[MIgunguy]

actually what should I do with my NFA paperwork? I've heard...

-make color copies (because only color copies are "valid") and keep one with the gun
-don't make color copies or you could be charged with counterfeiting a tax stamp; make a B&W copy to keep with the gun
-keep the original and only the original form 4 with the gun b/c only the original is valid; laminate it to protect from water damage
-put the original in a safe deposit box but DON'T laminate it

is there a sticky on this somewhere?

[AlexanderA]

What I would do is make a reduced-size copy (say, 25% of the original size, B&W is fine), laminate it, and keep the copy with the gun. Keep the original in a safe place.

[kimberkid]

What I would do is make a reduced-size copy (say, 25% of the original size, B&W is fine), laminate it, and keep the copy with the gun. Keep the original in a safe place.
This is exactly what I do.

[forindooruseonly]

I scanned my originals and then placed them in a safety deposit box in an envelope. I leave a set of good quality color prints in the safe and use cheap B&W copies to haul to the range. Mine get pretty tattered quickly, just handling them with grubby hands or creasing them in the range bag and whatnot. When I can't stand to look at one anymore, I shred it and print another B&W one.

I just do it cheap, and never have had a problem. Back in the 80s we had terrible photocopies of photocopies, looked like crap, and they worked too. As long as the image quality hasnt degraded beyond recognition and the paper matches the items, you're fine.

Another thought on the originals. They are folded up and placed into a letter by the ATF, so I flattened them out as best I could and put them in a Manila envelope flat, then put them at the bottom of the pile of stuff in my deposit box. I'd rather not have to worry about unfolding them repeatedly, I think it's easier on them. They are tremendously important so place them in a safe location.

[GoingQuiet]

actually what should I do with my NFA paperwork? I've heard...

-make color copies (because only color copies are "valid") and keep one with the gun
-don't make color copies or you could be charged with counterfeiting a tax stamp; make a B&W copy to keep with the gun
-keep the original and only the original form 4 with the gun b/c only the original is valid; laminate it to protect from water damage
-put the original in a safe deposit box but DON'T laminate it

is there a sticky on this somewhere?
Mythbusting time....

-make color copies (because only color copies are "valid") and keep one with the gun

Color of the copy is irrelevant, I have copies becuase my originals are in a safe place.

-don't make color copies or you could be charged with counterfeiting a tax stamp; make a B&W copy to keep with the gun

See above.

-keep the original and only the original form 4 with the gun b/c only the original is valid; laminate it to protect from water damage

I think this is extreme but to each their own.

-put the original in a safe deposit box but DON'T laminate it

I do this.

[Prince Yamato]

Make a couple copies, put originals in a safe place.

[Captains1911]

I scan them so I have electronic copies, I make one color copy that I keep with the gun, and I keep the original in a safe place.

[Justin]

Copied the original (in color) and put it in the stock of the rifle my can resides on.

The original went in the safe.

[medalguy]

I made B&W copies of all of mine, placed them in polyester sleeves, and put all of those in a binder which is in my range bag.

I have never yet been asked about the status of any of my guns, all of which are machine guns. I have owned them from as far back as 1965.

As far as the original being the only "valid copy", I don't think the original is any more valid than a copy. If you ever get stopped for some reason and need to prove the weapon is indeed legal, that will be done with a call from the PD to BATFE. I don't think either an original or a copy will suffice if there's really a reason to have to prove up legality, any more than a handwritten bill of sale for any weapon.

[GoingQuiet]

I made B&W copies of all of mine, placed them in polyester sleeves, and put all of those in a binder which is in my range bag.

I have never yet been asked about the status of any of my guns, all of which are machine guns. I have owned them from as far back as 1965.

As far as the original being the only "valid copy", I don't think the original is any more valid than a copy. If you ever get stopped for some reason and need to prove the weapon is indeed legal, that will be done with a call from the PD to BATFE. I don't think either an original or a copy will suffice if there's really a reason to have to prove up legality, any more than a handwritten bill of sale for any weapon.
you are working under the premonition that local LE knows what an MG looks like.

[MIgunguy]

thanks everyone for the input & replies