Making a type of gun illegal will not get rid of them.

[Mr.Bill]

You can tell this because everyone still has their Thompson machine guns.

[Abnredleg]

1. It's legal to own a Thompson gun

It just has to be registered.

[Mr.Bill]

2. Not in my state.

And even where it is legal it's not easy. There's a lot more to it than "just having it registered".

https://www.quora.com/How-do-I-legally-obtain-an-automatic-rifle-such-as-a-Thompson-submachine-gun

[NickB79]

3. California? Yep, still legal

Either as an original Class 3 full-auto (with proper licences), or as a modern semi-auto replica.

https://wbtguns.com/california-legal-auto-ordnance/

[Mr.Bill]

4. A semi-auto is not what I would consider a machine gun.

And Abnredleg said it only had to be registered. Now you say a special license is required.

My link says they are not legal in California (unless grandfathered before 2014) and several other states.

[NickB79]

5. How do you think Hollywood makes movies?

https://www.guns.com/news/2016/11/28/independent-studio-services-weapons-division-a-gun-lovers-paradise-photos

"The house holds what Zanoff says is probably the world’s largest collection of authentic Thompson sub-machine guns."

Snip

"As for regulations, Zanoff said a “we have a great relationship with the ATF and California DOJ. We have a lot of regulations that must be met, a lot of licenses to be maintained. They know we’re not trying to do anything wrong here. Of course, we have to abide by the laws.” A few minutes later, he showed us the heavy metal trunks that are required for transcontinental shipments. The company must comply with other nations’ regulations when traveling there for filming, as well."

It's legal; you just need some VERY good lawyers and connections.

[Mr.Bill]

6. They must meet the grandfathering requirements.

My point was the average guy can't go buy one, or keep one that was purchased after 2014.

Just trying to have a little fun here.

Maybe I should start a thread about how when the government made LSD legal, they didn't offer to buy it back from anyone who had some.

[Abnredleg]

8. Registered equals license in this case

I apologize for my lack of clarity.

[Mr.Bill]

10. No apology necessary.

Just having a little fun here.

[struggle4progress]

7. "Making murder illegal has not stopped murder so there's no point trying!"

[Leith]

9. Fewer of them out there

would be a good start.

[safeinOhio]

11. A well regulated militia....

oh, never mind.