Dateline: 08/01/02

U.S. veterans and their heirs would be allowed to register war-era trophy guns for a limited time under a new bill recently introduced in Congress.

Rep. Jim Gibbons (R-Nevada, 2nd), member of the House Veterans Affairs Committee has introduced H.R. 5176, the Veterans’ Heritage Firearms Act of 2002, which would allow an amnesty period during which veterans and their family members would be allowed to register guns that the U.S. military had allowed them to take home after their tour of duty in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record maintained by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF).

"Innocent veterans who possess war relic firearms are in jeopardy of being unjustly convicted of serious felonies," stated Rep. Gibbons. "These veterans fought to secure freedom and preserve our national security. When they returned home they focused on reuniting with their family, securing an education, and building a home--- not on wading through the burdensome bureaucracy associated with registering a firearm."

"Providing these heroes with an opportunity to register their war relics is the fair answer to this unfortunate situation," added Gibbons

"Without this legislation we are punishing veterans for diligently serving our great nation," Rep. Gibbons said. “We should not deny them a treasured souvenir because of a loophole in the law. Passing this legislation is not only a thoughtful thing to do but the right thing to do."

Provides Amnesty Period for Veterans
Currently, if the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record does not show a veteran’s firearm in the registry, the relic may be seized and destroyed. The veteran or their heir may also be held criminally responsible. The Veterans’ Heritage Firearms Act will provide a limited amnesty for veterans who served overseas between June 26, 1934, and Oct. 31, 1968, to register their firearms without fear of prosecution. The amnesty also extends to their lawful heirs. Such an amnesty is not unprecedented. Congress granted a limited amnesty in 1968, but most veterans failed to receive notice in time to participate.

Status of the Bill
The Veterans’ Heritage Firearms Act is now before House committees and may be considered by the full House in September.

What is a Curio or Relic Firearm?
Firearm curios or relics include firearms which have special value to collectors because they possess some qualities not ordinarily associated with firearms intended for sporting use or as offensive or defensive weapons. To be recognized as curios or relics, firearms must fall within one of the following categories:

• Have been manufactured at least 50 years prior to the current date, but not including replicas thereof; or
• Be certified by the curator of a municipal, state or Federal museum which exhibits firearms to be curios or relics of museum interest; or
• Derive a substantial part of their monetary value from the fact that they are novel, rare, bizarre, or from the fact of their association with some historical figure, period, or event.
  [Source: ATF - from 27 CFR 178.11]
• More information on laws applying to ownership of curio or relic firearms 
  Firearms classified as curios or relics under 18 U.S.C. Chapter 44
  From the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms