NBC News falsely claimed that machine guns have been illegal in the United States since 1986. Machine guns manufactured before May 19, 1986, are legal and can be bought and sold in states where possession is allowed.
Key Points
Machine guns manufactured before May 19, 1986, are legal in the U.S.
Machine guns fall under the National Firearms Act and have a cumbersome purchasing process.
Prices for pre-1986 machine guns can be high due to limited availability.
Pros
Clarifies misinformation about machine gun laws in the U.S.
Provides context about the legality of machine guns manufactured before 1986.