https://www.atf.gov/firearms/machinegun-destruction
2.5.1 Removal of machineguns and silencers from the scope of the NFA. Machineguns are defined
to include the receiver of a machinegun and the definition of silencer includes each component of a
27 18 U.S.C. 921(a)(16)
28 26 U.S.C. 5845(a)
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silencer. Therefore, to remove these weapons from the provisions of the NFA, the receiver of a
machinegun or all the components of a silencer must be destroyed.
The preferred method for destroying a machinegun receiver is to completely sever the receiver in
specified locations by means of a cutting torch that displaces at least one-quarter inch of material at each
cut location. ATF has published rulings concerning the preferred destruction of specific machineguns.29
A machinegun receiver may also be properly destroyed by means of saw cutting and disposing of certain
removed portions of the receiver. To ensure that the proposed saw cutting of a particular machinegun
receiver is acceptable, FTB should be contacted for guidance and approval of any alternative destruction
proposal. Note: a machinegun receiver that is not properly destroyed may still be classified as a
machinegun, particularly in instances where the improperly destroyed receiver is possessed in
conjunction with other component parts for the weapon.
A silencer may be destroyed by completely severing each component by means of a cutting torch that
has a tip of sufficient size to displace at least one-quarter inch of material at each cut location.
Concerning the outer tube(s) of a silencer, these components may be destroyed by crushing them flat in
lieu of cutting with a torch.
Anyone interested in destroying an NFA weapon by means other than described above should contact
FTB to discuss possible alternatives.
Art Eatman
Administrator
Join Date: December 21, 2002
Location: Terlingua, Texas
Posts: 40,474
An answer to my email just arrived. I had asked:
Question: 1. Can it be legally de-milled to be a non-firing collectible and, 1A, be done without informing BATFE?
2. Can it be legally machined to be only semi-auto and then logged on a 4473?
The answer was yes and yes, with further details via visit tomorrow--Sunday--afternoon.
(This is bare bones; there may well be more to it than appears at this point. )
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Art Eatman is offline Report Post
I would consult a lawyer first. If you are going to go by the word of a dealer, make sure they show you the law.