Gun parts manufacturing legality

[raubvogel]

Someone I know who has tooling to machine steel (think CNC big enough to build an engine block) was asking me which parts can be legally manufactured without requiring extra paperwork. Using the AK as an example, I said that he can make everything -- trunnions, trigger, bolts, etc -- but the receiver without needing to talk to the BATF.

Is there official documentation I can use to back up my reply?

 

[JRH6856]

On every firearm, there is a part that ATF requires to be serialized if sold. That part actually may vary with make and model but generally is the equivalent of the lower receiver. That is what ATF considers to be a firearm. The rest is just parts.

I may be wrong, but AFAIK, as long as it is not for a NFA restricted item, he can make anything he wants to including the receivers. What he can't do is sell the receivers (by themselves or as assemblies) without the proper FFL.

You can probably find confirmation of this in the ATF FAQ

 

[brickeyee]

Some parts are ITAR items, requiring you to register ad pay a fee if making them (even if you never intend to export them).

Even making bullets for sale requires ITAR registration.

 

[tyeo098]

If he is making it for himself he can make the receiver too. (Thats how most home built AKs are built, the receiver is bent from a non-ffl flat)

If he is making it to sell he needs an FFL.

If it for himself he can make every single part and put it together.
If he's making it to sell he can make every single part EXCEPT the receiver.