Is it illegal nto build a gun?

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Pitchy
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Is it illegal nto build a gun?

Post by Pitchy »

Is it legal to build a gun now days, was thinking about making a 22 cal derringer.
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Re: Is it illegal nto build a gun?

Post by harry »

A license is not required to make a firearm solely for personal use. However, a license is required to manufacture firearms for sale or distribution. The law prohibits a person from assembling a non–sporting semiautomatic rifle or shotgun from 10 or more imported parts, as well as firearms that cannot be detected by metal detectors or x–ray machines. In addition, the making of an NFA firearm requires a tax payment and advance approval by ATF.

[18 U.S.C. 922(o), (p) and (r); 26 U.S.C. 5822; 27 CFR 478.39, 479.62 and 479.105]
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Re: Is it illegal nto build a gun?

Post by Stevie »

Probably depends on the state and the builder's criminal status...but for the most part..no I don't think it's illegal to manufacture yourself a gun.

Now if you were to start pumping-out .22 derringers for re-sale that might be another story!

There are plenty of folks that buy 80% AR receivers and finish them into built-up rifles...or buy AK receiver flats and put together an AK...not illegal for personal use
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Re: Is it illegal nto build a gun?

Post by harry »

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Re: Is it illegal nto build a gun?

Post by Pitchy »

Thanks guys, I didn`t think it was illegal, it would be for personal use only.
Well I`ll give it a go. :)
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Re: Is it illegal nto build a gun?

Post by Ray Newman »

While building a personal firearm is legal under federal law, state laws can still prohibit it.

Best better check the state code(s) for any prohibitions.
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Re: Is it illegal nto build a gun?

Post by Pitchy »

Ray Newman wrote: Sat Oct 21, 2017 1:13 pm While building a personal firearm is legal under federal law, state laws can still prohibit it.

Best better check the state code(s) for any prohibitions.
Will check into it, haven`t made up my mind yet anyway really, thanks.
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Re: Is it illegal nto build a gun?

Post by jeepnik »

On this subject, in the late 1970's I was working at a shipyard. The head of the machine shop wanted a S&W Model 27. But rather than buy one he made one. Apparently he borrowed one from a fellow worker, did what we call today reverse engineering. Then set to work. In addition to machining he had heat treating and bluing equipment at his disposal.

Save for the logo (well, the original grips were S&W's but a woodworker ended up making a beautiful set of grips for him), and lack of serial number you couldn't tell the difference. Actually, if you pulled the trigger you could. As good as a Model 27 trigger was then this one was vastly superior.

It wasn't like the project was a secret. As long as he supplied the materials and did the work after hours no one complained. Heck, our medic built a .257 Roberts Improved chambered rifle on a Mauser action. Everything was hand fitted and finished. The only thing he didn't do himself was the blueing, and you can guess who did that for him. The stock (I think it was from Fajen). But I do know the wood was flat out beautiful.
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Re: Is it illegal nto build a gun?

Post by Sixgun »

Bro.....some things are better to not be talked about and "just do it"....I think they call it the 3 s 'es....shoot...shovel...and shut up..... :) ---6. (It's like that machine gun and rocket launcher I keep out back...don't talk about it. :D )
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Re: Is it illegal nto build a gun?

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Sixgun wrote: Sat Oct 21, 2017 2:58 pm Bro.....some things are better to not be talked about and "just do it"....I think they call it the 3 s 'es....shoot...shovel...and shut up..... :) ---6. (It's like that machine gun and rocket launcher I keep out back...don't talk about it. :D )
Be terrible to find out if something is legal, heck with it I`m not making one.
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Re: Is it illegal nto build a gun?

Post by Rusty »

It's not a problem if it's only for you, as was stated. If you search online there are plans for different guns online. There's even a forum for home gunbuilders. Some make 10/22s,AKs, ARs, and even shotguns.
Search Youtube for home made whatever and you'll be surprised. IIRC Royal none such, or something similar to that is a young kid that has been tutored in firearms design by Mark Serbu of Serbu Firearms in Tampa.
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Re: Is it illegal nto build a gun?

Post by Griff »

You need look no further than this: Levergunner Member Skills Showcase.
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Re: Is it illegal nto build a gun?

Post by Pitchy »

Thanks everyone, PB sure screwed up everything huh, no pictures on a lot of those threads.
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Re: Is it illegal nto build a gun?

Post by Blaine »

Heck...don't ask and don't tell. :idea:
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Re: Is it illegal nto build a gun?

Post by Pitchy »

It would be nice to know so ya can show it off here, that`s all.
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Re: Is it illegal nto build a gun?

Post by Blaine »

Pitchy wrote: Sun Oct 22, 2017 12:32 pm It would be nice to know so ya can show it off here, that`s all.
Maybe leave off a part (that you can put in anytime) and call it a replica?
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Re: Is it illegal nto build a gun?

Post by 44shooter »

There are lots of videos on YouTube of homemade guns. Most are extremely crude, but much better than i could do. I think it's legal for personal use
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Re: Is it illegal nto build a gun?

Post by marlinman93 »

It is perfectly legal to build yourself a gun, as long as the intent when building it is for your own use. You can even sell it later, but that requires a trip to the local BATF office where it will get examined and a serial number assigned. It's more about the intent when it's built, so building for yourself is fine.
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Re: Is it illegal nto build a gun?

Post by jeepnik »

So, if say you machine an AR lower, then buy the rest of the parts that's legal.
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Re: Is it illegal nto build a gun?

Post by Pitchy »

I started on it today have the barrel done, used a old factory pistol barrel, it will be a replica with no firing pin. :wink:
I`ll post pics in a new thread if it works out. :)
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Re: Is it illegal nto build a gun?

Post by OldWin »

Can't wait to check it out, Lenn. I've no doubt it will be cool as all get out.
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Re: Is it illegal nto build a gun?

Post by marlinman93 »

jeepnik wrote: Tue Oct 24, 2017 9:56 am So, if say you machine an AR lower, then buy the rest of the parts that's legal.
Law doesn't say you can't use a mixture of factory parts and parts you built. But when you bring an AR into the conversation I'd have to say to check your state laws concerning any AR, purchased or built. If it's legal to buy, it shouldn't be a problem.
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Re: Is it illegal nto build a gun?

Post by AJMD429 »

Sixgun wrote: Sat Oct 21, 2017 2:58 pm(It's like that machine gun and rocket launcher I keep out back...don't talk about it. :D )
Don't worry, we'll keep it our little secret; everything you post on the internet here is confidential....at least that's what the guy told my wife when he got her to post all those nekked pictures.... :o :D
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Re: Is it illegal nto build a gun?

Post by Chuck 100 yd »

The home gunsmith forum has a legal section that should help answer your question.
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Re: Is it illegal nto build a gun?

Post by Pitchy »

Thanks for all the opinions, my intent was to build a non firing replica of a Colt derringer but I`m not going to create a worry for myself as I have enough of those.
So that being said this topic is dead. :)
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Re: Is it illegal nto build a gun?

Post by mark »

"If you have to ask the question, it's best to know the the answer in advance."

Sir Humphrey Appleby.

Cheers Mark
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Re: Is it illegal nto build a gun?

Post by Pitchy »

mark wrote: Thu Oct 26, 2017 3:49 am "If you have to ask the question, it's best to know the the answer in advance."

Sir Humphrey Appleby.

Cheers Mark
That makes no sense at all :lol:
Like no one asks any questions here. :roll:
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Re: Is it illegal nto build a gun?

Post by marlinman93 »

mark wrote: Thu Oct 26, 2017 3:49 am "If you have to ask the question, it's best to know the the answer in advance."

Sir Humphrey Appleby.

Cheers Mark
Sounds like Appleby was an idiot.
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