I’ve wanted the opportunity to fire a full auto gun for years.  Fortunately, some FBI agents in Alexandria let that dream come true recently.

Civilian ownerships of machine guns (any weapon that fires more than one round per trigger pull) is perfectly legal when the regulations are followed.  It’s the same process as owning a suppressor.  The catch is the Hughes Amendment in 1986 banned civilian ownership of any newly manufactured machine guns.  This means supply was now completely stopped and demand kept increasing.  Thus a M16 manufactured in 1985 which was worth $1,000 now can fetch a price of over $25,000.  Crazy huh?

So to shoot one of these babies was a special treat.  I got to experience an FBI issued MP5 chambered in 10mm with a 2 round burst feature, and then I ran 2 magazines through a short barreled M4 carbine in 223.

Full auto has a useful niche in the tactical world.  But it really throws marksmanship out the window and replaces it with a spray and pray cover fire. Full auto is also very inaccurate due to the recoil.  Nevertheless, it is FUN!  If someone offers a chance to fire one, don’t pass up the opportunity, especially if you aren’t paying for the ammo ;)