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The term 80% finished, when talking about AR-15 (AR-10) lowers is ambigous, at best.
Hey, I've even used the term, without thinking about what was being discussed. It's all a matter of reference.
Consider this.
You buy an AR-15 forging from a source that has the magazine well EDM wire cut, the mag release mechanism pockets done, the pivot pin and take-down pin drilled to size.
As well, they may have the buffer tube drilled and threaded, including buffer detent hole drilled.
This is sold as 80% complete, and according to the ATF, is NOT necessary to sell or purchase via an FFL dealer.
With me so far?
The billet for a CNC build-up is a rectangular piece of stock with a specific metallurgical property, PERIOD. That's it, nothing more.
What amount of machining is necessary, to achieve 80% of the state a finished receiver?
It's certainly not even close, compared to the afore mentioned "forged" item, which posses the recesses and extensions of the main body, via the forging process.
CNC processes remove all the metal on the exterior to achieve what the forging die does with several strokes of the hammer.
Per the definition below, I openly concede the ATF's Technology Division provided a very concise and definite answer.
They stated,
The above bold quote dated Jul 05, 2011, was taken from a letter to American Spirit Arms.
And, by that definition, a person can machine every other portion of the lower receiver, and legally sell and buy, without an FFL transfer.
The reason I posted all this is, I'm going to be offering AR-15 and AR-10 lowers under the ATF defined rules of a non-firearm lower.
There will be several options for these items.
NOTE: (ano = anodizing)
AR-10 and AR-15 lowers:
There will be several different layout options on the shape of receiver forward and the bottom of the magwell, as well as trigger opening sizes.
I've posted a tentative interest list in the For Sale Forum.
Questions, or comments are welcome and appreciated.
Hey, I've even used the term, without thinking about what was being discussed. It's all a matter of reference.
Consider this.
You buy an AR-15 forging from a source that has the magazine well EDM wire cut, the mag release mechanism pockets done, the pivot pin and take-down pin drilled to size.
As well, they may have the buffer tube drilled and threaded, including buffer detent hole drilled.
This is sold as 80% complete, and according to the ATF, is NOT necessary to sell or purchase via an FFL dealer.
With me so far?
The billet for a CNC build-up is a rectangular piece of stock with a specific metallurgical property, PERIOD. That's it, nothing more.
What amount of machining is necessary, to achieve 80% of the state a finished receiver?
It's certainly not even close, compared to the afore mentioned "forged" item, which posses the recesses and extensions of the main body, via the forging process.
CNC processes remove all the metal on the exterior to achieve what the forging die does with several strokes of the hammer.
Per the definition below, I openly concede the ATF's Technology Division provided a very concise and definite answer.
They stated,
in order to be considered "completely solid and unmachined in the fire control recess area,"the take-down pin lug clearance area must be no longer than .800 inch, measured from immediately forward of the front of the buffer retainer hole.
And, by that definition, a person can machine every other portion of the lower receiver, and legally sell and buy, without an FFL transfer.
The reason I posted all this is, I'm going to be offering AR-15 and AR-10 lowers under the ATF defined rules of a non-firearm lower.
There will be several options for these items.
NOTE: (ano = anodizing)
AR-10 and AR-15 lowers:
6061 raw, no ano
6061 black ano
7075 raw, no ano
7075 black ano
There will be several different layout options on the shape of receiver forward and the bottom of the magwell, as well as trigger opening sizes.
I've posted a tentative interest list in the For Sale Forum.
Questions, or comments are welcome and appreciated.
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