question about full auto m-14

[tobpd7220]

Hello, I am new to the forums, and this will be my first post. I tried to post it on the M-14 forums, but they seem to be down, hopefully someone here can help me.

I am a Police Officer, and we recently discovered that an old M-14 bought by a previous administration in 1989 is actually fully automatic. No one here knew this until we took it to the range and noticed the big A on a lever on the side. I have fired it and it is truly full auto. It has sat in a locker in the basement for about 15 years now, as far as we can tell.

The question I have is is there anyway we can sell this legally to buy some much needed equipment? There is no real reason for us to have it, if it was a semi auto, we might make it into a designated marksman weapon, but the liability of full auto 7.62 mm rounds flying around our jurisdiction is just too much. Someone told us it is a "post 86 machine gun", and I am not sure what that means as far as transferring ownership. Is there a way to check out for ourselves whether it is a "post 86 mg"?

Also, what is the fair market value for a full auto M-14? It isn't in great shape, but it isn't falling apart either. No rust, no splintering of the wood.

Thanks in advance for the info.

[PlasticGuy]

It was almost certainly made before 1986. Most of the fully automatic M-14's in police arsenals are genuine military M-14's that were surplus purchases, and were actually made during the main production run 40 years ago. However, if it wasn't registered as a civilian legal machine gun prior to 1986, it can never be privately owned by your average citizen.

What can happen is a sale to a Class III dealer as a demo or range gun. That's not going to make you nearly as much money, but should be enough to buy a few very nice AR-15's or a magnificent sniper rifle.

[Skintop911]

The 1208 surplus property program (now 1033 or LESO) began about that time. If your M14 was obtained through 1208/1033, you don't own it, the gov does. Dispo other than transfer to another eligible agency or DOD is unlawful. Contact your state surplus property program coordinator to inquire about it's origin.

If in fact it was obtained through regular purchasing channels and is transferrable, it will command a premium. This is unlikely.

Also, available information indicates that all DOD guns shipped to agencies were delivered in semi-auto configuration. A gun with selector installed, if obtained through 1208/1033, was almost certainly converted by the end-user. Such a configuration may present certain legal issues to the agency and officer or administrator making the conversion.

[tobpd7220]

We have the original order from from Century Arms. So, it was actually bought from a private business. Where would be a good place to look for dealers, ranges, or other departments that would be willing to purchase it if it is not transferable to private individuals?

I don't believe that the full auto feature was a modification made after our department bought it, but I am no M-14 expert. What is a good way to find out?

[1gewehr]

You can send a request to the ATFE to tell you how it was transferred to your department. The experts on this subject are found at subguns.com. Lots of legal experts, as well as people who have been in the NFA (National Firearms Act) business for many years.
I'd suggest that you post your questions on the NFA Discussion Board there.
IF it is transferable, you could buy a good bit of gear with that rifle.
1gewehr

[RWBlue]

Another thought:
If it is transferable, sell it and make some money avaliable for other uses.
If it is not transferable, convert it back to semi-auto. Use it like you would an M1A. If you want a designated sniper rifle, go for it.