I was looking at kits for a few ak builds and ran across several kits with cut barrels in the 150 ish range, that say All NFA rules apply, for repair or replacement only. I want to build a 9mm pistol for one of my ak builds, and would be using an uzi barrel so the reduced cost of this kit would be ideal.

does this mean it would be illegal for me to use this in a new build?

The 'All NFA rules apply' line doesn't have any greater or lesser meaning with respect to a cut-barrel kit versus an intact barrel kit. In short, what you DON'T want to do is inadvertently end up in possession of a set of parts - which if assembled - would constitute a machine gun. You and I both know that you're constructing a legal semi-auto pistol, but the BATFE takes a rather sweeping view of these situations.

The easiest way to avoid this - and what I always do - is ask the seller to remove the auto-sear and rate regulator from the kit before shipping. It's perfectly legal to own these two parts, so long as you do not also own a receiver (or another completed gun...).

Some have said that it's still legal to own these parts so long as you don't also own a machine gun (3rd hole) receiver. But I don't know the truth of the matter - so better safe than sorry.

-L

Quoted: I was looking at kits for a few ak builds and ran across several kits with cut barrels in the 150 ish range, that say All NFA rules apply, for repair or replacement only. I want to build a 9mm pistol for one of my ak builds, and would be using an uzi barrel so the reduced cost of this kit would be ideal. does this mean it would be illegal for me to use this in a new build?

The NFA rules apply simply means you can't make it into a MG or SBR or AOW w/o the proper paperwork. You can do what you want to do (assuming you aren't otherwise prohibited) . If you were building a rifle version you'd have to mind 922r guidelines but they don't apply to pistols.

Sounds like a cool project, hope it comes to fruition.

well i prefer to air on the side of caution. so im with you, by the way is there a forum to ask legal questions?

For instance i have always shied away from the idea of having an pistol thats an ar. I had seen a conversation where a man who had several ar's was imprisoned because he also had a pistol the atf in this particular story had accused him of puting a stock on his pistol upper. Much easier to avoid the accusation if you dont possess said item. I have a number of other questions but not sure what the right forum to ask is.

Not really that I know of, there's a general CIII but that's not applicable here. I'm pretty sure others here in the BIY forum can steer you in the right direction for other questions.

As for the pistol build if you want to err on the conservative side, that's certainly understandable. When you've got the receiver how you want it you can have it engraved using NFA guidelines (should be .003 deep, at least 1/16 tall) include the manufacturer (your name) city/state it was made, serial number, and clearly state that it's a pistol. You can get creative or it can be something as simple as:

John Doe Anytown USA
UZAK Pistol 9mm/.45
s/n 1269

But you're right, having it clearly be a pistol could make a lot less hassle of you have an encounter with a LEO who isn't sure about the laws, even if he just held you up for an hour while things checked out, it'd be easily avoided if marked Pistol.

The cut barrel kits would work great for a pistol build (especially one of another caliber other than 7.62x39).  What the whole kit building home builders are doing is taking a US made AK (the receiver) and using these parts kits to fix it (obviously some parts are either not working or not there).  Of course in order for the 922r authors to be happy you also need other US parts to your US made AK.  Typically that adds up to 6 US parts.  For pistols 922r does not apply (it is an assault weapon ban, not a pistol ban legislation).  The grey area comes when you build a hybrid (ie 9mm AK).  It is a blowback system so you can start asking if things like the piston or gas system parts even count (obviously you can remove them and eliminate them from the total of 10 imported parts).  Then you are faced with different BATFE/LEO interpretations.  Try to stay on the side of compliant and you should be fine.

well thanks for your input, but it does not look like I will be doing any builds in the near future.

My birthday is this saturday, and my wife decided on a unique gift for my birthday divorce papers.

It happens to the best of us, you'll bounce back. What a time to be blindsided though.....
best wishes.

sorry ot hear about the bad news.
dont sell your kit, save it for when yous feeling down, and build it.
you will get a sense of accomplishment once its done, and give you something to take your mind off of the EX.


edited to add:
go out with your friends and recover quickly. if that is possible. i cant even imagine what you must be going through right now.

I'm so sorry to hear of your bad news (I'm assuming this was not something anticipated).  You may find some solace here and in building kits.  Just do your best as the papers are only the first blow.  Good luck and let us know if there is anything we can do to help.