Can you legally buy, own, and even operate a TANK?

[Bear_Nenno]

@Loach

The one time that a tank will absolutely tear up the pavement is during a neutral steer. That is when the tank turns left or right on an axis without moving forward or back. Its pretty bad for the track also so it is not used often. In places where it may have to be used such as a range or motor pool they will have concrete pads in those locations so that a neutral steer can be done.

Visual example.

Notice the skid marks on the asphalt.

M2 Bradley

[Hirundo82]

@Outpits

As for on your private property, I doubt there would be any law (city ordinances about firing a weapon notwithstanding) that would keep you from firing the weapon. You would probably need to prepare your own shells and install/repair the cannon (I doubt they sell the tank with the gun in operating order).

It’s not legal in the US without spending a significant amount. Pretty much anything needed is regulated under the National Firearms Act, and requires a $200 tax stamp to possess.

Artillery pieces are considered a “destructive device” because they have a bore over 1/2 inch and have no “sporting purpose.” Much of the ammunition would be regulated as well. Any explosive rounds (eg HEAT rounds) would be considered destructive devices, requiring a tax stamp for each round. I’m not sure about nonexplosive rounds (eg sabots), but it may depend on the propellant–it wouldn’t be regulated gunpowder is used, but if other explosives are used they would be regulated.

Of course, the continual outlay of money for tax stamps for the ammo may not be a big deal for someone who has the money to puschase, maintain, and fuel a tank.

[ntcrawler]

@Hirundo82

It’s not legal in the US without spending a significant amount. Pretty much anything needed is regulated under the National Firearms Act, and requires a $200 tax stamp to possess.

Thats kinda ironic. This stuff’s production was made possible by taxes that we have already paid to the government. Why pay taxes on the same item again to possess it?

Artillery pieces are considered a “destructive device” because they have a bore over 1/2 inch and have no “sporting purpose.”

Cant justify target shooting as having a sporting purpose?

[Bear_Nenno]

@ntcrawler

Thats kinda ironic. This stuff’s production was made possible by taxes that we have already paid to the government. Why pay taxes on the same item again to possess it?

That’s nothing considering salaries to government employees (paid with taxes) are taxable. So the government collects taxes to pay its employees. And then it collects taxes on those salaries.

[Cisco]

@Bear_Nenno

That’s nothing considering salaries to government employees (paid with taxes) are taxable. So the government collects taxes to pay its employees. And then it collects taxes on those salaries.

I’ve always wonder about that. Seems like duplication of effort. Why not just pay them that much less?