Bill Introduced: Background Checks for Unfinished Receivers
Kevin Felts 03.08.17
Before we talk about the bill, let’s take a few minutes and discuss unfinished receivers. There are unfinished receivers that can be bought without a background check and do not have a serial number. Current law says the receivers can be no more than 80% finished.
The person who buys the receiver must then finish the machining process themselves. This usually involves having some machinist tools and a drill press.
It is strictly prohibited for someone else to machine the part and then give it back to the owner.
H. R. 1278 was introduced into congress and states:
To amend title 18, United States Code, to require firearm
assembly kits to be considered to be firearms.
1 Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representa-
2 tives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,
3 SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
4 This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Ghost Guns Are Guns
5 Act’’.
6 SEC. 2. FIREARM ASSEMBLY KITS CONSIDERED TO BE
7 FIREARMS.
8 Section 921(a) of title 18, United States Code, is
9 amended—
VerDate Sep 11 2014 01:08 Mar 04, 2017 Jkt 069200 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 6652 Sfmt 6201 E:\BILLS\H1278.IH H1278
lotter on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with BILLS
2
•HR 1278 IH
1 (1) in paragraph (3), by striking ‘‘or (D) any
2 destructive device’’ and inserting ‘‘; (D) any destruc-
3 tive device; or (E) any combination of parts designed
4 or intended for use in converting any device into a
5 firearm and from which a firearm may be readily as-
6 sembled’’; and
7 (2) in paragraph (4)—
8 (A) by adding ‘‘and’’ at the end of sub-
9 paragraph (A);
10 (B) by striking ‘‘and’’ at the end of sub-
11 paragraph (B) and inserting a period; and
12 (C) by striking subparagraph (C).
It appears that not only does the law target unfinished lower receivers, but also parts kits.
As of March 8, 2017 the law states,
Does an individual need a license to make a firearm for personal use?
No, 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]
Why Is This Important?
We have a natural right that has existed before the foundation of any form of government to fashion a weapon to defend ourselves. All through history mankind has had the right to make our own weapons. Whether it was a wooden spear, sword, lance, or in this case a modern firearm, these rights predate all forms of government.
It is also very unlikely that a criminal would take the time to assemble a firearm from an 80% lower. Why take the time to buy all the parts, machine, and then assemble the firearm?
Gun grabbers are just looking for something to complain about.
Special thanks to Gun.com for running an article on the bill.
