Posted: 4/15/2003 8:02:08 PM EDT
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So, as far as I knew, civilians and people not in law-enforcement are allowed to purchase kits and build AR-15 rifles so long as they fall under the legal specifications (ie., no more than 2 features (like pistol grip and detachable clip) on rifles with post-ban receivers). Right? I mean, if I wanted to build an AR-15 for myself to own and use for recreation/defense, aren't I allowed to legally do this? One more thing... I understand that there are certain restrictions on rifles built with post-ban lower receivers. But if I got a legitimate pre-ban lower receiver, I would be able to add on whatever I wanted -- meaning, resizeable stock, flash suppressor, pistol grip, detachable clip, etc. Right? If there's anything that I'm missing, I surely want to know. And if I got it right... Where's a good place to purchase a legitimate, high-quality pre-ban lower receiver for an AR-15 rifle? |
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You can legally build a post-ban AR without a problem. The rifle needs to be a minimum length, I can't remember what it is offhand. The barrel has to be a minimum of 16" (can be 14.5" with a permanent muzzle break of 1.5"). It can't have more than two of the "evil" features. Such us detachable magazine (a clip is something used to load a magazine), pistol grip, flash hider, collapsible stock and bayonet lug. As for building a preban AR from a stripped lower, there are a couple of things to consider. I think the ATF considers a stripped preban lower to have lost it's preban status. In order to retain preban status, the lower has to be transferred in a preban condition. Meaning it has to have more than 2 "evil" features. The burden of proof for this lies with the owner of the rifle. You must be able to prove that the rifle was in preban configuration prior to the ban. Watch the Equipment Exchange, there are preban lowers in various stages of completeness for sale all the time. |
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Amen to Medicman's post. The overall length can't be less than 26 inches. To transfer just a lower with the preban features, you can send the seller a colapsable stock and pistol grip to attach before sending to you. That way, with the ability to take a detachable magazine, there are more than 2 evil features to retain its status. You can actually build an AR-type rifle with more than 2 features if you remove it from the definition of an "semiautomatic assault weapon" mainly by fixing the magazine so as to make it non-removable. [url=http://www4.law.cornell.edu/uscode/18/921.html]18 USC 921(30)(B)[/url] Actually the above citation will answer most of your questions, if you really feel like reading. Actually I replied to add: [url=http://www.ar15sales.com/]Legal Transfers[/url] (AKA Pete-in-NH) specializes in preban Colts, and may be a source for your lower. |