Topeka — Kansans will be able to own machine guns, other fully automatic weapons, sawed-off shotguns and silencers starting July 1.
Gov. Kathleen Sebelius signed a bill Monday to legalize the possession of such weapons. The state banned owning machine guns in 1933, but some legislators said a change was necessary because legal questions threaten to keep dealers from delivering weapons to law enforcement agencies.
Supporters believe the bill will benefit mostly collectors because machine guns typically cost at least $20,000. Also, anyone wanting to own such weapons must undergo two federal background checks.
“I can’t even afford them,” said Sen. Phil Journey, a Haysville Republican who is a strong gun-rights advocate and championed the bill. “There may be some very happy collectors who have significant disposable income.”
The bill had bipartisan support among legislators and passed both chambers with more than the two-thirds majorities necessary to override a veto.
“I suspect that the governor knows that it’s not good public policy for the state of Kansas, but she has to pick and choose the battles she takes on,” said Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman John Vratil, a Leawood Republican who opposed the measure.
In announcing her action, Sebelius didn’t elaborate on her reasons for signing the bill. Her past actions on gun issues had raised questions about whether she would.
In 2006, she vetoed a bill allowing qualified Kansans to carry concealed handguns, only to see the Legislature override her. Last year, she rejected a bill preventing local governments from imposing additional restrictions on concealed guns, and legislators once again nullified her veto.
But spokeswoman Nicole Corcoran said Sebelius didn’t receive numerous calls from law enforcement officers asking her to veto this year’s measure, as she did with the concealed carry bill two years ago.
“Governor Sebelius carefully reviewed this bill, which is similar to the laws of 30 other states that require compliance with extensive federal guidelines,” Corcoran said.
Those federal guidelines not only will require two background checks, but also the approval of a prospective gun owner’s local sheriff or police chief.
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RE: Machine guns and sawed off shottys legal in Kansas!
Congrats to our Kansas brothers.... I can't believe Seabiscut signed it, I remember what a fight she put up when you guys were trying for concealed carry.
Maybe this is the next round of pro gun legislation that will be making the rounds, now that all but 2 states have CCW.
RE: Machine guns and sawed off shottys legal in Kansas!
If your Police Chief and your County Sheriff both believe you shouldn't own an automatic weapon you can form a corporation and bypass the need for local permission.
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RE: Machine guns and sawed off shottys legal in Kansas!
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Why Pray Tell, do people need automatic weapons and silencers? Not the 2nd Amendment reason either.....the REAL reason..............
Because I can.
They are great investments.
I enjoy wasting money needlessly on ammo.
I enjoy that it drives some people nuts knowing that I own a FA.
And last but not least, why do I need one? Well, why do you need a bike that goes faster than the speed limit? My gun is legal, just like your bike, and neither one will harm anyone if used properly.
As for silencers, in Europe it is considered quite rude to not silence your weapons. Wouldn't it be nice to shoot on a range without all the noise? If silencers were more common, maybe we would have more public ranges in suburban areas.
And if you ever haerd a real silencer, not a movie one, you would know why they are actually called supressors, they do not silence the noise, just reduce it and that is only when used with the correct ammo.
FYI, the only time a legally owned fully automatic weapon was used in a crime was by a sheriff.
RE: Machine guns and sawed off shottys legal in Kansas!
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ORIGINAL: galtjunk
If your Police Chief and your County Sheriff both believe you shouldn't own an automatic weapon you can form a corporation and bypass the need for local permission.
Yea but then you have to keep renewing the corp. etc. and filing etc. What a Pain.. I have 3 silenced ATF permits (personal) and all is good.
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Machine guns and sawed off shottys legal in Kansas!
