The Oregon Full Auto AR-15 Trigger Laws: The AR-15 Laws
With federal restrictions on the purchase of fully automatic AR-15 made for civilians after 1986, some people try to get around that by modifying their AR-15s. If you’re a gun enthusiast, you may be wondering about the full auto AR-15 trigger law in Oregon. There are numerous regulations that you’ll need to follow to stay compliant with the law.
Read on to learn everything you need to know about Oregon AR-15 laws, including what they are, what the penalties are, and how to stay compliant so you can avoid legal troubles. If you’re looking for a criminal defense lawyer in Portland, we can help! We’re located in Beaverton and serve the entire area including Clackamas County and Tigard. Click the button below to get a free legal consultation or give us a call.
What Is It?
In order to understand the full auto AR-15 trigger law in Oregon, it’s important to start with the federal regulations surrounding automatic weapons. Under the Firearm Owners’ Protection Act of 1986, civilians cannot own machine guns–including fully automatic AR-15s–that were manufactured after May 19, 1986. Additionally, any machine guns that you purchase must be registered with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF).
Because new fully automatic AR-15s cannot be purchased, some people try to get around this by modifying their semi-automatic AR-15s with forced reset triggers (FRTs) or binary triggers. These can increase the firing rate of semi-automatic guns to up to 20 bullets per second. However, there is some debate about their legality. The ATF classified FRTs and other modifications as machine guns, but a federal judge in Texas ruled this law as an overstep. While the debate about FRTs continues nationally, Oregon AR-15 laws are clear: devices that alter the trigger function are prohibited unless you have proper authorization.
Oregon AR-15 Laws
In Oregon, AR-15s are legal to own and possess. However, here are some firearm regulations you’ll have to follow in order to purchase an AR-15:
High-capacity magazine ban: The sale, transfer, and importation of magazines that can hold more than ten rounds of ammunition are prohibited.
Background check: Oregon requires background checks for all firearm purchases, including private sales and gun shows. This means there is no gun show loophole in Oregon.
Minor restrictions: Individuals under the age of 18 cannot purchase or possess AR-15s, except under specific circumstances, such as supervised hunting or shooting sports.
Safe storage law: Oregon has a safe storage law that requires all firearms to be securely stored with a trigger or cable lock, in a locked container, or in a gun safe, especially if minors could access the gun.
Punishments and Penalties
Per the full auto AR-15 trigger law in Oregon, if you modify an AR-15 without approval, you’ll face some serious consequences. Here are the punishments and penalties:
Felony: You’ll be charged with a class B felony for illegally owning or modifying a fully-automatic AR-15.
Prison time: If convicted, you’ll face up to 10 years in prison.
Fines: Conviction also comes with fines of up to $250,000 for each violation.
Confiscation: Authorities will confiscate all illegally modified firearms.
Ban on firearm ownership: If convicted, you’ll be faced with a ban on owning firearms for life.
Are AR-15s Legal in Oregon?
Oregon does not have any specific regulations banning AR-15s, which means AR-15s are generally legal to own and possess. However, you must comply with state and federal laws, including background checks and restrictions on magazine capacity. Additionally, AR-15 rifles have to comply with federal laws, including the prohibition on fully automatic firearms unless properly registered.
Process of Buying an AR-15 in Oregon
Here’s the process for legally purchasing an AR-15 in Oregon:
Pass a background check. You’ll need to do this through the Oregon State Police. The cost is around $10 and requires you to submit your thumbprints as well as show your government-issued ID.
Find a seller. You can purchase an AR-15 from a private seller or licensed firearm dealer, as long as you passed your background check.
There is no waiting period in Oregon to take your gun home, and no requirement to register your AR-15 once purchased. However, if you purchased a fully automatic AR-15 that was made before 1986, you’ll have to register it with the ATF.
Can You Use AR-15s for Self-Defense in Oregon?
Yes, you can use an AR-15 for self-defense in Oregon, as long as you’re following Oregon’s law’s surrounding self-defense. Per Oregon law, you can use deadly force to protect yourself or another person from imminent serious bodily harm or death. This includes using an AR-15 to defend yourself. However, the force must be proportional to the threat faced.
Conclusion
Federal law prohibits the purchase of machine guns, including fully-automatic AR-15s, made for civilians after 1986. With the rise in people modifying semi-automatic AR-15s, it’s important to understand the full auto AR-15 trigger law in Oregon. If you modify or possess a modified AR-15 in Oregon, you could face severe penalties, including fines and prison time.
If you have more questions about Full Auto AR-15 trigger law in Oregon or your gun rights, contact Powell Law today. We can answer your questions, including those about gun rights and gun rights restoration in Oregon.
*Nothing herein constitutes legal advice. You should obtain independent legal counsel regarding your specific factual situation.
