Cash-Strapped Michigan Sheriff's Department Auctioning Machine Gun

[Pathfinder]

This from Fox News:

"LAPEER, Mich. —  For sale: Collector quality, fully automatic M-16 in excellent condition. Never fired outside shooting range.

Buyer must have machine gun permit and have no criminal record. And deep pockets.

Strapped for cash, the Lapeer County Sheriff's Department is selling the original Colt rifle on its Web site to purchase new guns and other equipment for its 82 deputies. The office hasn't received a budget increase in six years, and Undersheriff Robert Rapson said the gun might fetch as much as $1,700 by the time bidding closes May 1.

"We are a small county and we need to take advantage of this," Rapson told the Detroit Free Press for a story published Tuesday. "We've had to cut to the bone for a long time."

The department purchased the weapon, which is capable of firing 700 rounds per minute, for $500 in the 1970s for use in emergencies such as hostage situations. Last fall, the department sold off its arsenal of five AR-15 automatic rifles.

A 1986 federal law banned the sale of new automatic weapons but allowed those already in circulation to be sold.

"The fact that a law enforcement agency is selling a dangerous weapon is appalling," said Shikha Hamilton, president of the Michigan chapter of the Million Mom March, a gun control group."

OK, so the title is wrong, it's not a machine gun, it's a true assault rifle. And the only outside comment they get is from a gun-grabber. Murdoch, what in the hell is the matter with you these days. Hire some real reporters, not wanna-bes.

[Lawrence Keeney]

Ahh..theyre always appalled about one thing or the other..if not appalled, you can bet they are shocked and saddened.

I venture to say that it might bring more than $1,700 if it's transferrable, wouldn't it?

I look at the websites like impact guns and if it is a true 1970 vintage transferrrable Colt M-16 it might be worth five times that much...or more...right?

[Rastus]

Depending on the condition....I'd say $10k minimum....

[Hazcat]

Depending on the condition....I'd say $10k minimum....

Unfortunately we are talking about a government entity here.  They will screw up and sell to the wrong person for a song!

[Crescendo]

Unfortunately we are talking about a government entity here.  They will screw up and sell to the wrong person for a song!

Or, they will allow the transfer, but outlaw the ammo and maintenance!!

Crescendo

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