Bill would allow registration of old war-trophy weapons

[Paladin]

http://www.armytimes.com/story.php?f=1- ... 840856.php

"May 10, 2005

Bill would allow registration of
old war-trophy weapons

By Rick Maze
Times staff writer


Veterans of World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War could legally register firearms brought home as war trophies under a bill introduced May 4 by Rep. Jim Gibbons, R-Nev.
The bill, HR 2088, allows veterans and their heirs to register firearms that troops were allowed to bring home under U.S. military policy in effect at the time. It would not change existing policy for combat veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan who are barred from bringing back any captured weapons.

Called the Veterans’ Heritage Firearms Act, Gibbon’s bill applies to firearms brought back to the United States between June 26, 1934 and October 31, 1968. The veterans who brought back the firearms or their lawful heirs would have 90 days to register the guns without fear of prosecution.

Similar amnesty was approved by Congress in 1968 as new and tougher firearms rules took effect, but Gibbons said many veterans never knew they needed to register their weapons. Now, because they didn’t follow the 1968 procedures, those who brought a firearm home in full compliance with military rules and federal law face confiscation of the weapon and possible criminal charges if they are found to own an unregistered firearm, Gibbons said in a statement.

“Unfortunately, when our servicemen returned home from battle, many did not learn about the registration regulations until the short registration period had passed and it was too late,� Gibbons said.

Veterans “are currently in jeopardy of being unjustly convicted of serious felonies because they possess war relic firearms that they were authorized to bring home,� he said.

Gibbons’ bill contains a second provision under which any firearms confiscated from veterans would not be destroyed, but rather would be made available to museums to add to their permanent collections.

Gibbons introduced similar legislation last year, but it never came to a vote. He reintroduced the bill on May 4 with 50 original cosponsors, a bipartisan mix that includes Rep. Duncan Hunter, R-Calif., the House Armed Services Committee chairman. "

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Seems like a no-brainer bill to me. I'd hate to see WWII, Korean, and Vietnam vets convicted because they weren't given more time to register their weapons. It's disappointing that it hasn't gotten anywhere.

[BobCat]

Maybe I'm stupid - but register what weapons? Are they talking about full-auto weapons or just any weapons picked up on the battlefield?

If someone brought home a submachine gun or a machine gun, and this allows them to get it in the NFA registry and keep it, ok I guess.

If someone brought home a pistol or rifle, why does it need to be registered, and with whom? Am I missing something?

Thanks in advance for any clarification.

Regards,
Andrew

[Baytown]

It would be for weapons that fall under the NFA.

Glenn

[BobCat]

Thanks Glenn. That makes it clear!

Regards,
Andrew