I thought the RKBA supporting denizens of this board would be much more familiar with the VHFA, the sorry state of ATFE's existing registration records (NFRTR), and the plight of our veterans in regards to their War Trophy firearms.
To elucidate.
This is an EXCELLENT bill, in fact it's passage may be critical to preserving our RKBA and reforming ATFE abuses of law abiding citizens in the long run.
The ONLY guns to be registered under this bill are real MACHINE GUNS that our veterans who have served overseas brought back as war trophies.
It has no effect on standard Title 1 guns or politically defined "assault weapons".
Many veterans think their trophies are already registered, but ATFE has been very inconsistent on recognizing the War Trophy papers as legal NFA registration documents.
This legislation would allow for re-registration, and registration of previously unregistered trophies, removing any doubt as to the veterans (or heirs) legal ownership of very valuable personal property.
As a dealer in full-auto arms I frequently get request for appraisals of such guns.
It is sickening to have to tell a seriously ill veteran that without proof that his trophy is registered with ATFE I cannot so much as touch it, much less appraise or broker it for him.
These guys risked everything to defend America, now most of them are elderly and ill, yet ATFE continues to seek them out for the purpose of taking their valuable property from them for destruction, and possible prosecution of the veteran.
Perhaps the back round on this issue is too complex for full discussion here.
I suggest visiting the NFAOA site and perusing the many post there for more information.
Bottom line, this is an EXCELLENT bill that will be a great service to our veterans and their heirs, while also making badly needed corrections to the records of ATFE. It would also allow the veterans to 'cash in' on their valuable war trophies, they could buy medical treatment, pay for their kids college tuition, buy a new car, etc, etc.
So it would even help our economy, as collectors would put some of their hoarded cash back into circulation.
Qualifying Firearm- (1) IN GENERAL- For purposes of this section, the term `qualifying firearm' means any firearm which was acquired-- (A) before October 31, 1968; and (B) by a veteran, while such veteran was a member of the Armed Forces and was stationed outside the continental United States.
The system in place is an ugly dog, but this doesn't read any better.
I read it and ID'd at least three ways it can be interpreted to be confiscatory.