Legality Question

[Heatseeker]

I have an acquaintance who is a Private Investigator that deals with a lot of estate settlement issues.

He recently contacted me with a question related to the disposition of a couple of full auto pieces that were in a now deceased old boy's collection. The executor of the estate is looking to dispose of the guns legally. My friend asked me what I know about this subject.

My understanding is that here in California there is no legal way to sell them and the only option would be surrender to law enforcement? But , not being an expert of any kind, I thought I would ask here for reassurance.

I have no link to the executor and no idea of their location.

TIA

 

[NASAcollector]

Are these class 3 guns registered under the 1968 GCA, pre 1986 or post 86 dealer sample ? I believe that any class 3 dealer can buy them or a class 3 auction can handle their sale, depending on their status.

I'm curious, what are the guns?

 

[echo1]

Have him meet me at Spicer camp. It'll be cool, all legit. Come alone. PAX

 

[DB>)>]

There are people who have enough money to make otherwise impossible things possible. This includes owning full auto guns legally from my general understanding. The PI and/or executor should probably contact Michel and associates and get proper legal guidance from attorneys that deal in these rare circumstances. It would be a shame for what are presumably historically significant firearms to end up destroyed, and any value to the estate lost because of lack of the required specialized legal knowledge.

The potential value of such guns would justify a reasonable expenditure and if necessary retaining expert advice, not "ask a friend"...

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PS, in the meantime make sure the guns are stored VERY securely and as discretely as possible.

 

[treelogger]

Lawyer time for the executor. Someone with gun law experience. Worth the money; if they are transferrable NFA, they could easily be worth a 5-digit amount in other states. From my (limited) understanding, it is likely that these guns were owned illegally, unless the decedent was an FFL with the appropriate licenses. In the meantime, it would be a good idea to store the guns disassembled, and as DB already said, discreetly.

 

[echo1]

.... From my (limited) understanding, it is likely that these guns were owned illegally, unless the decedent was an FFL with the appropriate licenses....

Lots of variable in this situation. That's a crazy presumption and crazier storage advice. Unless the OG owner passed suddenly, he would have known what he had, legally or nay, and would have had them stored to his satisfaction. Or do you think they're under his bed in a decrepit run-down studio apartment. Maybe the collection spans the revolutionary war to Desert Storm. How did you come to this conclusion? What does his trust or will say? PAX

 

[westsidearms]

Lots of variable in this situation. That's a crazy presumption and crazier storage advice. Unless the OG owner passed suddenly, he would have known what he had, legally or nay, and would have had them stored to his satisfaction. Or do you think they're under his bed in a decrepit run-down studio apartment. Maybe the collection spans the revolutionary war to Desert Storm. How did you come to this conclusion? What does his trust or will say? PAX

treelogger likely came to that conclusion because I do not believe you can own any full auto in CA without a dangerous weapons permit. Not even properly registered pre86 guns. You would think that if you had such weapons, your will/estate would already be prepared for what to do with these investments.

Another thought too is how sure is the estate they are full auto? Not all PIs are likely weapons competent. Maybe they are semi-autos like look full auto.

I agree, the estate should contact a competent firearms attorney for counsel as the value would be worth the expenditure. Assuming they are really full auto.

 

[Heatseeker]

I appreciate all the responses.

I think I will just refer my buddy to Michel and Associates.

In response to the questions, I have no idea how or when they were acquired, how they are stored or what the will states. I do know they are Uzis. And from what my PI friend described to me from photos the client took, the safety switch has three positions marked A R S iirc. He is a bit of a gun guy, so he knew something was up when he looked at the pics he received.

 

[Nardo1895]

Seeking legal advice is the best advice. You might also want to contact EBR Works in AZ. I've done business with him and he's good people. He is a member here. Suggest a PM followed by a phone call.

 

[Shredla]

@AR15barrels
Would probably have some solid insight on this.

 

[echo1]

..... I do know they are Uzis...

The plot thickens...but at least they're only modern stuff, not 1921A1 Thompsen, MP 44, PPS or some other really cool sub-guns, crush away BATF. PAX

 

[Heatseeker]

The plot thickens...but at least they're only modern stuff, not 1921A1 Thompsen, MP 44, PPS or some other really cool sub-guns, crush away BATF. PAX

I will meet you at Spicer...

 

[Least Deranged Nowi Fan]

I appreciate all the responses.

I think I will just refer my buddy to Michel and Associates.

In response to the questions, I have no idea how or when they were acquired, how they are stored or what the will states. I do know they are Uzis. And from what my PI friend described to me from photos the client took, the safety switch has three positions marked A R S iirc. He is a bit of a gun guy, so he knew something was up when he looked at the pics he received.

Selector switches don't mean anything by themselves, I have a semi auto UZI carbine clone with a semi modified trigger group with ARS markings too

 

[Heatseeker]

Selector switches don't mean anything by themselves, I have a semi auto UZI carbine clone with a semi modified trigger group with ARS markings too

That's a good point. Maybe I will invite my friend to the hills to find out for sure what he's dealing with!

Kidding...just kidding.

 

[DRH50BMG]

Retract the bolt and see if it has a fixed firing pin for open bolt full auto or a separate floating firing pin for closed bolt semi auto. As mentioned, any semi auto originating from a full auto parts kit will have a three position selector. Note that "IMI" Uzi is listed as a category 2 assault weapon by manufacturer and model regardless of any evil features, not sure of the make and model in question. With a pistol grip, and potentially a folding stock, if it is a rifle it would have to be registered as an assault weapon due to evil features or have a grip wrap added (and stock if present pinned). Even if they were illegal full autos, the receivers could be cut up and deactivated leaving the parts kits for sale to recoup some monies.