I'm 18, and I'm thinking about getting an 80% 1911 frame from KT Ordnance, and finishing it up myself.  However, I don't want to end up breaking any laws and losing my right to own for the rest of my life.  I understand that I can't purchase a pistol or ammo for a pistol from an FFL until I'm 21, but as far as I'm aware I can legally possess at 18.

Am I reading the laws wrong, or can I get myself a 1911 at 18?

Once you make that frame 100%, you are in posession of a pistol. (In the ATF's eyes)

I had my first .357 at 16 but I lived at home with my parents till I was out of college at 21... What was mine was theirs until I moved out

Quoted: Once you make that frame 100%, you are in posession of a pistol. (In the ATF's eyes)

I know.  But Federal Law prohibits the sale of pistols to those under 21 by FFLs, but you can be given one as a gift or otherwise posses one so long as your state law does not prohibit it.  And as I understand VA law says you just need to be 18 to own firearms.

So the true question is, can an 18yr old make a gun legally?

Quoted: So the true question is, can an 18yr old make a gun non-commercially/for personal use only legally?

I could certainly work for an MFG and make guns all day long, but yes, that pretty much nails it on the head.  Can I finish a 1911 frame and keep it, or will the Jack Booted Thugs descend on me with their Black Helicopters of Doom?

Quoted: Quoted: So the true question is, can an 18yr old make a gun non-commercially/for personal use only legally? I could certainly work for an MFG and make guns all day long, but yes, that pretty much nails it on the head.  Can I finish a 1911 frame and keep it, or will the Jack Booted Thugs descend on me with their Black Helicopters of Doom?

Sounds about right to me....

Your fine - if you want the actual citations to back it up, search the VA HTF, this has been covered several times now.

With certain exceptions a firearm may be made by a non-licensee provided it is not for sale and the maker is not prohibited from possessing firearms. However, a person is prohibited from assembling a non-sporting semi-automatic rifle or non-sporting shotgun from imported parts. In addition, the making of an NFA firearm requires a tax payment and approval by ATF. An application to make a machine gun will not be approved unless documentation is submitted showing that the firearm is being made for a Federal or State agency.

[18 U.S.C. 922(o) and (r), 26 U.S.C. 5822, 27 CFR 478.39, 479.62 and 479.105]


It refers to possessing not purchasing.  So if VA law allows you to possess a pistol while 18 then, Yes you can manufacture one

Things are looking good.  Thanks for all the prompt answers.  Anyone have any dissenting opinions on the matter, or am I good to go?

I would say you are good to go.  The law says legal to posess not purchase.  Federal law allows 18 and up to posess handguns and ammo but not to buy same from FFL.