Bill would allow registration of old war-trophy weapons

[Geezah]

Veterans of World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War could legally register firearms brought home as war trophies under a bill introduced May 4 by Rep. Jim Gibbons, R-Nev.
The bill, HR 2088, allows veterans and their heirs to register firearms that troops were allowed to bring home under U.S. military policy in effect at the time. It would not change existing policy for combat veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan who are barred from bringing back any captured weapons.

Called the Veterans’ Heritage Firearms Act, Gibbon’s bill applies to firearms brought back to the United States between June 26, 1934 and October 31, 1968. The veterans who brought back the firearms or their lawful heirs would have 90 days to register the guns without fear of prosecution.

Similar amnesty was approved by Congress in 1968 as new and tougher firearms rules took effect, but Gibbons said many veterans never knew they needed to register their weapons. Now, because they didn’t follow the 1968 procedures, those who brought a firearm home in full compliance with military rules and federal law face confiscation of the weapon and possible criminal charges if they are found to own an unregistered firearm, Gibbons said in a statement.

“Unfortunately, when our servicemen returned home from battle, many did not learn about the registration regulations until the short registration period had passed and it was too late,” Gibbons said.

Veterans “are currently in jeopardy of being unjustly convicted of serious felonies because they possess war relic firearms that they were authorized to bring home,” he said.

Gibbons’ bill contains a second provision under which any firearms confiscated from veterans would not be destroyed, but rather would be made available to museums to add to their permanent collections.

Gibbons introduced similar legislation last year, but it never came to a vote. He reintroduced the bill on May 4 with 50 original cosponsors, a bipartisan mix that includes Rep. Duncan Hunter, R-Calif., the House Armed Services Committee chairman.


Link (http://www.armytimes.com/story.php?f=1-292925-840856.php)

Looks like Kerry will get to keep his AK47 then.

[Werewolf01]

Veterans of World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War could legally register firearms brought home as war trophies under a bill introduced May 4 by Rep. Jim Gibbons, R-Nev.
The bill, HR 2088, allows veterans and their heirs to register firearms that troops were allowed to bring home under U.S. military policy in effect at the time. It would not change existing policy for combat veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan who are barred from bringing back any captured weapons.

Called the Veterans’ Heritage Firearms Act, Gibbon’s bill applies to firearms brought back to the United States between June 26, 1934 and October 31, 1968. The veterans who brought back the firearms or their lawful heirs would have 90 days to register the guns without fear of prosecution.

Similar amnesty was approved by Congress in 1968 as new and tougher firearms rules took effect, but Gibbons said many veterans never knew they needed to register their weapons. Now, because they didn’t follow the 1968 procedures, those who brought a firearm home in full compliance with military rules and federal law face confiscation of the weapon and possible criminal charges if they are found to own an unregistered firearm, Gibbons said in a statement.

“Unfortunately, when our servicemen returned home from battle, many did not learn about the registration regulations until the short registration period had passed and it was too late,” Gibbons said.

Veterans “are currently in jeopardy of being unjustly convicted of serious felonies because they possess war relic firearms that they were authorized to bring home,” he said.

Gibbons’ bill contains a second provision under which any firearms confiscated from veterans would not be destroyed, but rather would be made available to museums to add to their permanent collections.

Gibbons introduced similar legislation last year, but it never came to a vote. He reintroduced the bill on May 4 with 50 original cosponsors, a bipartisan mix that includes Rep. Duncan Hunter, R-Calif., the House Armed Services Committee chairman.


Link (http://www.armytimes.com/story.php?f=1-292925-840856.php)

Looks like Kerry will get to keep his AK47 then.


Yeah, but Ted is still driving!!!

[Oddbod]

Good to see.
Far too many historically important & collectable firearms have been confiscated & destroyed due to the strict "Black & White" of current legislation.
Like in most aspects of Government, common sense has little bearing on what they do - this might help to address that.

[1ifbyland]

What are the chances of them finding out they have an unregistered firearm if they just keep their mouth shut? Why do they need the governments approval at all? So long as you don't committ a crime and don't blab about it then everything will be fine. Screw the Government and it's ideas. Be responsable and do what you want. So long as you don't hurt anyone it's none of their business anyway. It may be the law but it's one everyone should just ignore.

[usa320]

Good idea. ive got a WWII lueger that is worth some decent cash... id like to have it insured, but i cannot cause it isnt registered.

[Violet Fashion by Mindy]

I actually agree with this. :P

[Werewolf01]

I actually agree with this. :P


uuuggggghhhhh...cornoary......must....seek....doctor...


Oh, now wait a munite, you just want them registered so the guys in black vinyl swat uniforms can kick down some WWII vet's home, murder his family, and take his guns. :P

[Geezah]

I actually agree with this. :P


uuuggggghhhhh...cornoary......must....seek....doctor...


Oh, now wait a munite, you just want them registered so the guys in black vinyl can kick down some WWII vet's home, murder his family, and take his guns. :P

I adjusted it for you ;)

[woofer]

Good idea. ive got a WWII lueger that is worth some decent cash... id like to have it insured, but i cannot cause it isnt registered.

ill send someone around in an hour with a warrant...think before you write or get it registered f/king quick. :lol:

[nognig]

Good idea. ive got a WWII lueger that is worth some decent cash... id like to have it insured, but i cannot cause it isnt registered.

I'm confused. There is no registration of firearms in the US, unless they are class III (full automatic, short-barrel, etc).

I assume you are not in the US? A Luger would not have to be registered in the US.

Or are you talking about State registration? If so, I don't think that matters either. The state just wants to know why type of firearm, maker and serial #. They usually don't check to see how it was brought into the US.

NN

[Geezah]

Good idea. ive got a WWII lueger that is worth some decent cash... id like to have it insured, but i cannot cause it isnt registered.

I'm confused. There is no registration of firearms in the US, unless they are class III (full automatic, short-barrel, etc).

I assume you are not in the US? A Luger would not have to be registered in the US.

Or are you talking about State registration? If so, I don't think that matters either. The state just wants to know why type of firearm, maker and serial #. They usually don't check to see how it was brought into the US.

NN

I think this only applies to select fire/full auto weapons, why on Earth would you register a weapon that Grandpa won in a game of cards and brought back from Germany after WW2?

[gaijinsamurai]

usa320, I don't think you have to worry about that Lugar.

[Rifleman]

You don't need to worry about that Luger or a Mauser; et cetera. Many vets brought home MG's and Bazooka's and were give a chance in 1968? to make thing right.

My grandfathers take from WWII was a U.S. Bazooka, Jap Type 99 and lots of little odds and ends.. The bazooka was fired in 1976 (July, 4th) and dumped it in a lake. :cantbeli: The 99 hangs on my wall.

Now, if you have something sexy that your grandfather brought back from the war.... Loose lips sink ships.

But?......Put
What?...A
Can?....Cork
Could?..In
Should? It!!!