A Guy Used a Machine Gun in a Self-Defense Shooting

Published on June 24, 2026
Duration: 18:58

This video details the Gary Fadden incident, a notable case where an individual legally used a transferable machine gun (Ruger AC556) in self-defense. It explores the legal ramifications, the historical context of machine gun ownership prior to the Hughes Amendment, and the court battle that followed. The narrative emphasizes the right to self-defense with firearms and the complexities that arise when the defensive tool is a machine gun.

Quick Summary

The Gary Fadden incident demonstrates the legal right to self-defense using available firearms, even if they are machine guns. In 1984, Fadden legally used his Ruger AC556 to defend himself against armed attackers, and was ultimately acquitted of murder charges, underscoring that the tool's legality does not negate the right to self-defense.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Right to Self-Defense
  2. 00:10The Unusual Self-Defense Weapon
  3. 00:38The Gary Fadden Incident Explained
  4. 00:53Meet Gary Fadden & His Fiancée
  5. 01:05The Night of February 24, 1984
  6. 01:09Gary Was Also Armed
  7. 01:13The Ruger AC556: The A-Team Gun
  8. 01:45Transferable Machine Guns Pre-1986
  9. 02:04The Pursuit Begins
  10. 02:23Gary's Perspective: Under Pressure
  11. 02:49The Unfired Machine Gun
  12. 03:36Desperate Measures: Reaching the HK Factory
  13. 03:50Confrontation: Stepping Out
  14. 03:57The Warning Shot & Full Auto Surprise
  15. 04:39The Fatal Encounter: Billy 'Too Loose' Hamilton
  16. 04:59The Driver's Attack & Police Arrival
  17. 05:44Arrested for Murder: The Legal Battle
  18. 06:14A High-Profile Trial
  19. 06:44Prosecution's Strategy: The Machine Gun
  20. 07:21Expert Witnesses & Prosecution's Failure
  21. 07:50The Verdict: Self-Defense
  22. 08:13Legal Fees & HK's Support
  23. 08:50Gary Gets His AC556 Back
  24. 09:35Paying Off Debt & Gary's Perspective
  25. 09:56A Message from the Host: The AC556 Giveaway
  26. 10:47Sources and Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Gary Fadden incident?

The Gary Fadden incident is a notable legal case where Gary Fadden used a transferable Ruger AC556 machine gun in self-defense against aggressive attackers. Despite initial murder charges, he was acquitted, highlighting the right to use available means for self-preservation.

Was it legal to use a machine gun for self-defense in 1984?

In 1984, transferable machine guns were legal for civilian ownership via a tax stamp. The legality of using such a firearm for self-defense depended on the specific circumstances and the imminent threat faced, as determined by the courts.

What is the significance of the 1986 Hughes Amendment?

The 1986 Hughes Amendment significantly restricted the transferability of machine guns manufactured after May 19, 1986, to the general public. This meant that only pre-existing, legally registered machine guns (like Fadden's AC556) remained transferable.

How did the court handle the use of a machine gun in self-defense?

The judge in the Gary Fadden case instructed the jury that the type of weapon used does not invalidate a self-defense claim. The focus remained on whether Fadden reasonably believed he was in imminent danger and acted to protect himself.

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