[quote=Webb]You can't own a BAR in the USA (no autos here) only semi,unless you're Tom Hanks. biggrin:[/quote:0b0e6]

While weapons laws vary from state to state, in most of the US it is perfectly legal to own a full auto weapon. In addition to being able to pass a background check you must do the following:

Find a transferrable Class III (full auto) weapon-not all machine guns fall into this category. Prices for fully transferable guns are quite high. I paid $10,000 for my BAR when I purchased it, a WWII era Thompson will run around $8,000-$9,000. I've seen wartime MG42's go for as much as $18,000. The cheapest I've seen are Sten smg's which I've seen for as little as $2000.

File the appropriate forms with BATF. You must submit fingerprints and a photo along with your forms. You must also get the Chief Law Enforcement Official (Sheriff, Police Chief, JP, etc) to sign off on your paperwork. This can be the most difficult part of the process since not all are "gun-friendly" I was lucky as mine was. However, by law they must have a legal reason to refuse, "You can't have one." doesn't work. Once BATF has approved your paperwork you may complete the transfer and become the legal owner of a full auto weapon.

[quote="SW-14":eab80]While on the subject of guns, what's the difference in a submachine gun and a full machine gun?[/quote:eab80]

Mainly the caliber, the thompson shoots .45cal ACP, the Browning M1919 shoot .30cal. Also an SMG is a very mobile personal weapon, while most machine guns are crew served.