Full Auto AR-15 Trigger Law in Oregon
AR-15 owners in Oregon should be familiar with the Full Auto AR-15 Trigger Law to stay compliant with state and federal regulations. While AR-15s are extremely popular, modifying them with full-auto triggers is heavily restricted and can lead to some serious legal issues. Staying informed about these laws is the best way to make sure you’re in the clear and following the rules.
What Is It?
In Oregon, fully automatic firearms, including an AR-15 with a full auto trigger, are very much regulated under both federal and state law. The AR-15 is classified as a semi-automatic weapon, meaning that it fires one round per trigger pull, while a full-auto trigger would allow continuous firing with a single trigger pull, making it illegal unless specific federal requirements are met.
● Federal restrictions: Fully automatic firearms are governed by the National Firearms Act (NFA). Under this law, civilians are generally prohibited from owning any machine guns made after 1986, including AR-15s with full-auto triggers.
● Registration required: To legally own a fully automatic firearm, it must be registered with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). The process requires paying a $200 tax stamp, completing extensive paperwork, and passing a background check.
While semi-automatic AR-15s are legal in Oregon, converting one to full-auto without the proper federal authorization is deemed strictly illegal.
Are AR-15s Legal in Oregon?
Yes, AR-15s are legal to own in Oregon. The state doesn’t require firearm owners to register their AR-15s, and there's no mandatory waiting period before purchasing one. However, all buyers must pass a background check, whether the purchase is from a private seller, a licensed dealer, or at a gun show. Despite what some may believe, there isn't a "gun show loophole" in Oregon. Every firearm purchased in the state, including those
made at gun shows, must go through a background check facilitated by the Oregon State Police.
Punishments and Penalties
In Oregon, possessing or modifying an AR-15 to have a full-auto trigger without proper federal approval carries some severe penalties. Since fully automatic firearms are regulated under the National Firearms Act (NFA), violating these laws can lead to serious consequences. Here’s a breakdown of those penalties:
1. Federal Felony Charges: Illegally owning or modifying a firearm to be fully automatic is classified as a class B felony.
2. Prison Time: Convictions can lead to up to 10 years in federal prison.
3. Fines: In addition to prison time, offenders may face fines up to $250,000 for each violation.
4. Confiscation of Firearms: Any illegally modified firearm will be confiscated by authorities, and the individual will lose the right to own that firearm.
5. Permanent Ban on Firearm Ownership: A felony conviction for violating the NFA most often results in a lifetime ban on owning firearms.
Process of Buying an AR-15 in Oregon
Here’s a simple breakdown of the process for buying an AR-15 in Oregon:
● Find a seller: Whether it’s from a gun store, a private seller, or at a gun show, you’ll need to choose where to buy your AR-15.
● Background check: Regardless of where you purchase it, a background check through the Oregon State Police is required before the sale is completed. This applies to all sales. A background check generally costs $10 and requires government-issued ID, and thumbprints. You should be able to leave the store with your rifle on the same day as your background check if all checks out.
● No waiting period: Once your background check is approved, you’re good to take your AR-15 home—there’s no waiting period in Oregon.
● No registration: Oregon doesn’t require you to register your AR-15 after you buy it.
Can You Use an AR-15 For Self-Defense in Oregon?
Yes, you can legally use an AR-15 for self-defense in Oregon, as long as it's in a lawful situation. Oregon law permits individuals to use firearms, including AR-15s if they’re in immediate danger and need to protect themselves or others from serious harm.
However, the use of force must be reasonable and necessary in each situation. Deadly force, including using an AR-15, can only be justified if it's required to prevent death or serious injury. In cases of home defense, Oregon law gives homeowners more leeway to protect themselves with firearms, but even in these situations, the use of force must align with the specific threat and be proportionate to the danger.
The Oregon Full Auto AR-15 Trigger Law Guide Conclusion
In Oregon, AR-15s are completely legal to own, as long as they aren’t modified in ways that violate federal law, such as converting them to fully automatic. These rifles can also be used for self-defense, provided it's in a lawful situation where the use of force is justified. While there’s no registration or waiting period to buy an AR-15, every purchase must go through a background check, whether it’s from a dealer, a private seller, or at a gun show.
If you’re concerned about losing your gun rights for any reason, our team at Oregon Gun Law is here to help. We know gun law inside and out and will fight tirelessly to protect your rights.
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