.

[exilednerd]

Thanks all for the answers. sorry for the SBR question, I really should have looked it up... Would any one know where to find the nfa laws on the web so I can read through them. maybe get an idea for more specific questions if I need to ask.

[jdonovan]

Would any one know where to find the nfa laws on the web so I can read through them.

here is a start:
http://bit.ly/1hY7vCg

[dorminWS]

There is a long thread on this forum about machine guns and when/how they are legal. Wish I could find it because I just heard a rumor about a war trophy, and I don't even want to know any more until I get refreshed on that subject.

[jdonovan]

There is a long thread on this forum about machine guns and when/how they are legal. Wish I could find it because I just heard a rumor about a war trophy, and I don't even want to know any more until I get refreshed on that subject.

The short answer (for non-dealers) is either it was registered prior to 1986, and that person has the form 1/4 or its illegally possessed. I'm sure there are still more than a few WW1/WW2 bring backs that are lurking in the back of Great grandpas safe, and unfortunately the only way they are legal is if they were registered.

[dorminWS]

There is a long thread on this forum about machine guns and when/how they are legal. Wish I could find it because I just heard a rumor about a war trophy, and I don't even want to know any more until I get refreshed on that subject.

The short answer (for non-dealers) is either it was registered prior to 1986, and that person has the form 1/4 or its illegally possessed. I'm sure there are still more than a few WW1/WW2 bring backs that are lurking in the back of Great grandpas safe, and unfortunately the only way they are legal is if they were registered.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
So even if they have the letter from their commander from when they brought it home it is illegal unless registered prior to 1986 and there's no way to get it legal? Pity; but I thought that was the deal.

From the vague rumor I heard, there is a possibility someone's got their granddaddy's MP 43 Sturmgewher hiding in an attic. I intentionally refused to hear any specific info, and it looks like its a good thing I did. Pity. But then it's probably just a rumor anyway; or maybe just an old Mauser.

[jdonovan]

So even if they have the letter from their commander from when they brought it home it is illegal unless registered prior to 1986 and there's no way to get it legal?

That prevents the you looted it accusation. i.e. this provides 'legal' title to the item.

My understanding if they still have it, the only real recourse is to turn it in to ATF for destruction, or donate it to a museum.


So from the no-crap, you're not kidding files..

I know a guy who has an in-law who's great grandfather is Mr kalashnikov. Yah _that_ kalashnikov. And as a wedding gift gave them a single digit serial number AK. It still resides outside the country because even with a gun the has got to be worth $500,000+ they can't find any legal means to get it into the US.

[allingeneral]

Read this: NFA FAQ

It's 15 years old, but the basics are there, I think.

[trailrunner]

Thanks all for the answers. sorry for the SBR question, I really should have looked it up... Would any one know where to find the nfa laws on the web so I can read through them. maybe get an idea for more specific questions if I need to ask.

http://lmgtfy.com/?q=nfa+laws

[Remek]

Technically, they're all legal. I see nothing unclear about the word "infringed", regardless the attempted usurpation of rights by out three branches of government.

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[bryanrheem]

And walking into a busy retail shop to ask these mundane questions has gotten me a few you grew an extra head looks. and more often a really annoyed salesman.
I greatly appreciate your help, and more importantly your patience with the newbie <-- Thank you.

Looks like you need to find a new LGS. It's their job to educate… and help the population buy more guns.