7 Most Expensive Machine Guns Sold on GunBroker in May 2026 | Market Report

June 10, 2026 Article, Featured Auctions

This report is part of GunBroker’s monthly series tracking the most expensive machine guns sold on the platform.

Most Expensive Machine Guns Sold on GunBroker in May 2026

Transferable machine guns continued to dominate the upper tier of the firearms market in May 2026, accounting for many of the highest-value sales recorded on GunBroker. From historic Colt Thompson submachine guns to scarce transferable auto sears and registered receivers, collectors demonstrated a willingness to pay significant premiums for legally transferable NFA firearms and components.

The seven highest-priced machine gun-related sales ranged from $34,000.00 to $52,515.51, highlighting both the scarcity and enduring demand that define this segment of the market. Several listings generated intense bidding activity, while others achieved premium prices through targeted purchases by knowledgeable collectors.

What Were the Most Expensive Machine Guns Sold on GunBroker in May 2026?

The most expensive machine gun-related item sold on GunBroker in May 2026 was a Hard Times Armory HTA Steel Drop-In Auto Sear (DIAS), which realized $52,515.51. Other top sales included a Colt U.S. Navy Model 1928 Overstamp Thompson Submachine Gun at $51,525.00 and a Colt 1928 Navy Thompson .45 ACP at $51,025.00.

Below is a ranked breakdown of the most expensive machine guns sold on GunBroker in May 2026.

The list below is ranked from lowest to highest final sale price.

#7: P.A.W.S. ZX16A1 Machine Gun (M16) Olympic Arms — Sold for $34,000.00 on GunBroker

Sold on May 13, 2026 (Item #1172874225), this P.A.W.S. ZX16A1 machine gun realized $34,000.00.

Despite selling as a fixed-price listing, the result reflects the established value of transferable M16-pattern machine guns. With fixed supply and steady demand, transferable examples continue to command premium pricing. The seller listed the firearm as used.

*P.A.W.S. ZX16A1 Machine Gun (M16) Olympic Arms*

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#6: Qualified Mfg Portuguese Registered Receiver HK51 — Sold for $36,026.00 on GunBroker

Sold on May 29, 2026 (Item #1179477302), this Qualified Manufacturing Portuguese registered receiver HK51 brought $36,026.00. The auction generated 42 bids from 13 bidders across 9 states.

The high level of bidding reflects continued collector demand for transferable HK-pattern machine guns. Scarcity, compact configuration, and transferable status combined to drive strong competition among buyers. The seller listed the firearm as used.

*Qualified Mfg Portuguese Registered Receiver HK51*

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#5: Fleming HK Auto Sear — Sold for $43,500.00 on GunBroker

Sold on May 15, 2026 (Item #1176403357), this Fleming HK Auto Sear realized $43,500.00. The auction drew 14 bids from 5 bidders across 3 states.

Transferable HK auto sears remain among the most versatile and desirable NFA conversion devices. The result reinforces the continued strength of the transferable machine gun market and the premium attached to scarce registered components. The seller listed the item as used.

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#4: Pre-’86 John R. Stemple Auto Sear (DIAS) — Sold for $49,025.00 on GunBroker

Sold on May 19, 2026 (Item #1175618442), this John R. Stemple Drop-In Auto Sear (DIAS) realized $49,025.00. The auction drew 28 bids from 5 bidders across 3 states.

As a pre-1986 transferable DIAS, the listing reflects the persistent premium attached to legally transferable machine gun conversion devices. Fixed supply and broad compatibility continue to make transferable auto sears highly sought after within the NFA market. The seller listed the item as used.

Pre-'86 John R. Stemple Auto Sear — *Pre-’86 John R. Stemple Auto Sear*

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#3: Colt 1928 Navy Thompson .45 ACP — Sold for $51,025.00 on GunBroker

Sold on May 24, 2026 (Item #1173160336), this Colt 1928 Navy Thompson chambered in .45 ACP brought $51,025.00. The auction generated 46 bids from 7 bidders across 5 states, signaling significant collector demand.

With documented provenance tracing back to the Federal Reserve Bank in Richmond, Virginia, this historic transferable Thompson combined originality, rarity, and historical significance. Provenance and authenticity continue to drive premium pricing for collector-grade Thompson submachine guns. The seller listed the firearm as used.

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#2: Colt U.S. Navy Model 1928 Overstamp Thompson Submachine Gun — Sold for $51,525.00 on GunBroker

Sold on May 6, 2026 (Item #1171418061), this Colt U.S. Navy Model 1928 Overstamp Thompson Submachine Gun realized $51,525.00. The auction drew 16 bids from 5 bidders across 4 states.

Originally produced as a Colt Model of 1921 and later converted to U.S. Navy 1928 specifications, this example featured matching serial numbers and accompanying factory documentation. Historic Colt Thompsons with documented provenance remain among the most sought-after transferable firearms in the collector market. The seller listed the firearm as used.

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#1: Hard Times Armory HTA Steel Drop-In Auto Sear DIAS M16 AR15 — Sold for $52,515.51 on GunBroker

Sold on May 3, 2026 (Item #1170948794), this Hard Times Armory HTA Steel Drop-In Auto Sear (DIAS) brought $52,515.51. The auction generated 45 bids from 19 bidders across 12 states, reflecting broad nationwide demand.

As a transferable steel-construction DIAS, the listing represents one of the most desirable AR-15/M16 conversion devices available to collectors. The high level of bidding reinforces the continued strength of the transferable machine gun market and the premium attached to scarce NFA assets. The seller listed the item as used.

*Hard Times Armory HTA Steel Drop-In Auto Sear DIAS M16 AR15*

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May 2026 Machine Gun Market Takeaways

Transferable NFA Firearms Continue to Lead the Market

Every firearm on this list benefited from legal scarcity created by the 1986 machine gun registry cutoff. Whether complete machine guns, registered receivers, or transferable auto sears, fixed supply remains the primary driver behind long-term value.

Auto Sears and Conversion Devices Commanded Top-Dollar Results

Three of the top five sales were registered conversion devices rather than complete firearms. The performance of the HTA DIAS, Stemple DIAS, and Fleming HK Auto Sear demonstrates the continued collector preference for versatile transferable components.

Historic Thompsons Remain Blue-Chip Collectibles

The two Colt Thompson submachine guns occupied the second and third highest positions on the list. Their combination of historical significance, originality, and transferable status continues to make them cornerstone pieces within advanced collections.

Strong Bidding Activity Demonstrated Broad Demand

Several listings generated substantial competition, including 46 bids for the Colt 1928 Navy Thompson, 45 bids for the HTA DIAS, and 42 bids for the HK51. Heavy participation suggests continued liquidity among serious NFA collectors.

Explore More GunBroker Market Reports

Most Expensive Guns Sold on GunBroker – May 2026 Report
Most Expensive Guns Sold on GunBroker – April 2026 Report
Most Expensive Guns Sold on GunBroker – March 2026 Report

Final Thoughts

May 2026 showcased the continued strength of the transferable machine gun market on GunBroker. From historic Colt Thompsons to rare auto sears and registered receivers, collectors competed aggressively for limited-supply assets that cannot be replaced.

With the top sale exceeding $52,000 and every firearm on the list surpassing $34,000, demand remains strong for transferable machine guns, conversion devices, and historically significant NFA firearms. As long as supply remains fixed and collector interest persists, these firearms are likely to remain among the most valuable segments of the firearms marketplace.gs with strong provenance, originality, rarity, and legal transferability. As May demonstrated, collectors remain willing to pay significant premiums for the right opportunity.