Gun Ownership and Regulations in the United States

The question of whether guns are banned in the USA is often misunderstood. In reality, there are no outright bans on firearms, but rather a complex web of regulations that govern their purchase, possession, and importation.

Assault Weapons

The term assault weapons is a misnomer. Guns designed to mimic military-style firearms, commonly called assault weapons, do exist in the United States. However, there is no blanket ban on these types of firearms. Instead, some state and local governments have passed bans or restrictions on certain classes of firearms.

Machine Guns and Specials

Machine guns and other explosives are generally prohibited under federal law. The National Firearms Act (NFA) regulates certain weapons, such as machine guns, automatically fired pistols, and short-barreled shotguns and rifles. All these weapons, except those manufactured before May 19, 1986, are banned for private possessiondue to inability to register them.

Newly manufactured machine guns cannot be registered for private possession after May 19, 1986, due to a federal ban. This law prohibits the registration and subsequent transfer of any machine gun that was not registered before the ban went into effect. Therefore, any machine guns made after May 19, 1986, are unobtainable by private citizens.

Importation and Classification

The United States restricts the importation of firearms that lack a "sporting purpose." This classification is decided by the government. For example, several guns legal in Europe cannot be brought into the USA due to the lack of a sporting purpose. However, the rules for what constitutes "American-made" firearms are fairly specific. Many imported firearms can be configured to meet the criteria for being deemed American-made, thus enabling them to be legally owned and imported.

For instance, an AK-pattern rifle may be assembled entirely in the USA or using a combination of foreign and American parts. If the foreign parts are reduced below the 922(r) threshold, the firearm suddenly becomes compliant with American laws and can be legally owned and sold.

Special Taxes and Paperwork

Even for firearms that are not fully banned, there are additional requirements. Owners of machine guns, suppressors, short-barreled shotguns, and any other NFA firearms must pay special taxes and complete paperwork. These firearms are subject to further restrictions and must be registered with the government.

Legality and Availability

Laws surrounding the importation and ownership of certain firearms are complex. The supply of restricted firearms is finite, and as these weapons wear out, their numbers diminish, making them increasingly rare and expensive. It's important to note that while it may be difficult to obtain certain firearms, it is not impossible legally to acquire them.

For most Americans, purchasing a firearm is a straightforward process, provided they comply with federal and local regulations. The rights and responsibilities of gun ownership remain a subject of ongoing debate and legislation, but no category of firearms is absolutely banned by the federal government.