Great site gang! Just found it the other day and have been reading voraciously. Things have change considerably since my M16A1 days of being in the Army.

The guys over on the general AR side suggested I present my question here.

1. I got the bug to have a CAR style carbine.

2. I didn't stay up to date with the '94 Crime Bill 'cause it didn't affect me since I wasn't into this type of shooting.

3. I have an FFL but for a totally different aspect of the shooting industry so my knowledge on this subject is growing.

4. I found a Bushmaster Patrolman's A3 Carbine (6 position collapsible stock, screw on bird cage flash suppressor topping a light weight
16" barrel) yesterday at a local pawn for $729 and he said he would sell it to me since I have an FFL and the Pawn Shop owner has it marked for "police" only

5. Am I barking up the wrong tree? Is the price too high? If or when I give up my FFL someday am I legally allowed to keep the LEO model? Is it a decent weapon?

I realize the ultimate responsibility of the legal question lies with me but I'm just trying to get a headstart on my research.

The reason for the AR is for plinking, current day home defense as well as for a day when the SHTF. Could be from watching the movie The Postman last Saturday morning. Gets a guy thinking.

                         
Thanks ahead of time.

                         Big AL

You can purchase and possess it as an FFL.
You can't retain it if you ever give up your FFL (without stripping it of AW features and making it into a plain-jane post-ban compliant), unless the AW ban is not renewed after its sunset.

$729 seems like a good price.