Is the Civilian M82A1 a Class 3 Firearm?

Many individuals are curious about the classification of the M82A1 as a firearm, and whether it falls under the category of a Class 3 firearm, also known as an NFA (National Firearms Act) firearm. To clear up any confusion, let's explore the details of this large semi-automatic rifle and its classification.

Understanding Class 3 Firearms

Class 3 firearms, or NFA (National Firearms Act) firearms, are a special category of firearms that are subject to strict regulations and documentation. These include:

A rifle with an overall length less than 26 inches and/or a barrel length less than 16 inches, including the muzzle device. A shotgun with an overall length less than 26 inches and/or a barrel length less than 18 inches, including any muzzle device. A firearm capable of firing multiple shots with a single pull of the trigger, such as a machine gun or machine pistol. An AOW (Any Other Weapon), which includes pistols with a grip forward of the trigger or a pistol with a stock, or one that fires a round larger than 0.50 inches. A destructive device, such as a grenade. A firearm with a suppressor or silencer.

The M82A1 does not fit any of these descriptions, which we will examine in more detail below.

Characteristics of the M82A1

The M82A1 is a large semi-automatic rifle that is designed for precision shooting at long distances. Here are its key characteristics:

Rifle: It is classified as a rifle, not a machine gun, as it only fires a single shot per trigger pull. Barrel Length: The barrel of the M82A1 is 29 inches long, which is well over the 16-inch minimum required to classify it as a short-barreled rifle. Overall Length: The M82A1 is 57 inches long, making it significantly larger than the 26-inch limit for short-barreled rifles. Destructive Device: It is not classified as a destructive device, such as a grenade, as it does not have any explosive components. Silencer: The M82A1 is not equipped with a silencer or suppressor, making it non-compliant with the requirements for Class 3 firearms that involve suppressors.

Beyond these essential characteristics, the M82A1 is considered a large, heavy, and expensive firearm, weighing around 28 pounds and costing upwards of $10,000. These features do not align with the criteria for a Class 3 firearm.

Legal Considerations for the M82A1

While the M82A1 can be legally purchased and owned by a law-abiding citizen who has the necessary resources, it is important to understand that it is not classified as a Class 3 firearm.

Firearm Classification: It is a standard Title 1 firearm, meaning it is regulated under the Gun Control Act of 1968. Ownership: A Federal License (FFL) is required to purchase and own an M82A1, which involves background checks and a registry. Amendment 2: The Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution guarantees the right to keep and bear arms, provided that the firearm falls under the correct classification.

In conclusion, the M82A1 is a large, powerful, and expensive semi-automatic rifle that does not qualify as a Class 3 firearm or any of the NFA categories. It is a standard Title 1 firearm, subject to the regulations and requirements of the Gun Control Act.