manufacture of firearms

[Bezoar]

Can a person get a booklet or manual on the current ATF rules and regulations of making firearms at home?
I know muzzleloaders are legal, but im curious as to rules regulating

-falling block pistol based on 1861 sharps black powder rifle
-early break open shotgun actions used for a pistol
-early breach loading military cartridge rifles like comblain, snyder conversions, adn the like being turned into pistols
-volcanic pistol and others based on lever action mechanism


Im just curious as to whats currently legally doable these days. I know i could get an Encore but i just dont get that warm fuzzy feeling of happiness from them. So far i just seem toget that from certain falling block pistols costing a few grand each.

 

[Car Knocker]

(A6) Does the GCA prohibit anyone from making a handgun, shotgun or rifle? [Back]

With certain exceptions a firearm may be made by a non-licensee provided it is not for sale and the maker is not prohibited from possessing firearms. However, a person is prohibited from assembling a non-sporting semi-automatic rifle or non-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 machine gun 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) and (r), 26 U.S.C. 5822, 27 CFR 478.39, 479.62 and 479.105]

http://www.atf.gov/firearms/faq/faq2.htm#a6

 

[PTK]

-early break open shotgun actions used for a pistol
-early breach loading military cartridge rifles like comblain, snyder conversions, adn the like being turned into pistols

These fall under the NFA as short barreled shotguns and short barreled rifles, respectively.

 

[Historic Arms LLC]

To answer your original question....

ATF does publish:

"FEDERAL FIREARMS REGULATIONS REFERENCE GUIDE"

ATF PUBLICATION #5300.4

Your other questions in order asked:

If percussion fired, not a firearm. If modern cartridge a firearm, except if frame or receiver was manufactured prior to 1898, then back to non-firearm.

Actually I have seen a version of the H&R Handy Gun in 38 special, it was just a pistol. If rifled barrel such as for .45 long colt, and just so happened to take a .410 shot shell, just a pistol.

If the frame or receiver was made before 1898, it is exempt from the law. If the frame or receiver was made today, a firearm, and just a pistol if virgin receiver used.

Hope that sheds some light for you,

Len