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CLASS III (FULL-AUTO AND SELECT-FIRE) WEAPONS

In order to better understand the pricing structure of NFA weapons, it is necessary to understand the different chronological sequences of NFA weapons.

Pre-1968: The Gun Control Act of 1968 was one of the most crucial. Pursuant to NFA weapons, the 1968 Act stipulated that no more imported machine guns could be brought into the system. As a result, pre-1968 imported guns command a premium because of their original manufacture. During 1968, the NFA branch of the ATF allowed a one-month amnesty period so that returning servicemen from Vietnam could register their war trophies. It was during this period that many AK47s, PPSH41s, and MP40 machine guns were put into the system. Many more U.S. and foreign manufactured guns were also registered at this time as well. All of these guns command a premium because of their originality and registration.

Pre-1986 conversions or guns with newly manufactured receivers: Domestic production of NFA weapons continued until 1986, when the Hughes amendment to the 1986 Firearms Owners Protection Act prohibited the registration of domestic machine guns. Thus the door was closed to any further production of machine guns available to individuals. NFA weapons already registered could remain in the system and be transferred to qualified individuals. This situation drove prices higher and continues to do so. This group of weapons consists of many desirable semi-automatics that were legally converted into fully-automatic weapons. These include the AR-15 converted to M-16, HK94s converted to the MP5, the HK91s converted to the G3, and the HK93 converted to the HK33.

There is another classification of Class III guns that are not original guns but are instead referred to as “side plate guns.” A newly manufactured side plate is registered as the receiver on these guns. These include belt-fed Browning Model 1917s, 1919s, M-2 .50-cal., Vickers, and a few others. There are also re-welds or rewats. These are guns that were deactivated There are also re-welds or rewats.

These are guns that were deactivated and then reactivated. Pricing for these categories can be confusing, and it is suggested that the collector or shooter seek expert advice before a purchase. Most pre-1968 imports and all pre-1986 domestically made machine guns are transferrable to individuals, if they live in a state that allows individuals to possess them.

Pre-1986 Dealer Samples: Those individuals who wish to be Class III dealers in machine guns have many more NFA weapons to choose from, especially the newer, more contemporary designs. Pre-1986 dealer samples, imported before 1986, can be transferred between dealers only and retained personally by them after they surrender their Class III licenses. These dealer samples can be transferred only to other dealers.

Post-1986 dealer samples are even more restrictive. Only dealers wishing to demonstrate these weapons and who can produce a law enforcement letter can obtain them. Unlike the pre-1986 samples, these post-1986 samples cannot be retained after the registrant’s license is surrendered.

For those readers who are interested in advancing their knowledge and understanding of Class III firearms, it is recommended that they subscribe to Small Arms Review, a first rate publication that has many informative and useful features. There are sections on the law, new products, and illuminating articles on all aspects of NFA weapons and their history. Small Arms Review may be contacted at Moose Lake Publishing, 223 Sugar Hill Rd., Harmony, ME 04942. Telephone 207-683-2959 or FAX 203-683-2172. E-mail SARreview@aol.com. Web site: www.smallarmsreview.com.

NOTE: The prices listed for Class III firearms reflect the most current information as of publication date. Prices for Class III firearms are very volatile with rapid and sudden price changes. It is highly recommended that the latest market prices be verified in a particular market prior to a purchase.

DEWAT (Deactivated War Trophy) MACHINE GUNS: Mention should be made that these guns, which have been rendered inactive according to BATF regulations, have a general value that is a rough percentage of the value of their active counterparts of approximately 85 percent. This percentage is only an approximation because of a wide range of factors ranging from who performed the deactivation, the extent of the work, how difficult it would be to reactivate the gun, and whether or not the work could be done without altering the basic look and function of the original. The collector should note that very rare machine guns, DEWAT or not, will bring the same price.

Thompson Model 1921A DEWAT • Courtesy Amoskeag Auction Company

An M-3 submachine gun registered as a DEWAT • Courtesy Amoskeag Auction Company