Thompson C&R self importable from another state?

[bjrjar]

I saw a Thompson for sale at a gun show out of state. Looking at Section IV of the ATF Firearms Curios or Relics List (NFA weapons classified as Curios or Relics(still under the NFA and the GCA)). I see 4 Thompsons listed. Does this indicate that a holder of a current FFL 3 and a COE could self import one? If not, how could one go about it? Thanks for any knowledge you guys can provide.

[Paulie Lugnuts]

Is it full auto? Original barrel length?

[DSB]

I saw a Thompson for sale at a gun show out of state. Looking at Section IV of the ATF Firearms Curios or Relics List (NFA weapons classified as Curios or Relics(still under the NFA and the GCA)). I see 4 Thompsons listed. Does this indicate that a holder of a current FFL 3 and a COE could self import one? If not, how could one go about it? Thanks for any knowledge you guys can provide.

No one can answer your question without more information about the particular Thompson you're looking at. For example, if the Thompson you're looking at is full auto or otherwise qualifies as an assault weapon, then the C&R status is irrelevant.

[bjrjar]

I believe it was all original. It looked pristine.

[DSB]

I believe it was all original. It looked pristine.

Without more information than that, no one can help you.

If it was a Thompson machine gun (full auto), it is not legal in California.

[bjrjar]

Thanks anyway. It would appear that those guns listed in section IX should have a footnote that says "Forget it"

[DSB]

Thanks anyway. It would appear that those guns listed in section IX should have a footnote that says "Forget it"

The list you are looking at is a federal list of what qualifies as a C&R. In addition to that list, any long gun over 50 years qualifies as a C&R.

The long guns that qualify as C&Rs are still subject to state laws, however.

The C&R designation usually affects how you acquire an otherwise legal long gun. I don't know if the Thompson you looked at qualifies as a machine gun, or not. If it does, you cannot own, use, or possess it in California.

[Quiet]

I saw a Thompson for sale at a gun show out of state. Looking at Section IV of the ATF Firearms Curios or Relics List (NFA weapons classified as Curios or Relics(still under the NFA and the GCA)). I see 4 Thompsons listed. Does this indicate that a holder of a current FFL 3 and a COE could self import one? If not, how could one go about it? Thanks for any knowledge you guys can provide.

Nope.

The person would also need a valid CA DOJ Dangerous Weapons Permit for a MG.

Otherwise, it would be illegal (felony) to import, transport, or possess the C&R MG in CA.


A Title 2 MG requires BATFE approval to transfer (Form 4), this includes C&R MG.
Typically...
....when a FFL/SOT sells a MG to a non-resident. It gets shipped to a FFL/SOT in the non-resident's State of residence, that FFL/SOT then holds it, until BATFE approves the transfer. After which, the FFL/SOT transfers the MG to the person. (cost of MG + tax stamp + shipping + transfer fees)
... when a FFL/SOT sells a C&R MG to a non-resident that has a C&R FFL. that FFL/SOT holds it, until BATFE approves the transfer. After which, the FFL/SOT ships the C&R MG to the C&R FFL. (cost of MG + tax stamp + shipping)


For a CA resident with a C&R FFL + COE trying to acquire a C&R MG:
1. The CA resident pays for the C&R MG.
2. The CA resident applies for a CA DOJ Dangerous Weapons Permit for a MG.
3A. If denied, then the CA resident tries to get their money back.
3B. If approved, then the CA resident submits a Form 4 to BATFE.
4. Once BATFE approval is obtained, the seller ships the C&R MG to the CA resident with the C&R FFL/COE.
5. The CA resident then registers the C&R MG, all the places where the C&R MG will be stored, and all the vehicles that will be used to transport the C&R MG with CA DOJ BOF.
6. The CA resident is then subject to annual compliance inspections by CA DOJ BOF, in order to ensure that the C&R MG is being used within the scope of the CA resident's good cause for being issued a Dangerous Weapons Permit for a MG and to ensure that the C&R MG is being properly stored.
7. If CA DOJ determines the C&R MG is being used beyond the scope of the good cause for issuance of the Dangerous Weapons Permit for the MG and/or the C&R MG is being improperly stored and/or the C&R MG was stored in a non-registered location and/or the C&R MG was transported in a non-registered vehicle, then the Dangerous Weapons Permit for the MG can be revoked and the C&R MG would be confiscated.

[SkyHawk]

And even if semi auto, wouldn't it need a bullet button/mag lock or a grip wrap?

[Quiet]

And even if semi auto, wouldn't it need a bullet button/mag lock or a grip wrap?

A C&R semi-auto only centerfire Thompson style rifle would need a maglock + 10 round magazine or a grip wrap, in order to be CA legal.

Because there is no C&R exemption to the CA assault weapons laws.
So, all C&R firearms must be configured to comply with them.
However, there is an antique firearm exemption to the CA assault weapons laws.

[Paulie Lugnuts]

I suspect a Dangerous Weapons Permit is nearly impossible to obtain, but does it also cover SBRs, which an original Thompson would be?

[emcon5]

A C&R semi-auto only centerfire Thompson

Is there such a thing?

[onelonehorseman]

And even if semi auto, wouldn't it need a bullet button/mag lock or a grip wrap?

And meet the OAL requirement.

[SkyHawk]

Is there such a thing?

That is a good question - I wondered the same thing right after typed it...

EDIT: Apparently there are some C&R semi autos, they are WW2 and Korean War Commemoratives by the American Historical Foundation. They were made in the early 80's but still supposedly C&R (because of their rarity?).

[highpower]

I suspect a Dangerous Weapons Permit is nearly impossible to obtain, but does it also cover SBRs, which an original Thompson would be?

Full auto NFA firearms are not subject to barrel length restrictions at the federal level. I suspect that anything that covers full auto guns in Commiefornia would be the same.