The Firing Line Forums - View Single Post - Illegal to have NFA firearm at range without paperwork?

**44 AMP** · November 28, 2009, 10:09 PM

But it would seem to me, that you would have to be able to produce the paperwork on demand of any LEO. Considering you have to show them your car registration, license and proof of insurance when asked, I think they would be just a little more concerned with NFA items, don't you?

Expecting a LEO to just take your word for the fact that your items are legal is more than just a stretch. Getting arrested, having to go to court, and the hassle of getting your property returned (and in what condition, after how long?) isn't remotely worth the trouble.

Make a copy (make several) of all your paperwork (you could even get them notarised), and carry them with you whenever you leave the house with your NFA items. You can leave the originals home in the safe, for safe keeping, but have a valid copy on you when you have the item in public.

Machine guns and silencers are not common items (except on TV), so don't expect ordinary LEOs to know all the details of the law covering them. "Everybody" knows they are "illegal", and without the Federal (and maybe state?) paperwork, you are in deep doo doo, until you get out on bail, to get your paperwork.

Also consider that run ins with the law (even when you are exonerated, eventually) can get you an "undesirable" reputation, which could affect any future purchases you might consider. Have you papers with you, show them when asked, its just the best policy.

November 28, 2009, 10:09 PM	#3
44 AMP Staff Join Date: March 11, 2006 Location: Upper US Posts: 28,839	Don't have a reference to cite, sorry... But it would seem to me, that you would have to be able to produce the paperwork on demand of any LEO. Considering you have to show them your car registration, license and proof of insurance when asked, I think they would be just a little more concerned with NFA items, don't you? Expecting a LEO to just take your word for the fact that your items are legal is more than just a stretch. Getting arrested, having to go to court, and the hassle of getting your property returned (and in what condition, after how long?) isn't remotely worth the trouble. Make a copy (make several) of all your paperwork (you could even get them notarised), and carry them with you whenever you leave the house with your NFA items. You can leave the originals home in the safe, for safe keeping, but have a valid copy on you when you have the item in public. Machine guns and silencers are not common items (except on TV), so don't expect ordinary LEOs to know all the details of the law covering them. "Everybody" knows they are "illegal", and without the Federal (and maybe state?) paperwork, you are in deep doo doo, until you get out on bail, to get your paperwork. Also consider that run ins with the law (even when you are exonerated, eventually) can get you an "undesirable" reputation, which could affect any future purchases you might consider. Have you papers with you, show them when asked, its just the best policy. __________________ All else being equal (and it almost never is) bigger bullets tend to work better.