I never gave much creedence to the gun sale story, although like James I heard it too. Fact is, in the U.S., there are very few legal restrictions on the private sale of guns. Full Auto requires a class 3 license, but semi-auto is easier than selling a car to someone. (a car at least requires registration.) Heck, if you want a semi-automatic, just go to Wal-Mart and buy one! As to the timing, it was probably about the time of Iran/Contra,,, another weapons transfer that went unpunished!!