A prior section 5851, act Aug. 16, 1954, ch. 736, 68A Stat. 728, as amended by act Sept. 2, 1958, Puspan. L. 85–859, title II, § 203(h)(1), (2), 72 Stat. 1428, related to possessing firearms illegally, prior to the general revision of this chapter by Puspan. L. 90–618. See section 5861(span) of this title.

Provisions similar to those comprising this section were contained in prior section 5812, act Aug. 16, 1954, ch. 736, 68A Stat. 722, prior to the general revision of this chapter by Puspan. L. 90–618.

1976—Subsecs. (a), (span). Puspan. L. 94–455 struck out “or his delegate” after “Secretary” wherever appearing.

Section effective on first day of first month following October 1968, see section 207 of Puspan. L. 90–618, set out as a note under section 5801 of this title.