of the ATF allowed a one-month amnesty period so that returning servicemen from Vietnam could register their war trophies. It was during this period that many AK47s, PPSH41s, and MP40 machine guns were put into the system. Many more U.S. and foreign manufactured guns were also registered at this time as well. All of these guns command a premium because of their originality and registration.
Pre-1986 conversions or guns with newly manufactured receivers: Domestic production of NFA weapons continued until 1986, when the Hughes amendment to the 1986 Firearms Owners Protection Act prohibited the registration of domestic machine guns. Thus the door was closed to any further production of machine guns available to individuals. NFA weapons already registered could remain in the system and be transferred to qualified individuals. This situation drove prices higher and continues to do so. This group of weapons consists of many desirable semi-automatics that were legally converted into fully-automatic weapons. These include the AR-15 converted to M-16, HK94s converted to the MP5, the HK91s converted to the G3, and the HK93 converted to the HK33.
There is another classification of Class III guns that are not original guns but are instead referred to as “side plate guns.” A newly manufactured side plate is registered as the receiver on these guns. These include belt-fed Browning Model 1917s, 1919s, M-2 .50-cal., Vickers, and a few others. There are also re-welds or rewats. These are guns that were deactivated There are also re-welds or rewats.
These are guns that were deactivated and then reactivated. Pricing for these categories can be confusing, and it is suggested that the collector or shooter seek expert advice before a purchase. Most pre-1968 imports and all pre-1986 domestically made machine guns are transferrable to individuals, if they live in a state that allows individuals to possess them.
Pre-1986 Dealer Samples: Those individuals who wish to be Class III dealers in machine guns have many more NFA weapons to choose from, especially the newer, more contemporary designs. Pre-1986 dealer samples, imported before 1986, can be transferred between dealers only and retained personally by them after they surrender their Class III licenses. These dealer samples can be transferred only to other dealers.
Post-1986 dealer samples are even more restrictive. Only dealers wishing to demonstrate these weapons and who can produce a law enforcement letter can obtain them. Unlike the pre-1986 samples, these post-1986 samples cannot be retained after the registrant’s license is surrendered.
For those readers who are interested in advancing their knowledge and understanding of Class III firearms, it is recommended that they subscribe to Small Arms Review, a first rate publication that has many informative and useful features. There are sections on the law, new products, and illuminating articles on all aspects of NFA weapons and their history. Small Arms Review may be contacted at Moose Lake Publishing, 223 Sugar Hill Rd., Harmony, ME 04942. Telephone 207-683-2959 or FAX 203-683-2172. E-mail [email protected]. Web site: www.smallarmsreview.com.
NOTE: The prices listed for Class III firearms reflect the most current information as of publication date. Prices for Class III firearms are very volatile with rapid and sudden price changes. It is highly recommended that the latest market prices be verified in a particular market prior to a purchase.
DEWAT (Deactivated War Trophy) MACHINE GUNS: Mention should be made that these guns, which have been rendered inactive according to BATF regulations, have a general value that is a rough percentage of the value of their active counterparts of approximately 85 percent. This percentage is only an approximation because of a wide range of factors ranging from who performed the deactivation, the extent of the work, how difficult it would be to reactivate the gun, and whether or not the work could be done without altering the basic look and function of the original. The collector should note that very rare machine guns, DEWAT or not, will bring the same price.
Thompson Model 1921A DEWAT • Courtesy Amoskeag Auction Company
An M-3 submachine gun registered as a DEWAT • Courtesy Amoskeag Auction Company
ARGENTINA
Argentine Military Conflicts, 1870-Present
During the latter part of the 19th century Argentina suffered from political instability and military coups. This instability continued into the 20th century. Argentina adopted a pre-Axis neutrality during World War II and finally entered the war on the Allied side in 1945. With a military coup in 1944 Colonel Juan Peron rose to power and implemented a popular dictatorship. The subsequent 30 years saw Peron and his wives come and go in power with the eventual coup in 1976 that led to a repressive military junta led by General Galteri. In 1982, Argentina occupied the Falkland Islands and was defeated by the British in the war that followed. The balance of its 20th century history is marked by economic difficulties and austerity measures.
NOTE: Argentina manufactures most of its small arms in government factories located in different locations around the country. This factory is known as the Fabrica Militar de Armas Portatiles “Domingo Matheu” (FMAP “DM”). It is located in Rosario.
HANDGUNS
Argentina used a small number of Star selective fire pistols for its special forces. See Spain, Handguns, Star Model M.
Steyr Mannlicher Model 1905
A semi-automatic pistol chambered in 7.65mm Mannlicher. It has a six inch barrel. Made in Austria by Waffenfabrik Steyr. The first self loading pistol used by the Argentine military. Manufactured with the Argentine crest on the left side of the frame cover. The crest was ground off the pistols sold as surplus in the 1960s. Frequently found in excellent condition, these pistols saw little use.
NOTE: Add 100 percent for pistols with intact Argentine crest.
Argentine D.G.F.M. (Colt 1911A1 type)
(Direccion General de Fabricaciones Militares) made at the F.M.A.P. (Fabrica Militar de Arms Portatiles (Military Factory of Small Arms)) Licensed copies SN 24,000 to 112,494 (Parts are generally interchangeable with those of the Colt 1911A1. Most pistols were marked “D.G.F.M. - (F.M.A.P.).” Late pistols were marked FM within a cartouche on the right side of the slide. These pistols are found both with and without import markings, often in excellent condition, currently more often in refinished condition, and with a seemingly endless variety of slide markings. None of these variations have yet achieved any particular collector status or distinction, unless “New In Box.” A NIB DGFM recently sold at auction for $1200. Price for pistol with matching frame, slide and barrel. Deduct 20 percent for mismatch.
Argentine D.G.F.M., left view (top); right view (bottom) • Courtesy Karl Karash collection
Argentine Made Ballester Molina
Unlicensed,
