Welcome back and thanks for coming back to wrap this topic with us here at The Kronzek Firm. We’ve been looking into the issue of gun laws in Michigan, and trying to peel back some of the confusion to get at the simple facts about what your rights are when it comes to firearms. So far we’ve looked at who can legally buy guns, how you license your weapon, and the specifics of where and how you can carry a firearm in Michigan. In this last segment we’ll be answering the last few questions we tend to get from confused readers…
5. Are semi-automatic rifles legal in Michigan?
This may sound like a trick question to those who aren’t familiar with Great Lakes gun laws or Michigan’s firearm charges, but it really isn’t. The term “assault rifle” gets tossed around a lot during gun rights debates, but it’s important to understand exactly what you’re talking about when you use those terms. There’s a big difference between a “machine gun” which fires multiple rounds with a single pull of the trigger, and a “semi-automatic rifle” which reloads the weapon automatically, but only fires one bullet per pull of the trigger.
Machine guns are illegal to manufacture, sell, or own in Michigan. Federal law requires that privately owned machine guns be registered with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF), however the transfer and possession of machine guns manufactured after May 19, 1986 is federally prohibited in most cases anyway. Michigan also prohibits anyone from converting a semi-automatic weapon into a fully automatic weapon.
6. Are bump-stocks legal in Michigan?
Bump stocks (which are also sometimes called bump fire stocks) are gun stocks that can be used to assist in bump firing. Bump fire is the act of using the recoil of a semi-automatic firearm or double-action revolver to fire bullets in rapid succession at the cost of accuracy. In essence, a bump stock mimics the firing motion of fully automatic weapons, but doesn’t technically make the firearm ‘automatic.’
In December 2018, ATF finalized a rule to include bump stocks under the definition of ‘machine gun,’ making them subject to federal prohibition laws as of March 26, 2019. In order to be in compliance with federal law, Michigan doesn’t allow the sale, manufacture or possession of bump stocks.
How do I know I’m not violating gun laws in Michigan?
We understand your concern. Laws regulating firearms seem to change often, and right now the subject of gun rights is very controversial, with people on both sides of the fence feeling very passionate about their positions. If you’ve been accused of violating state or federal firearms laws, you’re going to need help from aggressive criminal defense attorneys who understand what you’re up against.The Kronzek Firm has been representing our clients in the lower peninsula of Michigan for decades.
Here at The Kronzek Firm we’ve handled countless gun crime cases over the years, and won many successful outcomes for our clients. We know how challenging it can be to stay current on the law, and how hard it is to fight for your rights during such politically turbulent times, but it’s what we do. And we’re very good at it! So if you need help in Lansing, Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, Adrian, Alma or Jackson, call 866 766 5245 today. We’re here for you.