WINSTON-SALEM, N.C.—A sheriff's department in North Carolina is seeking permission to trade a pair of vintage Tommy guns for dozens of new rifles for his deputies.

Commisioners in Forsyth County planned to vote late Monday whether the fully automatic Thompson machine guns could be traded for 88 modern Bushmaster rifles valued at $60,000. Sheriff's officials say a trade would further their goal of equipping every deputy with a rifle, noting they can't use the machine guns seen in gangster movies.

The sheriff's office sought bids from 23 federal firearms dealers before settling on an offer from Craig's Firearm Supply Inc. of Knoxville, Tenn. Company executive Wally Johnson declined comment, noting the deal hasn't been completed.

Experts note law enforcement agencies have been selling or trading antique firearms for decades.