Can a regualr guy own an automatic?

H

HighTen

Joined
Aug 28, 2004
Messages
139
I have been wondering this because I've read here that autos are legal in Arizona for example but every place (it seems) they're sold says "...only for police officers and active duty military..."

So can only law enforcement and active military own autos or can a "regular guy" like me get one? Just wondering-this whole thing has me confused.

Thanks.
 
here in florida ---they are legal to own and carry---mostly i buy mine at gunshows but a few dealers sell them and i have bought a few online ---last time I lived in AZ was 1980 and last time is was there was 1995---so cant really guide you---might want to just call up some knife/gun/army-navy stores
 
Autos are legal to carry in Arizona. They are governed by the same carry laws as any other knives.

If you carry it concealed and get caught, it is the same as any other concealed knife. If you aren't doing anything to show probable cause, then you should not have any problems.

Arizona has probably the most open carry laws as anywhere.
 
You can buy switchblades at the mall in Arizona. Bad idea though, they charge retail; you can find places far cheaper (like Bladerunner in Tucson). They won't sell if you're under 21 though.

One question though, when you say that they'll only sell to LEO or active military, is that just some sign sitting around, or is that what the clerks are actually telling you? It is not illegal to sell an automatic knife to civilian. If they won't sell to you for some BS reason, tell them to go to hell and give somebody else your money.

I have seen some signs at places that say "Benchmade automatic knives are for Active Duty Military or Law Enforcment", but it was only for Benchmades, and the stores didn't enforce it. Most likely the sign is there because Benchmade requires it of their authorized dealers, and not for legal reasons.
 
Thanks for clearing this up everyone. I am really starting to love this forum!

Planterz, I have never tried to buy an auto, I've just seen this kind of stuff on internet sites that sell autos. For example, I was looking at Benchmades at www.knifecenter.com and it said "only law enforcement and active military" next to each model. It's funny you mention it, but I just told a car dealership the other day to go to hell so I won't be shy about knife stores either.
 
Most likely the sign is there because Benchmade requires it of their authorized dealers, and not for legal reasons.
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If a dealer is purchasing knives through interstate commerce, the law is that it has to either directly to or for sale to LE, .MIL, ...
 
Well, the point is how would High Ten intend to get his automatic from Knife Center should he order one if not by interstate shipment? He is apparently in Arizona and they are in Silver Spring, Maryland. The same would apply to buying from New Graham in Virginia or Knifeworks in Louisiana.
 
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