Are Ghost Guns Illegal in Missouri?
Ghost guns, also known as untraceable orUndetectable Firearms, are a growing concern for law enforcement agencies and policymakers in the United States. Ghost guns are privately manufactured and assembled firearms that do not have serial numbers, making them difficult to trace. In Missouri, the possession and sale of ghost guns are regulated, but to what extent?
Regulations in Missouri
To understand whether ghost guns are illegal in Missouri, let’s take a closer look at the state’s firearm laws. Missouri has a constitutional carry system, which means that with a valid identification, someone 19 years or older can carry a firearm with no permit required.
Missouri’s Uniform Law Enforcement Certificate of Inspection Act requires all firearms to be safely stored when not used. However, there are no specific regulations or permits required for the possession or sale of firearms as long as they have:
• A valid federal import mark or stamp
• A valid serial number affixed by the manufacturer, importer, or federal examiner
• Complied with federal and state regulations prior to 1968*
What is considered a ghost gun in Missouri?
A ghost gun can be any firearm that fails to meet the above standards. In Missouri, any firearm without a valid serial number or a National Firearms Act (NFA) registration is illegal. Ghost guns must be traceable to its manufacturer or importer, whereas Missouri’s law requires serialization for firearms.
Illegal to Manufacture, Export, or Possess untraceable Firearms
Manufacturing, exporting, or possessing a weapon without a serial number, including a ghost gun, violates federal and Missouri laws (Missouri Revised Statutes 570.100 and 18 USC Chapter 44). Law enforcement agencies are empowered to track and confiscate such ghost guns to prevent criminal possession and illegal activities.
Exceptions to the Rule: NFA-Registered Guns
While ghost guns with no serial numbers are regulated, there are situations where an exception applies. Firearms defined as National Firearms Act (NFA) weapons and registered under 18 U.S.C. 841 and 26 U.S.C. 5803 are exempt from the law. Examples of NFA-registered firearms include: machine guns, shotguns, silencers, and short-barrel rifles.
In Missouri, Possession without a Serial Number
Unless a ghost gun has prior approval or meets the 1968 regulations mentioned, it is Illegal to possess in Missouri:
• Without a valid serial number
• Without proper serial number documentation
• without a federal import mark
Punishment
The consequences for illegally producing, possessing, or selling a ghost gun vary:
• Felonies with prison sentences upon conviction
• Criminal trafficking charges
• Gun permit revocation
Importance of Gun Control Reform
Ghost guns are associated with an alleged rise in gun crime. Efforts like the "ghost guns" legislation proposed at the federal level seek stricter regulations and penalties for making, selling, and importing these firearms. As discussed earlier, Missouri has its own laws addressing unauthorized firearms. States could also take action by limiting the availability of unmarked or serialized components essential for assembling ghost guns, thereby preventing their production in the first place.
In conclusion, ghost guns that lack a valid serial number are illegal in Missouri. Possessors and sellers can face prosecution and imprisonment. It’s essential for residents and retailers to be aware of current laws and regulations, highlighting the importance of ongoing vigilance in preventing illegal manufacture, export, or sale of these dangerous and traced firearms.
