AK-47 Receiver Flats?

[ratbite]

Hi, I am a new member here and have recently started to acquire my first Long Guns. So far a pump CD 12 gauge and a complete AK-47. I have several AR 15 receivers for later.

I am concerned that maybe in the near future I will not be able to pursue my New interest if any further limitations or a Ban is imposed by our New leadership.

Will a person still be able to purchase AK Receiver flats, if a ban is instituted?

Will the AK receiver flats I own/posses before a ban become illegal or have to remain flat?

As I understand it these AK receiver flats are "Not" a firearm until bent?

Since these receiver flats do not require an FFL to purchase and are not Serial Numbered they only must be registered after a person forms them to a "finished stripped receiver" say in the case of a private citizen (me) building my own firearm.
Would the creating of a functioning AK receiver from a flat after a ban went into effect be illegal?

Thanks for any advice/information on this subject!

I sure like thehighroad.org glad to be here!

John

 

[nalioth]

A "receiver flat" is just a piece of flat steel with or without holes cut in it.

Unless they outlaw sheet steel, you'll always be able to make a flat.

Until it's bent into the shape of the receiver, it's not considered anything more than a piece of steel with or without holes in it.

Since these receiver flats do not require an FFL to purchase and are not Serial Numbered they only must be registered after a person forms them to a "finished stripped receiver" say in the case of a private citizen (me) building my own firearm.

Unless there is a Hawaii or other local law, under Federal laws, you don't have to report or register anything when making a firearm for personal use.

Would the creating of a functioning AK receiver from a flat after a ban went into effect be illegal?

A ban will only happen if we let it.

Theoretically, it would all depend on the wording of any ban.

 

[wally]

I do believe the big problem with bending a flat (besides coming up with the jig to get the bends right) is heat treating it afterwards, followed by the surface finish of your choice.

Building up AR lowers is a simple jigsaw puzzle put together, building up an AK is most likely not cost effective for only one, and you'll get in trouble with the Feds quickly if you build more than a "few" without a manufacturer's license. The main risk is that "few" does not seem to be clearly defined.

Originally Posted by ratbite
Would the creating of a functioning AK receiver from a flat after a ban went into effect be illegal?

A ban will only happen if we let it.

Theoretically, it would all depend on the wording of any ban.

The 1994 ban that expired made it illegal to build up a pre-ban config post ban. If you had all the parts before the ban it could be hard if not impossible to prove you built it post ban, but if you start buying "pre-ban" parts post ban, it could be bad news.

A ban will only happen if we let it.

True, but it'll be a whole lot more difficult to prevent, Post Jan 20th than it has been since 2004 let the original expire. Already the media is beating the guns are bad drum at every opportunity.

--wally.

 

[Gord]

and you'll get in trouble with the Feds quickly if you build more than a "few" without a manufacturer's license.

I suspect that would only apply if you were selling or otherwise giving them away. If made for your own personal use, there should be zero difference between making one, or making ten in a day.

 

[wally]

If made for your own personal use, there should be zero difference between making one, or making ten in a day.

Without a letter from the BATFE defining "few" and "personal use" methinks this would be risky assumption.

But its your aversion for club Fed, not mine that matters.

--wally.

 

[MAKOwner]

Since they cut off the importation of barrels for the "non-sporting" parts kits, I'd start stocking up on those now for how ever many AKs you think you might want. They are already drying up and expensive now. The flats will always be legal, although it would almost assuredly be illegal to finish them into rifles after a ban.

 

[wally]

Moved to Legal? I'd have expected "Gunsmithing" but clearly building your own firearm does bring up some potential legal issues that need to be addressed.

OTOH, speculating about what might or might not be legal post some future ban is kind of pointless.

--wally.

 

[zoom6zoom]

I do believe the big problem with bending a flat (besides coming up with the jig to get the bends right) is heat treating it afterwards, followed by the surface finish of your choice.

All you need is a MAPP gas torch to heat treat the trigger group holes and the ejector. That's all that's needed on a semi auto AK receiver. Parkerizing is just as simple and doesn't require a lot of fancy gear.

You can build as many as you want. It's selling that will constitute "dealing".

It's usually not cost effective to buy jigs and tools if you're only making one; however, I've seen poor man's bending jigs made from angle iron for just a few bucks.

And who's going to be able to tell when you bent the receiver and assembled the rifle?

 

[Shooter88]

Well, if you want to be really 100% sure they're grandfathered, get your kits and flats, bend the flats into receivers, then you can stick the parts kits on the receivers with duct tape or whatever until you get ready to build 'em up. IIRC, the last federal ban only specified that a grandfathered weapon had to have the "evil" features on it before the date of the ban, it didn't specify that they had to be attached in a manner that would actually hold up during firing.

 

[shotgunjoel]

I agree with Shooter88, just bend them now and have built receivers. Like somebody else said pick up barrels now too. How many of these are you planning on building anyway?

 

[ratbite]

Thank You all for your thoughtful responses!

I have no problem with the bending or heat treating portions, was more concerned with the possible legal implications if a ban went into effect.

As pointed out by wally "OTOH, speculating about what might or might not be legal post some future ban is kind of pointless."

I agree, "pointless". Sorry about asking for the crystal ball answer.

Since being a late entrant into this excellent activity "sporting", I have been bitten HARD by the I gotta have several of each bug. Always liked the EBR and only now in my world am I able to purchase a few. Sure is true the saying, "it's all about timing". Seems the timing is bad as far as price and availability at present, and a possible ban on certain firearms (many I wish to own) would piss me off. So just looking ahead to try to satisfy my "wants" before I am SOOL. Have to pay now to play later I suppose.
Looks like mags & ammo are also valid "ban" concerns. So I will keep stocking up .

Thank You again for your responses!

John

 

[ratbite]

Hi shotgunjoel,

As of today I was planning to have "several" 5-6 AK receivers to build on for myself. That # could change, depends on near future events+($). The barrel that came with my built AK-47 was made in USA as was the receiver, (I.O. Inc.). I anticipate at least the possibility of purchasing "replacement" USA made AK barrels in future? Time will tell. Guess I should be Pleased with what I have obtained so far, however when faced with a "you can no longer have it" ban, I want all I can secure Now!

I believe once I bend/create working "stripped receiver" It is mandatory to register here in Hawaii even if "home built" by me. I will attempt to get this issue in writing from the local responsible agency.

Regards,

John