What You Didn't Know About the 1968 Machine Gun Amnesty

Published on October 11, 2017
Duration: 10:05

Ian McCollum, an expert in firearms history and law, details the 1968 US Machine Gun Amnesty. This event allowed unregistered machine guns, often brought back as trophies or acquired illegally, to be registered with the ATF without prosecution. The amnesty aimed to track previously unregulated firearms, with some owners hesitant due to distrust of the government or fear of future bans.

Quick Summary

The 1968 US Machine Gun Amnesty allowed unregistered machine guns to be legally registered with the ATF without prosecution. This initiative, detailed by firearms expert Ian McCollum, addressed firearms often brought back as trophies or acquired illegally, with some owners hesitant due to distrust of the government.

Chapters

  1. 00:05Introduction to 1968 Machine Gun Amnesty
  2. 01:30Government Offer of Amnesty
  3. 02:37Perspectives on the Amnesty
  4. 03:50Amnesty Example: Colt AR-15
  5. 05:14An Example: A Stolen M16
  6. 07:40Registration Form and Gun For Sale

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the 1968 US Machine Gun Amnesty?

The 1968 US Machine Gun Amnesty was a government initiative allowing individuals to register previously unregistered machine guns without prosecution. This aimed to bring firearms, often acquired as war trophies or through other means, into legal compliance under the National Firearms Act.

Why were some people hesitant to register their guns during the 1968 amnesty?

Skepticism about government intentions was common. Some feared the amnesty was a trap, while others worried that registering their firearms would lead to future confiscation or stricter regulations, despite assurances of legitimacy.

Can firearms with defaced serial numbers be registered?

Generally, defacing a firearm's serial number is illegal. However, the 1968 Machine Gun Amnesty provided an exception, allowing firearms with ground-off markings, like the Colt AR-15 shown, to be registered if the process was completed during the amnesty period.

What historical firearms were discussed in relation to the 1968 amnesty?

The video specifically discusses a Colt AR-15 with its serial number removed and an M16A1 brought back from Vietnam. Both were examples of firearms that could be legally registered during the 1968 amnesty period.

Related News

All News →

More 2nd Amendment & Law Videos You Might Like

More from Forgotten Weapons

View all →