Rev. Mike

BigRed, I for one would not want to wave a red flag at the federal bull. But if you do make that phone call, please by all means let this forum know how it came out.

So what are the prices on the helmets, caps & etc? Look like nice, accurate copies to me....

Check out this site: www.ssroom/com. Look under weapons. The site is Schoessler's Supply Room. Regards, Mike

In brief, you must put "regular hours" in the application but they may be minimal. For example, when I made my application I put "10:00 AM - 12:00 Noon Saturdays and by appointment" . It went through without any trouble. As for not having a storefront operation this seems to be pretty much a question of local laws. I never had a business license, but did have to get a state tax number and file monthly returns, even when I had no sales. I was a non-stocking dealer and ordered after the customer paid me. Also bear in mind that you must actually run a legitimate business - it can't be simply a method of buying for oneself at wholesale prices. Most localities will want a business license and if the zoning is residential you may be out of luck. Other jurisdictions may treat you no differently from the Avon Lady next door. Also don't forget that you may have covenants and restrictions in some neighborhoods. I guess my experience tells me that the Feds require you to follow Federal law and all applicable local laws and naturally you would want to do so in any case. Dealers who try and fudge the law give anti-second amenment folks more ammo to woark against us. As for me, I gave my license up several years ago since I was tired of the paperwork and quite honestly some of the characters who wished to purchase from me as a "kitchen table" dealer were unsavory to say the least. Whatever you decide to do, good luck and be careful out there!

Yes, my experience is that three weeks to a month is about the time it takes. For what one can purchase directly it is a good deal indeed.

I received an inquiry regarding the Marushin MP40 from a Marcus Holt, who I presume got my name from this board. Sorry I can't reply to you as your email address is not working. Please resend to me with a good address and I will try to answer your questions.

"GunsAmerica is a directory service, nothing more.." - so says their disclaimer. Someone is ging to get burned and badly. Unfortunately the first victims will be the unsuspecting new collectors who will only be able to plead ignorance of the law. Perhaps GunsAmerica could face some sort of charge as facilitating an illegal transaction. This will be interesting to watch. http://www.machinegunbooks.com/forums/invboard1_1_2/upload/html/emoticons/cool.gif

Not a good idea!!!! If it was in the original box and clearly marked "TOY" or some such it MIGHT get by. However with the increased use of x-ray and other techniques to examine parcels, it could well be picked up. Customs might seize it - they have seized a few Marushins I'm told - or BATFE might get involved at which point I would not want to be the addressee of the parcel. I think the safetest and wisest course is to follow the law in this matter - even if one doesn't agree with it. Perhaps some other folks out there would like to comment on this issue? http://www.machinegunbooks.com/forums/invboard1_1_2/upload/html/emoticons/cool.gif

What a great question and one that I have asked myself in the past. I think that the Sten is a much simpler weapon to manufacture and it looks like what it is - a basic, easy t o make and maintain weapon. The MP40 has a sort of "cachet" I suppose from it's association with Nazi Germany. Almost all Third Reich collectable items are valued higher than their corresponding Allied counterparts. They are quite visible in war movies and are one of the most easily recognized (along with Thompsons) of all military weapons. I think that the MP40 was widely used in many parts of the world after WWII, but I am not sure about the Sten. MP40's are not uncommon and in other countries parts kits are rather reasonable. I think that there is a reluctance to cut these babies up for import. For comparison Marstar in Canada lists VG-Exc operational MP40's at $695.00 with cleaning kit and one 32 round magazine. Unfortunately US citizens can't get our hands on these nor on the live Thompsons that they carry. Right now it simply appears to be a case of supply versus demand in this country. If there was not a demand on the part of shooters and collectors the price would no doubt fall. A good number of these were liberated by GI's and subsequently became dewats or were registered in class III States and during the last (and probably final) amnesty period. I would like to own a semi-auto version of the weapon, but none has yet gotten BATFE approval so in the meanwhile, I take down my Marushin and dream of the day..........

To the best of my knowledge it would not be legal in the US. Several threads on the old board have touched on this and if I remember correctly, BATFE has never accepted a full auto blank firing only model of this weapon. I think that's because they envision the barrel being swaped out for for a regular one or some such. The Feds are real funny about full auto and I would be very surprised if a converted toy would pass muster and it surely would not be worth a trip to Cub Fed. I have heard that at least one firm is attempting to manufacture a semi auto version so keep your fingers crossed. If they are successful you can bet that sensitive parts MP40 parts will not interchange.

The old MCG's are great but hard to find. If you have any interest in a Marushin let me know - I have several of them. http://www.machinegunbooks.com/forums/invboard1_1_2/upload/html/emoticons/cool.gif

Hi K98, The answer is NO. Not only would it be illegal but very dangerous, as the Marushin is not enginered to fire live or blank ammo. Just be happy with the Marushin as the great display piece that it is. Your message seems to indicate that you need to read up on Federal Firearms Laws and I would hope that you will do so. We would all hate to see you taking a vacation at Club Fed.

Actually Marushin MP40's are kind of neat for displays and such. As for reenacting, I would think one would not fire too many rounds except from a fixed position because the brass cartridges are too pricey to lose. The price you paid was not too bad, but they can be had for a bit less on occasion. You might be able to sell it on line - ebay usually has these things and at about the same price level. If nothing else you can hang it on the wall as a reminder that if it seems too good to be true, it probably is. "Caveat emptor"

Just curious - have you ever received anything from Flashco? If so was it a Marushin or similar? Was the Luger a water pistol? Enquiring minds want to know....

I converted a "non-firing" display Marushin MP40 to use the PFC system. It might work with an MGC since I am relatively sure that the dimensions are probably the same. Not having an MGC I would have to look at one to be certain. There is a fellow who will sell you a set of plans to make up parts for the Marushin and that would be easier than me trying to describe it to you. Contact him at bruzd@bjdsales.com If you need help after talking with him I'll try to assist you.