Is The Mac 10 Fully Automatic Pistol Legal

The Mac-10, also known as the M-10 or MAC 10, is a compact, blowback-operated, semi-automatic pistol chambered in either.45 ACP or 9mm Parabellum. It was designed by Gordon Ingram in the 1960s and was produced by Military Armament Corporation (MAC) from 1970 to 1973. The Mac-10 gained notoriety due to its association with organized crime and its depiction in popular culture.

The Mac-10 was originally designed as a semi-automatic pistol, but it could be easily converted to a fully automatic firearm with the installation of a drop-in auto sear or other modifications. However, the fully automatic version of the Mac-10 is heavily regulated in the United States due to the National Firearms Act (NFA) of 1934 and the Firearm Owners Protection Act (FOPA) of 1986.

Federal Regulations

The NFA regulates the possession, transfer, and manufacture of certain firearms, including machine guns, short-barreled rifles, and short-barreled shotguns. The FOPA further restricts the transfer and possession of machine guns, including the Mac-10, by prohibiting the manufacture of new machine guns for civilian use.

In 1986, the FOPA grandfathered in existing machine guns, including the Mac-10, allowing them to be possessed and transferred by civilians who had registered them with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). However, the manufacture of new machine guns for civilian use was prohibited, effectively freezing the number of transferable machine guns in circulation.

State Regulations

While federal regulations govern the possession and transfer of machine guns, individual states may impose additional restrictions. Some states, such as California, New York, and New Jersey, have strict laws regulating the possession and transfer of machine guns, including the Mac-10.

Is the Mac-10 Fully Automatic Pistol Legal?

The legality of the Mac-10 fully automatic pistol depends on various factors, including the specific configuration of the firearm, the state in which it is possessed, and the individual's compliance with federal and state regulations.

Semi-automatic configuration: The semi-automatic version of the Mac-10 is generally considered a lawful firearm and can be possessed and transferred by civilians in most states.
Fully automatic configuration: The fully automatic version of the Mac-10 is heavily regulated and subject to the restrictions imposed by the NFA and FOPA. Possession of a fully automatic Mac-10 without proper registration and compliance with federal and state regulations is a felony offense.
Modified or converted Mac-10: Modifying or converting a semi-automatic Mac-10 to a fully automatic configuration without proper authorization and registration is a felony offense.

Practical Considerations

While it may be possible to possess a fully automatic Mac-10 in certain circumstances, the practical considerations are significant:

Registration and compliance: The process of registering a fully automatic Mac-10 with the ATF and complying with federal and state regulations can be complex and time-consuming.
Cost: The cost of acquiring a fully automatic Mac-10 can be prohibitively expensive, with prices ranging from $10,000 to $50,000 or more, depending on the specific configuration and rarity of the firearm.
Storage and transportation: Fully automatic firearms, including the Mac-10, require special storage and transportation arrangements to ensure compliance with federal and state regulations.

In conclusion, while the Mac-10 fully automatic pistol can be possessed and transferred by civilians in certain circumstances, the regulations governing its possession and use are complex and restrictive. Individuals interested in acquiring a fully automatic Mac-10 must carefully consider the practical and regulatory implications before pursuing ownership.

[Image: A photo of a Mac-10 pistol with the caption "The Mac-10 pistol in its semi-automatic configuration"]

Mac-10 pistol in semi-automatic configuration

History of the Mac-10

The Mac-10 was designed by Gordon Ingram in the 1960s and was originally intended for use by law enforcement and military agencies. The firearm was designed to be compact, lightweight, and easy to use, with a minimal number of moving parts.

[Image: A photo of Gordon Ingram with the caption "Gordon Ingram, designer of the Mac-10"]

The Mac-10 was produced by Military Armament Corporation (MAC) from 1970 to 1973, with approximately 100,000 units manufactured during that time. The firearm gained popularity among organized crime groups and was often depicted in popular culture, including films and television shows.

Design and Features

The Mac-10 is a compact, blowback-operated, semi-automatic pistol chambered in either.45 ACP or 9mm Parabellum. The firearm features a minimalist design with a minimal number of moving parts, making it easy to maintain and repair.

[Image: A photo of the Mac-10's internal components with the caption "Internal components of the Mac-10"]

The Mac-10 features a 6-inch barrel and a 32-round magazine capacity in the.45 ACP version. The firearm is constructed from steel and aluminum, with a weight of approximately 21 ounces.

Gallery of Mac-10 Images

Mac-10 Image Gallery