The Bill to Legalize Machine Guns

Published on March 25, 2026
Duration: 15:20

This video discusses proposed state legislation in Kentucky and West Virginia that aims to exploit a loophole in the Hughes Amendment to allow average citizens to purchase newly manufactured machine guns. The legislation proposes state governments act as dealers, potentially bypassing the high costs and restrictions associated with pre-1986 transferable machine guns. The speaker, Brandon Herrera, an FFL holder, analyzes the legal and financial implications, suggesting this could be a significant step towards dismantling the NFA.

Quick Summary

Proposed state legislation in Kentucky and West Virginia aims to legalize the purchase of newly manufactured machine guns by exploiting a loophole in the Hughes Amendment. This loophole allows state governments to act as dealers, selling these firearms to eligible citizens at market price plus a $250 transfer fee, bypassing the high costs and restrictions of pre-1986 transferable machine guns.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Hughes Amendment and how does it affect machine gun ownership?

The Hughes Amendment, part of the Firearm Owners Protection Act, prohibits the civilian registration and ownership of machine guns manufactured after May 1986. This significantly limits the availability of new machine guns for civilian purchase, making pre-1986 transferable models extremely rare and expensive.

How do proposed state bills aim to allow citizens to buy new machine guns?

These bills exploit a loophole in the Hughes Amendment that exempts transfers by government entities. The proposed legislation suggests state governments could act as dealers, selling newly manufactured machine guns directly to eligible citizens, bypassing federal restrictions on new production.

What are the estimated costs for new machine guns under this proposed legislation?

The proposed legislation suggests that eligible citizens could purchase newly manufactured machine guns at market price plus a relatively low transfer fee, estimated to be around $250. This is a stark contrast to the tens of thousands of dollars required for pre-1986 transferable machine guns.

What are the implications of this legislation for the National Firearms Act (NFA)?

This legislation is seen as a significant step towards dismantling the NFA. By creating a legal pathway for new machine gun ownership, it challenges the core restrictions of the NFA and could pave the way for further erosion of its regulations, potentially leading to its eventual repeal.

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