The RIFLE Act Would Remove NFA Transfer Tax

[TrappedinCalifornia]

Not that I think it'll actually go anywhere, especially in a Senate controlled by Democrats. But, it's nice to know someone is making noise; even if it is only an election year 'stunt.'

Republicans team up to defeat longtime 'restriction' targeting gun owners: 'Violation of the Second Amendment'

Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., and other Senate Republicans recently introduced legislation that would abolish transfer taxes on firearms regulated under the National Firearms Act (NFA).

The bill, called the Repealing Illegal Freedom and Liberty Excises (RIFLE) Act, was announced on Wednesday. According to a press statement released by Cotton, the law "would remove a burdensome tax imposed on firearms

I believe the Act was first introduced in 2021, in the House... Hinson Introduces RIFLE Act

Here is Cotton's announcement from his website... COTTON, COLLEAGUES INTRODUCE BILL TO REPEAL TAX ON CERTAIN FIREARM PURCHASES

Here is the text of the legislation.

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[TrappedinCalifornia]

Yep. Must be an election year.

CCRKBA SUPPORTS COTTON BILL REPEALING PUNATIVE GUN TAX

[pacrat]

Not that I think it'll actually go anywhere, especially in a Senate controlled by Democrats.

And Brandon will surely wake up from his nap to veto it.

[AlmostHeaven]

I "energetically" support this legislation, although the registration aspect offends me far more than the tax.

After all, if the possession of an unregistered NFA item continues to carry felony punishment, simply abolishing the $200 stamp does little to truly resolve the core Second Amendment violation. A rifle with a 15" barrel differs trivially from one with a 16" barrel. As long as the NFA stands, all firearms and accessories could potentially get added to its coverage.

[TrappedinCalifornia]

Remember folks, this isn't a full repeal of the NFA. As I quoted in the OP...

In other words, it's an attempt at a first step.

My problem is that it comes across as 'election year politics;' i.e., it doesn't stand a snowball's chance of passing, but Republicans get to clamor about their 2nd Amendment bona fides.

Now, if they'd just do something like this when Republicans have control and the thing actually had a realistic chance...

[AlmostHeaven]

My problem is that it comes across as 'election year politics;' i.e., it doesn't stand a snowball's chance of passing, but Republicans get to clamor about their 2nd Amendment bona fides.

Now, if they'd just do something like this when Republicans have control and the thing actually had a realistic chance...

Well-stated. Unfortunately, the filibuster in the Senate renders most gun legislation impossible, unless Republican turncoats cross the aisle and vote to pass awful legislation such as the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act.

[Rickybillegas]

Doesn't it cost around 30K to get a license for a pre-1989 machine gun (not sub machine gun, the real thing) like a German MG38? $200 bucks a tiny thing, but I get what you're saying. Baby steps.

[Sgt Raven]

Doesn't it cost around 30K to get a license for a pre-1989 machine gun (not sub machine gun, the real thing) like a German MG38? $200 bucks a tiny thing, but I get what you're saying. Baby steps.

What Federal MG license?
It is pre-1986 because of the Hughes Amendment.
Barring any State regulation, as far as I know, you only need a $200 NFA Tax Stamp for a MG.
Until you get into the larger than .50 caliber Destructive Device classification.

[AlmostHeaven]

Doesn't it cost around 30K to get a license for a pre-1989 machine gun (not sub machine gun, the real thing) like a German MG38? $200 bucks a tiny thing, but I get what you're saying. Baby steps.

The Hughes Amendment closed the NFA registry to new machineguns altogether, which froze the supply and caused prices to continuously soar. Abolishing the $200 tax stamp would do nothing to alleviate the situation without an accompanying repeal of the closure.

[BAJ475]

The Hughes Amendment closed the NFA registry to new machineguns altogether, which froze the supply and caused prices to continuously soar. Abolishing the $200 tax stamp would do nothing to alleviate the situation without an accompanying repeal of the closure.

The Hughes Amendment needs to be found unconstitutional under the equal protection clause.

[Rickybillegas]

What Federal MG license?
It is pre-1986 because of the Hughes Amendment.
Barring any State regulation, as far as I know, you only need a $200 NFA Tax Stamp for a MG.
Until you get into the larger than .50 caliber Destructive Device classification.

I guess this is what I was talking a about, not a federal license:

"Believe it or not, the price of a machine gun can be upwards of $20,000 today and is expected to increase every year. Some of the more exclusive models are even more expensive, with an average price tag ranging from $30,000 to $50,000! Also, you will have to pay for ammunition, and most machine guns will go through 500 to 1,000 rounds per minute. It can make the cost of owning one impractical for a lot of people."

[AlmostHeaven]

The Hughes Amendment needs to be found unconstitutional under the equal protection clause.

I agree, but unfortunately, I expect that no more than two justices have the fortitude to even think about reviewing machine gun regulations.