We most certainly "do" get to buy "fully automatic". All you need to do is get the proper paperwork from the BATFE and pay the $200 tax (and, of course, pay the price for the firearm an d ammo). $20,000 for a selective fire M16 that should cost no more than $1,000. It's a de facto ban, just as a 2,000% tax on ammo would be.
"$20,000 for a selective fire M16 that should cost no more than $1,000. It's a de facto ban, just as a 2,000% tax on ammo would be." Sorry, but it isn't. That $20K is not dictated by the government, it is just greedy dealers gouging customers.