Build question

[Starvin]

I am rather uncertain about how the laws work but I was under the impression that when you build a rifle you must register it as a personal build, this home build rifle can then not be legally sold. Is this correct?

Next. I am intrested in doing an AR-10 build using the Eagle Arms lower with an armalite upper (I would go full armalite but apparently that final stamping machine that puts the Armalite logo on the reciver is very expensive to maintain and thus adds an additional $700 of overhead). Would the lower already be registered as a built rifle or would I have to register this rifle as a home build upon marrage of the upper with the lower?

This project is rather far down the road (after my Harley :D ) but I would like to get this figgured out for peace of mind reasons.

[hillmillenia]

As I understand it...when you buy the lower receiver..that part is considered a firearm and you fill out the paperwork...yellow form...and it's yours...assuming you pass the Brady background check. From there all that's required is your build is compliant with the current Federal laws re: assault rifle.

[F-Troop]

Suppose you finish an 80% receiver. I have been trying to figure this one out. How do you mark it? Can it be sold in the future?

[usmc1]

As stated before, when you purchase a stripped lower with serial numbers it is registered at that time as a weapon, no other part is classified as a weapon but the lower receiver pertaining to an AR-15. If you intend on completing an 80% lower it must be done by the owner, here is the ruling from the BATF website.
(A7) Does the GCA prohibit anyone from making a handgun, shotgun or rifle?
With certain exceptions a firearm may be made by a no licensee provided it is not for sale and the maker is not prohibited from possessing firearms.
However, a person is prohibited from making a semiautomatic assault weapon or assembling a no sporting semiautomatic rifle or no sporting shotgun from
imported parts. In addition, the making of an NFA firearm requires a tax payment and approval by ATF. An application to make a machinegun will not be
approved unless documentation is submitted showing that the firearm is being made for a federal or state agency. [18 U. S. C. 922( o), (r), (v), and 923, 27 CFR 178.39, 178.40, 178.41 and 179.105]
How do you mark the lower?

Laser engraving is the best way to apply your serial number to the weapon.

Can it be sold in the future?

No, once you build it you own it for life.

Unless you are a machinist by trade and have exclusive access to a mill and other necessary tooling, the best way is to purchase a completed lower receiver and build on that. It would be advantageous for the reasoning that it can be resold; it is easier and more reliable than your machining and most of all you have to fill out and complete forms for the registration of a receiver no matter which route you go.

[F-Troop]

Thanks, very helpful.

[aceatm1nd]

where do you get that you HAVE to fill out paper work on a home built receiver, 80% or whatever? I was under the impression that f you make it, and can own it, its yours, as long as it complies to regs, and that serializing, etc., your home made receiver was an option, and recommended in case of theft or "origin questions".........

[usmc1]

I will not attempt to debate the issue, but as a gunsmith and private firearms owner I have to be on familiar terms with what the federal regulations state. If you doubt it I posted part of the federal regulations in my post, per Batum of ATF website. Any further questions or debate about it, call ATF and ask them what and how the receiver shall be dealt with, your misconception of the law will get a 10 year and or 25,000 fines for an unregistered firearm being built after 1937.

[aceatm1nd]

No doubt, i have the entire BATF firearm ref manual on my drive, and the GCA ref manual too...

don't wanna argue, just curious.
I know that an NFA firearm must be registered.
But i didn't see where it said a legal, non-NFA, sporting firearm made from "scratch" had to be registered. Can you give me a hint as to where it says this?

[TacWac]

delete

[D.Brown]

Hello TacWac,

You may have to comply with these laws every day. As such I would expect you to overcomply. It is your freedom you would be risking as well as your livelyhood.

However, like myself and the atf agents, you are not a lawyer. Some of what you have stated is in disagreement with James Bardwell who is.

Even a lawyer's opinion is not the answer, but rather a court decision. Something I personally would prefer to avoid.

Gentlemen, please feel free to check out the legal forum of the ak section. A couple of excellent sites are listed. They go into great detail.

I hope the information found there encourages others to build their own.

Thanks for trying to help TacWac,

Dan

[TacWac]

deleted

[D.Brown]

Hello TacWac,

No, I did not present an arguement, only an observation. I do not have the expertise to argue on this particular subject.

I also would not want someone to use my opinion as legal advise.

We are in agreement when it comes to castings.

Dan