Interesting project & legal questions

[JesseL]

I was just looking over this design for a 100% scratch built AR receiver. Looks pretty simple and I'll probably do one soon.

My question is this: If a type 7 FFL holder was to make and sell these, which part would legally be the firearm? All the individual parts are pretty simple. Would it then be possible for all the other parts to be legally sold as non-regulated parts?

 

[Jim K]

I assume by "receiver" you mean the "lower" which is considered the receiver or firearm on an AR-15 type rifle. For a Type 7 FFL (Title I manufacturer), there should be no problem making and selling lowers, with or without internal parts, or complete rifles made up on them. The internal parts are just parts, and no license is needed to make or sell them. The lowers have to be serial numbered and marked with the name of the manufacturer, but I am sure you know that.

I further assume you will not be making any full auto receivers or parts. Most makers of semi-auto rifles submit a pre-production sample to BATFE as a precaution to be sure it won't be later ruled a machinegun. Of course, it is not legal for a Type 7 FFL to make parts like a DIAS or "lightning link", which are Class 3 weapons themselves, and making any parts for full auto rifles, like the M16 bolt carrier, selector, hammer, or auto sear would be asking for trouble.

P.S. I hope making those lowers is as easy as you think; some prospective manufacturers have found otherwise.

Jim