Class III question

[dwr461]

I have a friend. Not me if I had this problem I'd never quit smiling. He has a full auto rifle still in the original packaging that was purchased legally by his grandfather prior to 1968. It has passed down through his family and is now in his posession. He has no intention of selling it. But we were talking and the subject came up of the class 3 stamps. Should he have one for this firearm?

Dave

 

[Richard in LA]

Yes. If it was legally "heired" to him, there is a form that needed to be filled out upon death of the original owner, tax free. There is no set timeline, but the ATF advises "in a reasonable amount of time". Dunno if I'd be smiling, or worried about getting caught with no paper trail, since you said grandfather, and passed down to him, I'd guess it changed hands at least twice. (grandfather-father-son)

What is it?

 

[aroundlsu]

Call the NFA customer service line and simply ask the status of the weapon. All they need
us the serial number. If they have no record of it you seriously need to destroy it properly or you will get a rude knock on your door early one morning. You may get one anyway since you mentioned you have a possibly unregistered machine gun on a public
forum.

edit: I know you said "friend" but that doesn't change much.

 

[Richard in LA]

Remember only the reciever is what is registered, some of those pristine parts are worth a lot on their own

 

[dwr461]

Ok thanks.

Dave

 

[Landry308]

Customers call from time to time with similar scenarios when family members die and they find dad's machine gun in a closet. I have checked on several for people and NEVER had one end up being registered. Maybe your friend's luck will be different.

 

[yarbsea]

yea...you will most likely end up with a illegal MG with no papers. If your grand pappy didn't get the papers, then it's going to be a doofer...