Self made firearm question re 3D printing

[Blackstone]

Can you transfer a self-built firearm (that has no serial number)?

 

[dmazur]

Can you transfer a self-built firearm (that has no serial number)?

I am just not up on the details of this, but I would believe that transfers which do not require a 4473 at a FFL would be permitted.

However, if you were in a state which required registration, that might prove to be awkward for the new owner.

My understanding is that is why you may put a serial number on it. (So you can sell it later...)

Another reason to put a serial number on it is so you can prove it is yours if it is ever stolen.

Here's a link from a relevant forum -

frame-receiver-serial-number-requirements

 

[stonecutter2]

Can you transfer a self-built firearm (that has no serial number)?

Per the ATF, you can make your own firearm for personal use, but cannot sell or distribute it...regardless of whether you put a serial on it, or not. A serial number would really only be useful in case it's stolen, which can show that it was yours and the person who stole it didn't build it themselves.

"For your information, per provisions of the Gun Control Act (GCA) of 1968, 18 U.S.C. Chapter 44, an unlicensed individual may make a “firearm” as defined in the GCA for his own personal use, but not for sale or distribution." (Emphasis from the ATF's website...they actually bold this on their site)

http://www.atf.gov/firearms/faq/firearms-technology.html#commercial-parts-assembly

Confusingly, later in the answer, the ATF says this:
"Individuals manufacturing sporting-type firearms for their own use need not hold Federal Firearms Licenses (FFLs). However, we suggest that the manufacturer at least identify the firearm with a serial number as a safeguard in the event that the firearm is lost or stolen. Also, the firearm should be identified as required in 27 CFR 478.92 if it is sold or otherwise lawfully transferred in the future." (Emphasis added by me)

So...you can make it for your own use, but not for sale or distribution...but you should identify it as required if it is sold or lawfully transferred. Weird...

 

[Diamondback6]

What they mean is intent--you can make it for yourself and sell or give it when you're bored with or tired of it, but you can't build with intent to transfer.

So, if you wanted to give one to a buddy, what you might do is engrave the date of build on it at completion... then [EDIT for clarity: a while later, like I'd say a couple years to be safe] have it inscribed "To John Q on the occasion of... [date here]". Bear in mind, IANAL though... and may not even be a THR member much longer.

 

[Jim K]

Right now there is no law in the U.S. against making a non-NFA gun for one's own use. That is why the administration had to get State involved on the grounds that the software could be accessed from outside the country and thus the guns were "being exported". That is a stretch, but so is accessing 10 million medical records and "proving" that Benghazi was the result of a video.

Of course, as noted above, our anti-"anything that looks like a gun" legislators have jumped on the bandwagon. It is interesting to see the old "undetectable" story being used again; the last time was about an evil pistol that was undetectable by airport scanners and was called the favorite tool of hi-jackers and terrorists - the Glock.

Jim