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Resources & guides

What is My Machine Gun Worth?

This valuation guide focuses exclusively on transferable machine guns — rare, legally owned firearms that hold significant market value. These are machine guns registered before 1986 (excluding machine guns imported into the U.S. after 1968) that private individuals can buy and sell under federal law.

Use this guide to explore current pricing trends and estimated retail values based on recent sales data. Note that pre- and post-1986 “Dealer Sample” firearms are not included.

Submit Your Machine Gun for a Free Offer

Sell Your Transferable Machine Gun to WeBuyGuns.com

WeBuyGuns.com is a federally licensed FFL with a Class 3 SOT — which means we can legally buy transferable machine guns from private sellers across the United States.

Whether you’re selling a MAC-10, M16A1, MP5, or a rare belt-fed like the M60, we make the process simple and fully compliant with all federal regulations.

Here's how it works

Submit Firearm
Submit your firearm

Tell us what you have by filling out our quick online form. Include a few photos and basic details.

Receive your offer
Receive your offer

Our team will review your submission and respond within 24–48 business hours with a competitive cash offer.

Ship your firearm
Ship your firearm

If you accept the offer, we’ll provide a prepaid shipping label and take care of all necessary legal paperwork.

Get paid
Get paid

Once the firearm is received and the transfer is approved, we’ll send payment via ACH or check.

Have questions about paperwork, transfer status, or inherited firearms?

Call us at (317) 804-8713 — we’re happy to help.

Common U.S. Transferable Machine Guns

These American-made models are among the most frequently traded and collected transferable machine guns. Click any model to learn more about its value and history.

Heavy and Light Machine Guns

M1895 'Potato Digger'

M1895 'Potato Digger'

Early gas-operated machine gun used by U.S. forces, known for its distinctive swinging lever action.
1919A4

1919A4

Belt-fed .30 caliber machine gun commonly used in WWII and Korea; highly customizable with sideplate and C&R examples.
1919A6

1919A6

Infantry variant of the 1919A4 with a shoulder stock and bipod for portable field use.
M37 'Tanker'

M37 'Tanker'

Modified version of the 1919 machine gun designed for vehicle and tank mounts.
AN/M2

AN/M2

Aircraft-mounted .30 caliber machine gun adapted from the Browning M1919, known for its high cyclic rate.
Browning 1917

Browning 1917

Water-cooled .30 caliber machine gun used in WWI and WWII for sustained fire support.
Browning 1917A1

Browning 1917A1

Improved water-cooled heavy machine gun, serving through WWII and Korea.
M2 Ma Deuce

M2 "Ma Deuce"

Legendary .50 BMG heavy machine gun with decades of U.S. military service.
M1918 BAR

M1918 BAR

The Browning Automatic Rifle, used extensively from WWI through Korea for squad support fire.
M1918A2 BAR

M1918A2 BAR

Updated select-fire version of the BAR, standardized for WWII infantry squads.
M60

M60

Belt-fed 7.62mm machine gun used widely from Vietnam to the early 2000s.

Submachine Guns

1921 Thompson

1921 Thompson

Iconic early Thompson with a high rate of fire and historical significance from the Prohibition era.
1928 Thompson

1928 Thompson

Finned barrel and Cutts compensator make this variant popular with collectors and WWII reenactors alike.
1928A1 Thompson

1928A1 Thompson

Military version of the 1928 with simplified features for wartime production.
M1 Thompson

M1 Thompson

Streamlined .45 caliber SMG developed for WWII infantry use, with simplified internals.
M1A1 Thompson

M1A1 Thompson

Iconic WWII-era submachine gun, highly collectible in both West Hurley and Bridgeport configurations.
H&R Reising M50

H&R Reising M50

Lightweight submachine gun issued to U.S. Marines during WWII; less common among collectors.
H&R Reising M55

H&R Reising M55

Folding-stock variant of the M50 designed for paratrooper and vehicle crew use.
M3 'Grease Gun'

M3 'Grease Gun'

WWII-era stamped steel .45 ACP SMG — rugged, cheap and easy to produce.
M3A1 'Grease Gun'

M3A1 'Grease Gun'

Compact SMG used by tank crews and paratroopers; valued for its simplicity and ruggedness.
MAC 10

MAC 10

Compact SMG produced by Military Armament Corporation; popular for aftermarket upgrades like LAGE uppers.
MAC M11

MAC 11

Subcompact version of the MAC 10 produced by Military Armament Corporation chambered in .380 ACP.
Smith & Wesson M76

Smith & Wesson M76

9mm SMG patterned after the Swedish K, adopted by U.S. Navy SEALs in the Vietnam era.
Stemple 76/45

Stemple 76/45

Aftermarket SMG built to replicate the S&W M76, known for affordability and .45 ACP chambering.
Tec-9

Tec-9

Semi-auto pistol converted to full-auto; controversial and often seen in post-sample collections.
American 180

American 180

.22LR drum-fed SMG capable of extremely high rates of fire; unique and niche among collectors.

Select-Fire Rifles

M2 Carbine

M2 Carbine

Select-fire version of the M1 Carbine, widely used in Korea and post-WWII conflicts.
M14

M14

Select-fire battle rifle chambered in 7.62 NATO; original and converted M1A versions vary in value.
Ruger AC556

Ruger AC556

Full-auto version of the Mini-14 with folding stock options and compact handling.
M16A1

M16A1

Vietnam-era 5.56mm select-fire rifle issued widely to U.S. troops; C&R examples are highly sought after.
M16A2

M16A2

Improved M16 variant with burst fire control and updated rear sight for modern combat use.
M4

M4

Compact carbine version of the M16 platform with telescoping stock and burst/auto selector.
Converted AR15

Converted AR15

Semi-auto AR15s legally converted to full auto with sears or trigger packs; varies greatly by builder.
AR18

AR18

Upgraded version of the AR180 with improved reliability and export success.
AR180

AR180

Stamped-steel select-fire rifle from Armalite; predecessor to many modern designs.

Looking for something specific?

This list includes popular examples, but we value many more models than shown here.

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Common German Transferable Machine Guns

Germany is home to some of the most iconic and collectible machine guns in the world. These models represent both WWII-era innovations and Cold War engineering. Each listed firearm is a transferable machine gun that may be legally sold to individuals in the United States under the NFA.

Heavy and Light Machine Guns

MG08

MG08

German WWI water-cooled Maxim gun, heavy and tripod-mounted for sustained fire.
MG08/15

MG08/15

Portable WWI variant of the MG08, fitted with a bipod and shoulder stock.
MG13

MG13

Early interwar-era LMG developed by Germany, fed by 25-round box magazines.
MG15

MG15

Aircraft defensive machine gun adapted for ground use towards the end of WWII.
MG17

MG17

Rheinmetall-designed 7.92mm machine gun for fixed aircraft mountings.
MG34

MG34

The world's first general-purpose machine gun, prized for its precision machining.
MG42

MG42

German WWII-era GPMG known for its extremely high rate of fire and distinctive sound.
MG81

MG81

Fast-firing Luftwaffe machine gun, occasionally found in twin or dual-barrel configurations.
HK21

HK21

Versatile belt-fed GPMG built on the roller-delayed G3 platform, used in NATO and export roles.

Submachine Guns

MP18

MP18

The world’s first practical submachine gun, fielded by German stormtroopers in WWI.
MP28

MP28

Successor to the MP18, updated with select fire and improved ergonomics.
MP35

MP35

Well-crafted pre-WWII SMG, later used by Waffen-SS and police units.
ERMA EMP

ERMA EMP

Pre-WWII export SMG with distinctive barrel shroud and left-side magwell.
MP38

MP38

Predecessor to the MP40; early German WWII submachine gun prized for its historical value.
MP40

MP40

Famous WWII-era German submachine gun with folding stock and stamped parts for mass production.
HK MP5

HK MP5

Renowned 9mm roller-delayed SMG used by military and law enforcement worldwide.
HK MP5K

HK MP5K

Compact variant of the MP5 favored for its portability and iconic HK roller-delayed action.

Select-Fire Rifles

StG 44

StG 44

The world’s first assault rifle, chambered in 7.92x33 Kurz and deployed late in WWII.
HK G3

HK G3

Battle rifle chambered in 7.62 NATO, known for its roller-delayed blowback action.

Don’t see your model listed?

We value German firearms of all types, including rare or less commonly seen variations.

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Common Russian Transferable Machine Guns

Russian machine guns are known for their rugged reliability, combat heritage, and distinctive Cold War design. These transferable models have seen use across the globe and are prized by collectors for their mechanical simplicity and iconic status.

Heavy and Light Machine Guns

M1910 Maxim

M1910 Maxim

Russian adaptation of the Maxim gun with wheeled carriage and iconic top shield.
DP28

DP28

WWII-era Soviet light machine gun with top-mounted pan magazine and rugged design.
RPK

RPK

Kalashnikov-pattern squad automatic weapon with extended barrel and bipod, designed for reliability.

Submachine Guns

PPSH-41

PPSH-41

Drum-fed 7.62x25mm submachine gun famous for its WWII service and high rate of fire.
PPS-43

PPS-43

Stamped steel Soviet SMG used in the latter half of WWII — simple, light, and effective.

Select-Fire Rifles

AK-47

AK-47

The most widely used assault rifle in history, known for simplicity and dependability.
AVT-40

AVT-40

Select-fire version of the Soviet Tokarev SVT-40 battle rifle — a rare and powerful WWII piece.

Don’t see your model listed?

We value Russian machine guns of all types, including uncommon or less documented variants.

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Common Japanese Transferable Machine Guns

Japanese machine guns from the WWII era are prized for their unique engineering and rarity in the U.S. collector market. Many were aircraft or squad-based weapons designed with specific tactical roles in mind. Below is a list of transferable Japanese machine guns legally available for private ownership in the United States.

Heavy and Light Machine Guns

Type 11

Type 11

Japan's first light machine gun, top-fed and designed for use with stripper clips.
Type 96

Type 96

WWII light machine gun based on the ZB vz. 26, known for reliability and ease of use.
Type 99

Type 99

Improved version of the Type 96 chambered in 7.7mm — favored by infantry for mobile use.
Type 97

Type 97

Tank-mounted 7.7mm machine gun adapted from the Czech ZB26.
Type 92 (Lewis)

Type 92 (Lewis)

Japanese copy of the Lewis gun typically found mounted in aircraft and used as naval deck guns.
Type 92 HMG

Type 92 HMG

Tripod-mounted heavy machine gun nicknamed the “woodpecker” due to its slow cyclic rate.
Type 3 HMG

Type 3 HMG

Earler version of the type 92, distinctive for its spade grips.

Submachine Guns

Type 100

Type 100

Japanese submachine gun, chambered in 8mm Nambu and issued in limited numbers.

Don’t see your model listed?

We value Japanese machine guns of all kinds, including aircraft and tank-based variants.

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Common Italian Transferable Machine Guns

Italian machine guns are admired for their distinctive design and mechanical ingenuity. Though fewer in number than other countries, their historical relevance — particularly in WWII — makes them important additions to many collections. Below is a list of transferable Italian models currently seen in the U.S. market.

Heavy and Light Machine Guns

Breda 30

Breda 30

WWII Italian light machine gun chambered in 6.5mm Carcano, known for its complex mechanism.
Breda 37

Breda 37

Heavy machine gun used by Italian forces during WWII, reliable and accurate when maintained.

Submachine Guns

Beretta M1938

Beretta M1938

Highly regarded WWII submachine gun, praised for its accuracy and smooth operation.
Beretta 38/42

Beretta 38/42

Simplified variant of the Beretta M1938, issued later in WWII to Italian and German troops.

Select-Fire Rifles

BM59

BM59

Italian upgrade to the M1 Garand with detachable magazine and full-auto fire capability.

Don’t see your model listed?

We value Italian machine guns of all types, even rare or experimental variants.

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Common British and Australian Transferable Machine Guns

British and Australian machine guns include some of the most iconic firearms of the 20th century. These guns are known for their historical significance, especially during WWI and WWII, and many remain popular among collectors for their reliability and craftsmanship.

Heavy and Light Machine Guns

Vickers .303

Vickers .303

Water-cooled British machine gun used extensively from WWI through Korea in .303 British.
Colt Vickers 1918 30-06

Colt Vickers 1918 30-06

U.S. licensed version of the Vickers gun chambered in .30-06 — extremely rare and collectible.
Colt Vickers 1918 11mm

Colt Vickers 1918 11mm

Designed as an anti-balloon aircraft gun, this rare Vickers variant is chambered in 11mm French Gras.
Bren

Bren

Top-fed .303 light machine gun used by British and Commonwealth forces from WWII through the Falklands War.
Hotchkiss Portative

Hotchkiss Portative

Early strip-fed machine gun adopted by British forces during WWI — reliable and unique.
Lewis 1914

Lewis 1914

Classic .303 British machine gun with distinctive top pan magazine — widely used in WWI.
Lewis 1917

Lewis 1917

U.S.-made Lewis gun chambered in .30-06 — aircraft and infantry variants exist.

Submachine Guns

Owen Gun

Owen Gun

Australian WWII SMG known for reliability in jungle warfare; tube and C&R examples differ in value.
Sten MK II

Sten MK II

Common variant of the classic Sten gun — extremely light and compact design.
Sten MK V

Sten MK V

Late-war Sten variant with wooden stock and improved controls — designed for airborne forces.
Sterling

Sterling

Post-war British SMG used by the military into the 1980s — compact, rugged and well-built.

Don’t see your model listed?

We value British and Australian machine guns of all types — including early prototypes or rare conversions.

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Common French Transferable Machine Guns

French machine guns represent a unique evolution of early 20th-century military engineering. Though less commonly encountered in the U.S. market, transferable examples are prized for their distinctive operation and historical value.

Heavy and Light Machine Guns

Hotchkiss MLE 1914

Hotchkiss MLE 1914

Stripper clip-fed heavy machine gun used by French forces during WWI and WWII — durable and air-cooled.
FM 24/29

FM 24/29

French squad automatic weapon used from the interwar period through Indochina and Algeria — top-fed, 25-round mags.
Chauchat

Chauchat

WWI-era automatic rifle notorious for its poor performance but significant historic presence — chambered in 8mm Lebel.

Submachine Guns

MAS 38

MAS 38

Compact WWII-era submachine gun with excellent controllability, chambered in 7.65 French Longue.

Don’t see your model listed?

We value French machine guns of all types — especially early war and rare interwar examples.

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Common Belgian Transferable Machine Guns

Belgium, home of FN Herstal, has produced some of the most enduring and widely adopted military firearms in the world. These transferable machine guns are known for their quality, precision, and NATO-standard configurations.

FN FAL

FN FAL

Often called the “right arm of the free world,” this 7.62 NATO battle rifle was widely issued throughout NATO during the Cold War.
FN FNC

FN FNC

Modern 5.56mm NATO select-fire rifle adopted by Belgium and Sweden, precursor to the SCAR series.
FN Model D

FN Model D

Belgian version of the BAR with improved quick-change barrel system and bipod — durable and versatile.

Don’t see your model listed?

We value Belgian machine guns and rifles of all types — especially FN Herstal legacy systems.

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Other Transferable Machine Guns

These transferable machine guns originate from a diverse mix of countries including Austria, Israel, Denmark, Sweden, and others. While fewer in number, they reflect a range of Cold War-era and modern design philosophies, making them sought-after by collectors.

ZB26

ZB26

Czech light machine gun that influenced the design of the Bren gun; highly respected in collector circles.
ZB30

ZB30

Improved version of the ZB26 with upgraded sights and reliability; also used as a Bren predecessor.
Steyr AUG

Steyr AUG

Iconic bullpup design from Austria, select-fire with modular barrel system — highly collectible.
UZI

UZI

Compact Israeli SMG known for reliability, closed-bolt accuracy, and iconic silhouette.
Micro Uzi

Micro Uzi

Ultra-compact 9mm variant of the UZI, originally intended for VIP protection and elite forces.
Madsen Model 50

Madsen Model 50

Danish open-bolt submachine gun featuring a compact design.
Madsen LMG

Madsen LMG

One of the world’s first true light machine guns, used from WWI through the Cold War.
Carl Gustaf M45

Carl Gustaf M45

Swedish “K” SMG — simple and robust design used by special forces including the U.S. Navy SEALs in Vietnam.
Steyr MPi 69

Steyr MPi 69

Austrian 9mm SMG with integral vertical foregrip and polymer body — compact and innovative for its era.
Steyr MPi 81

Steyr MPi 81

Refined update to the MPi 69, with improved ergonomics and materials — rare on the U.S. market.
Valmet M78

Valmet M78

Finnish RPK-style light machine gun based on the Kalashnikov platform — rugged and high quality.
Valmet M76

Valmet M76

Select-fire Finnish assault rifle derived from the AK platform, chambered in 5.56 NATO or 7.62x39mm.
M1907/12 Schwarzlose

M1907/12 Schwarzlose

Austro-Hungarian water-cooled heavy machine gun with delayed-blowback operation — historically rich and visually striking.

Don’t see your model listed?

We value machine guns from all countries — including rare models, limited imports, and legacy prototypes.

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Frequently asked questions

If you can’t find the answer you’re looking for, reach out to customer support or view all FAQ's

What is a transferable machine gun?
A transferable machine gun is a fully automatic firearm that was lawfully registered before the 1986 Hughes Amendment to the National Firearms Act. These firearms can be legally transferred and owned by civilians who comply with all federal and local laws.
How can I tell if my machine gun is transferable?
Check your Form 4 paperwork. If the registered owner is a private individual and the firearm was registered before May 19, 1986, it is likely transferable. If you’re unsure, we can help verify — just give us a call or upload a copy of your Form 4 with your submission.
How much is my machine gun worth?
Value depends on the specific make, model, manufacturer, condition, and market demand. Use the guide on this page as a reference — prices typically range from $8,000 to over $100,000 depending on rarity and provenance.
Can I legally sell a machine gun?
Yes — if the machine gun is registered as transferable and you are legally allowed to own it, you can sell it to another individual or an FFL with the correct licenses, like WeBuyGuns.com. We handle all legal paperwork and compliance.
What documents do I need to sell my machine gun?
You’ll need a copy of your approved ATF Form 4. Uploading a redacted version helps us confirm its status and make you an accurate offer.
How long does it take to get an offer?
We typically respond to submissions within 24 to 48 business hours. If you include your Form 4 and photos, that helps us speed up the process.
Do I need to ship the machine gun myself?
Yes — once you accept our offer, you’ll be responsible for securely packing the firearm and attaching the prepaid shipping label we provide. WeBuyGuns handles all necessary legal paperwork, transfer documentation, and shipping coordination to ensure everything is safe, compliant, and hassle-free. If you need help preparing your package, we’re happy to guide you through it.
What are the most valuable machine guns?
Rarer models like the M60, Browning M2, and MP5 can command $40,000 to over $100,000. The condition, matching parts, and C&R status can greatly affect value.
Can I sell a machine gun registered to a deceased relative?
Yes — in many cases, heirs can legally transfer ownership if proper documentation exists. Contact us and we’ll walk you through the process.
How does the machine gun selling process work with WeBuyGuns.com?
It’s simple. Submit your firearm using our online offer form and be sure to select “Machine Gun” as the firearm type. Include photos and a copy (or redacted image) of your Form 4 to confirm its transferable status. Once we review your submission, we’ll send an offer within 24–48 business hours. If accepted, we’ll handle the paperwork and send you a prepaid shipping label.
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Legal Notes & Clarifications

Understanding the legal status of your machine gun is critical before determining its value or beginning a sale. Below are a few key considerations that apply to all machine guns in the United States.

What does “transferable” mean?

A machine gun is considered “transferable” if it was legally registered with the ATF prior to May 19, 1986 and can be sold or owned by civilians who meet federal and local legal requirements. These are the only machine guns eligible for private ownership and resale without special occupational licensing.

Why do prices vary so much?

The transferable machine gun market is highly specialized and influenced by rarity, manufacturer, historical provenance, and condition. Because no new transferable machine guns can be added to the registry, demand often outpaces supply — and prices reflect that. Bidding wars, economic conditions, and platform popularity can all cause dramatic value swings over time.

Inheriting or handling a deceased relative’s machine gun?

If you’re handling an estate and find a machine gun registered to a deceased family member, don’t panic — but don’t wait. These situations can be legally complex, and timing matters. Give us a call at 317-804-8713 and we’ll help guide you through next steps, including how to confirm its status and properly transfer ownership.

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