Are Full Auto Rifles Legal in Arizona?
When it comes to firearms in Arizona, there are specific laws and regulations that govern the possession, purchase, and use of weapons, including full auto rifles. In this article, we will delve into the intricacies of Arizona law regarding full auto rifles and answer the question: Are full auto rifles legal in Arizona?
Direct Answer
No, full auto rifles are not legal in Arizona for civilian possession, except for those with proper permits and licenses. Full auto rifles are classified as machine guns, which are subject to strict federal and state regulations.
What are Machine Guns?
The National Firearms Act (NFA) defines a machine gun as any weapon designed to fire more than one shot with a single function of the trigger. In other words, machine guns are fully automatic weapons that can fire continuously until the ammunition is depleted or the trigger is released.
Arizona State Law
Under Arizona Revised Statute (ARS) § 13-3102, the possession, sale, and transfer of machine guns, including full auto rifles, is regulated and restricted. The statute makes it illegal for anyone other than a licensed manufacturer or dealer to possess a machine gun in the state, except for those with a proper permit and license.
National Firearms Act (NFA) Requirements
To lawfully possess a full auto rifle in Arizona, individuals must comply with the requirements of the National Firearms Act (NFA). Specifically:
- Favorable Determination: Applicants must obtain a favorable determination from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) that the full auto rifle is not intended for sport or recreation.
- Tax Stamp: The owner must pay a $200 tax stamp to register the full auto rifle with the ATF.
- Identification: The owner must keep the full auto rifle properly identified and registered.
Exceptions
There are two exceptions to the rule prohibiting civilian possession of full auto rifles in Arizona:
- Law Enforcement: Peace officers and law enforcement agents are exempt from the laws regulating machine guns and are authorized to possess full auto rifles for official use.
- Collector: Under ARS § 13-3102(B), collectors of machine guns who are licensed by the ATF and comply with NFA requirements are allowed to possess full auto rifles.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Failure to comply with Arizona and NFA regulations regarding full auto rifles can result in serious penalties, including:
- Criminal Charges: Violators can face felony charges and fines.
- Seizure: Full auto rifles possessed or transferred in violation of Arizona and NFA regulations may be seized and confiscated by law enforcement.
Tables and Charts
To clarify the requirements and restrictions regarding full auto rifles in Arizona, we have compiled the following tables and charts:
| Requirement | Description | Compliance |
|---|---|---|
| Favorable Determination | Obtain from the ATF | Required |
| Tax Stamp | Pay a $200 tax stamp to register the full auto rifle | Required |
| Identification | Keep the full auto rifle properly identified and registered | Required |
Bullet Points
Here are the key points to remember about full auto rifles in Arizona:
• Full auto rifles are not legal for civilian possession in Arizona.
• Machine guns, including full auto rifles, are regulated by the National Firearms Act (NFA).
• To lawfully possess a full auto rifle, individuals must comply with NFA requirements, including a favorable determination, tax stamp, and identification.
• Law enforcement and licensed collectors are the only exceptions to the ban on civilian possession of full auto rifles.
• Non-compliance with Arizona and NFA regulations can result in serious penalties, including criminal charges and seizure of the full auto rifle.
In conclusion, while Arizona law does not explicitly ban full auto rifles, possession and use of these weapons are heavily regulated and restricted. Only licensed collectors, law enforcement, and other authorized individuals are permitted to possess full auto rifles, and even then, under strict conditions. It is essential for individuals interested in firearms to understand and comply with Arizona and NFA regulations to avoid legal repercussions.
