Acquiring legal ownership of a fully automatic firearm in Mississippi involves navigating a complex and stringent process dictated by both federal and state regulations. This typically includes undergoing a thorough background check through the National Firearms Act (NFA) branch of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), submitting fingerprints and photographs, registering the firearm with the ATF, and paying a significant tax. These firearms are defined as machine guns under federal law, which includes any weapon that automatically fires more than one shot with a single pull of the trigger.
The legal possession of such firearms is highly regulated due to their potential for misuse and the inherent risks associated with automatic fire. The NFA’s strict oversight aims to ensure these weapons remain in the hands of law-abiding citizens who understand and adhere to the responsibilities of ownership. The historical context for these regulations dates back to the National Firearms Act of 1934, enacted in response to the rise of organized crime during the Prohibition era. Subsequent amendments and legislation further refined these controls, solidifying the framework for legal ownership.
