Tommyguns (a/k/a machine guns) from WWI were banned in the U.S. in the Twenties.

[no_hypocrisy]

Of course, some criminals didn't care, e.g., organized crime and bootlegging enterprises.

But like alcohol, they were banned b/c they were automatic weapons of war.

I don't remember a hue and cry about the Second Amendment when the ban was imposed.

Think about it: The 18th Amendment was repealed in the Thirties, but not the ban on automatic weapons.

[sl8]

1. Are you thinking of the 1934 National Firearms Act?

Last edited Thu May 26, 2022, 07:51 AM - Edit history (1)

That taxed automatic firearms.

They weren't banned federally until 1985.*

* On edit:
1986, not 1985

[SYFROYH]

2. I dont think so but I'm open to seeing a citation.

[Best_man23]

3. Let's talk about the Browning Automatic Rifle (BAR) as well

The civilian version was called the Colt Monitor, and after World War I could be purchased at most hardware and general stores during the 1920s and 1930s The Monitor was essentially a civilian version of the BAR (sound familiar, anyone?), and all the parts that fit the BAR were able to be installed on a Monitor.

The BAR was Bonnie and Clyde's weapon of choice.

[DetroitLegalBeagle]

4. They weren't banned then

And they aren't banned now. They were regulated in 1934 and the registry was closed in 1986. Machine guns registered before the 1986 cutoff date are 100% legal for someone to own if they pay the tax and do all the right paperwork. Now, some states do ban them, but in most states, and federally, registered machine guns are legal to own. They are expensive though. Very expensive.

[Amishman]

6. Yup, my brother-in-law actually owns a few legal machine guns

Don't even want to know what they cost him. I'm certain his massive gun collection is worth more than his house - and its a rather nice house.

[doc03]

5. It is a matter of time before the fully automatic weapons

will be legalised. They are running out of gun laws to overturn. We can use silencers now, body armor, open carry and concealed carry for everyone. They have to expand the product line, automatic weapons, granades, how about land mines to keep intruders off your lawn.
I know you can still buy an automatic weapon but it requires permits and cost a lot. I mean they will be redaly
available at a gun shop just as the ARs are now.