OK, not too hard to obtain cool toys in PA. Just need a few things:
- no criminal record
- minimum age is 21
- lots (and lots) of money
The process works like this:
1) find a toy you want to purchase. Lets say its a M-16. You're most likely looking at between $11000 to $15000. Arrange a payment with the seller (most are 100% up front but some may agree 50% now and 50% when item is picked up).
1a) if firearm is out of state, you need to have it shipped to a suitable dealer (who works with MG's and such) inside state of PA. If firearm is located in PA, just go to step 2.
2) fill out TWO (duplicate) form 4 from the ATF
2a) get official fingerprint cards
2b) get passport-type photo for each Form 4
2c) get Chief Law Enforcement Officer (CLEO) signoff on rear of each Form 4 (this is your chief of police in your area - if you live in small towns usually your county sheriff. Philadelphia and places like that are harder to get)
2d) make out a $200 check to ATF
3) Mail all of above to ATF. After a month to three months (depending on who you get assigned to your case) one of the Form 4's with a special treasury stamp and signature on the form will be sent to your local dealer who is holding the firearm for you.
4) Go pick up your toy and have fun.
Its not overly hard, but some paperwork and footwork involved. And dont forget lots of money. The problem here is that since 1986 no more machine guns are allowed to be made for civilian ownership. BUT, there are still lots out there. Problem is supply and demand - since the supply is fixed (or decreasing since things break and wear out), the price will go up.
Post if you have any questions. Once you actually decide to get something, people can help you out on this and other boards.