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AR15.COM
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11/28/2005 12:47:08 PM EDT
Greetings to all!

I see AR15 receiver blanks for sale that require some machining and drilling in order to be made operational.  Questions:  Is there any legal issue doing this and building an AR for personal use?  Does one need permission (forgiveness?) from the ATF in order to manufacture a sporting arm?  

And does anyone have any experiences working with the lower blanks?  How much machining is involved?  Does one have to be a true machinist in order to do this, or can it be done by the workbench hobbyist?

Thanx in advance.

------------Bruce
11/28/2005 1:22:17 PM EDT
[#1]
looked into it myself and its really expensive but you get to use your own serial# and what not, just cant sell it.
11/28/2005 2:01:08 PM EDT
[#2]
actually you can sell it   you just cannot manufacture them for sale.   As long as you use it first  you are able to sell it.                From what i have heard i may be wrong though so dont quote me
11/28/2005 3:46:29 PM EDT
[#3]
There's a weird fine line that the ATF uses that says that you can make your own without any paperwork (unless you're making an SBR, SBS, etc) and you can sell it (I think), leave it to your heirs, or give it away, but you cannot manufacturer them.  The ATF states that you can't build them with the "intent" of selling them.  I'm not sure when you've crossed that line though.  

As for the work, it's not hard, just a bit time consuming.  It's a lot of fun, but you will need a mill along with a few other toos.  DSA (DSArms.com) is a good source for the blanks, if you buy more than 2 you can get them for $20 a piece.  

Here's a website with a little helpful info.

http://quartz2.cyberstation.net/~dwpaul/bs-home.htm

11/28/2005 10:28:04 PM EDT
[#4]
Check out cncgunsmithing.com

I have his lower jig on order and have also ordered 3 DSA forged lowers. Also one upper, although I'm not sure how I'm gonna finish that.

As I understand it, about the only way you can get rid of a homemade lower is to either destroy it, or leave it to someone in your will. Can't be sold or given away. I could be wrong about that though.

John
11/29/2005 7:51:58 AM EDT
[#5]
lots of milling ,reclamping & indicating of your work piece. and shaping or EDMing the mag well.try an 80% ,lots of work on a %0.good luck.
11/29/2005 8:01:07 AM EDT
[#6]
Yes, its better to start out with a couple of 80%ers first.  Its a lot of work to finish a solid 0% lower (I know because I have done a few of them).  Its very rewarding to do it, however.
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