Machine-gun ownership has never been outlawed by the federal government as many people believe. In 1934, president Roosevelt signed the 1934 National Firearms Act into law. It was brought about with pressure from constitutionally ignorant politicians after the Kansas City massacre and recommendation from J. Edgar Hoover, then head of the FBI. Basically, the law put a $200 tax on any machine-gun purchased. Later a tax was put any short-barreled shotgun purchased. This tax would be paid to the federal government and federal approval of the gun sale was also needed. A machine-gun is described in federal law as a firearm that fires more than one round per single pull of the trigger. 

Some common myths about machine gun ownership:

• A license required to own a machine gun, or any NFA (Class 3) firearm.
• A tax must be paid every year to own a Class 3 item.
• The BATFE can come into my house whenever they want to search it, stomp my kittens, and trash my house if I own machine guns.

    No, There is a one time tax that must be paid to BATFE when you apply to have the registration transferred to your name. There is no ongoing yearly fee charged by the BATFE. For machine guns, suppressors, short barrel shotguns, short barrel rifles and destructive devices, there is a one time $200 tax in addition to the purchase price of the firearms. For AOW (Any Other Weapon) firearms, there is a $5 transfer tax.

    And having legally registered NFA items in your home does not give the BATFE or the police the right to enter at will.

• The Chief Law Enforcement Official, (CLEO), sheriff or chief of police (or limited others) must be willing to sign your Form 4 (Application for Tax Paid Transfer and Registration of an NFA Firearm) attesting that he does not know of any reason that you should not have the NFA firearm. BATFE will not process your Form 4 and you will not get the firearm. If you own a corporation, or LLC you can transfer the NFA firearm to the entity and no CLEO signature is necessary.

    Tarrant county sheriff, Denton county, and Keller will sign your forms...find out before buying an expensive item you may not be able to own.