Parts Kit Build and BATF

[telecaster1981]

I've been seeing lots of PPS-43 parts kits available on various sites for cheap $$$ and found some economically priced 'Semi-Automatic' Receivers available from a couple sources, so I've been interested in building one (SA only)! Most of the parts kits don't include the barrel, which on the stock PPS-43, is like 10 inches...that's fine with me as I didn't want to pay $200 for an SBR anyway. Figured I'd fabricate some 16" barrels from blanks. I've read some places that if you're manufacturing a rifle for your own personal use, it's legal without an FFL. I've also read there are a bunch of BATF hoops through which to jump! What's the real scoop, guys?

 

[TexasRifleman]

If you make your own then you do not need any kind of paperwork. It's when you start making them to sell that there is a problem.

No real clear delineation between hobby and business though, so be careful how many you make if you plan to sell any.

Since you are buying a receiver however you are not actually "making" anything, just assembling.

 

[nalioth]

So long as you build it with a 16" barrel and it's 26" long overall, and is not full automatic, you have no worries other than complying with the 922r.

You're in the same boat as all the thousands of Ak builders.

 

[telecaster1981]

You're in the same boat as all the thousands of Ak builders.

That's what I was thinking, but some fellow on the internet (I know...I know) was saying something about approving each step in a conference with a BATF agent...blah blah blah! Alright! Sounds like a fun project!

 

[Gene_WI]

If you are building a sub gun, you better be building a BATF approved semi auto design. That is a good way to stay out of club fed. Whatever you do, use a receiver that has a smaller inner diameter then the original. The above is necessary to prevent the insertion of an unmodified full auto bolt.

 

[telecaster1981]

Gene_WI,

I'm somewhat familiar with what the BATF views as acceptable, but not totally. Here is a link to a site with similar plans to my own:

http://www.gunco.net/forums/showthread.php?t=28739

and here's the 'semi-auto' receiver I plan to get:

http://www.weaponeer.net/productcart/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=8&idproduct=110

Basically, I'll be converting the stock bolt as this fellow did for closed bolt operation.

1.) Drill out fixed firing pin and fit a floating design.

2.) Cut off back portion and fabricate a striker.

3.) Fabricate a new Fire Control Group with disconnect for SA only operation

I'm not sure of the details on the Semi Auto receiver and what makes it different than the Full Auto receiver...any ideas?

 

[Gene_WI]

The weaponeer design has a BATF letter of approval. You are doing the right thng.

 

[zoom6zoom]

Tele, the semi auto receivers are usually a smaller internal diameter than the originals so that unmodified FA parts will not install. Other blocking pieces are usually fitted as well. Then it's usually modified so that the original FA fire control parts won't fit. We've got some good discussions on this over at weaponeer.

 

[telecaster1981]

Gene & Zoom,

Thanks for the informative information (because there ARE other kinds!). I'm still working this whole project over in my head as there are a lot of things to consider. You know, with all the custom work that will need to be done, it would almost be easier to design something similar from scratch! After I build a FCG, chamber and fit a barrel, finish the receiver, etc., I'll pretty much have built the entire gun, except I'll have the additional challenge of adapting some other guy's vision to fit my own (or maybe the BATF's vision ), and sometimes that's more difficult than just starting from nothing!

Kind of like music...say I want to put a Merle Haggard tune on my latest album, but the overbearing record label executives (BATF) come in and say, "OK, you can put 'Big City' on your album, but only if you change the last line of the first verse, totally delete the second verse, re-arrange the melody, and perform it in the style of Miles Davis." What I'm left with is a bastardization of a classic that's totally unrecognisable to the original artist, and a sub-standard product in my own eyes.

But we'll see!

 

[MudPuppy]

panaceabeachbum knows his stuff.

You got a link to the fellow that said you needed to consult with a batf agent at every step?

I've done a few AKs and an AR (cake compared to an ak), but haven't steeled my nerves for a carbine conversion of a sub gun yet.

 

[telecaster1981]

Ok, I just want to clarify...if I DO decide to cabbage some parts and put them into a receiver of my own design, what do I need to do to stay good and legal?

My understanding is that I can manufacture a non-NFA firearm so long as I'm making it for my own personal use and not for sale or transfer, correct? Do I have to write a letter and seek approval from the BATF or am I good to go?

 

[nalioth]

No letter needed, so long as you're in compliance with all the laws.

There are thousands of AK builders who've never written a letter (and quite frankly, probably never heard of such a thing).

 

[telecaster1981]

No letter needed, so long as you're in compliance with all the laws.

Good! I don't really want to be on the BATF's radar any more than I (probably) already am...