While I own a couple high capacity, semi auto rifles, I've always had interest in full auto.

I'm curious what is the requirements for purchasing/converting full auto.

I remember the receivers need to be registered before 1986, but how do military contractors buy newer firearms that they take to Iraq etc? I'm fairly certain they are bought here in the US before they go.

Can grenades/explosives be bought? Again, I figure the private contractors have these.

Their is already a silencer thread going so I'll refer to that for further info.

firstly you need to check your state laws. some states don't allow certain firearms regardless of license.

if your firearm is legal in your state you can apply for a class III license. its kind of a pain in the rear to get through all the paperwork but it can be done legally. at least that's how it is here in Louisiana, as for grenades and whatnot i don't believe so. you may be able to get certain types of explosives if once again you have a permit for them and the state legalities are met.

as for suppressors, if your local laws allow for them and you go through a separate filing of paperwork you can obtain them. i believe here i would have to file with the BATF and local sheriffs department. i think my local sheriff has to sign off before anyone else.

hope that helps.

As a retired US Army soldier, I've never understood why a normal person would want a full-auto weapon. Besides being horrendously expensive to shoot, they are really only useful for things like clearing a room or when your position is being over run. Full auto is hard to handle in a lightweight weapon and your ammunition can be gone in a flash.

You are much better off placing your shots well and making them count

The desire of our young soldiers to go full auto everytime the SHF is something as a senior NCO I fought. I'm sure every trained, modern Army fights this. Hollywood always shows these protracted full auto firefights; I've never seen anyone carrying a rucksack full of magazines.

My two cents worth. Thanks for letting me vent.

The only two requirements are money and a local sheriff that will sign off on your form.

There is a $200 tax for transferring a class 3 firearm on top of the used car cost of the gun itself. Then a local authority like a chief of police has to sign off on a form that says he doesnt mind you having it.

For most people this means to have a full auto you need to be rich and connected.

No infringements

edit to add: rich and connected or you could just be a criminal and go black market

[edit on 9-1-2009 by thisguyrighthere]

For most people this means to have a full auto you need to be rich and connected.

No infringements

Ahhh....the way the founding fathers intended

As far as the contractors go, with companies hired by the US, I know they get weapons and equipment from the DoS. However I believe the weapons and ammo are not provided in CONUS for training before being used overseas.