Tired of long NICS check wait times, bare gun shop shelves, and runs on your favorite models?
Creating your own home build may be the solution, especially if you have a gun kit, a receiver blank, and a jig.
Here are a few things you need to know.
What Is a Gun Kit?
Generally speaking, a gun kit is a kit that contains all of the parts you need to complete a functioning firearm, minus the receiver or frame.
This will vary by model, but in most cases, it means all of the springs, pins, detents, retainers, and hardware will be present, along with a stock or grips, a barrel, sights, a trigger, sear, and hammer, trigger guard, bolt or bolt carrier group, (or slide), and all other action components.
Again, it varies by firearm, but expect it to contain all of the above. Some kits even come with magazines and accessories.
In the case of muzzleloader kits (since muzzleloaders are not regulated by the ATF as firearms) the kit might contain every piece you need to assemble and finish the gun.
Why Don’t Gun Kits Have Frames or Receivers?
The reason most gun kits do not come with a frame or receiver is that those are the parts that are regulated by the ATF as firearms.
Under federal law, selling a completed firearm frame or receiver is tantamount to selling a firearm and requires an FFL transfer.
Gun kits get around this by leaving that part out.
Are Gun Kits Legal?
Federal law does not prohibit individuals from creating firearms at home, for personal use, as long as they are not specified prohibited individuals (according to form 4473) and the firearm is a legal (non-NFA) firearm.
Therefore, it is not illegal (at the federal level) to buy, purchase, or possess gun kits.
However, state laws vary widely.
A Note on State Laws
Several states have levied their own laws against gun kits in general and receiver blanks in specific.
Among the states that have outlawed (or nearly outlawed) 80% lower receivers and blanks are:
● California
● New York
● New Jersey
● Rhode Island
● Connecticut
● Washington
● Washington, D.C.
● Hawaii
Therefore, though federal law says otherwise, it is illegal in these states to purchase or possess receiver blanks.
Note: Federal and state laws are in a constant state of motion and only the official counsel of a licensed lawyer can constitute legal advice. Nothing in the post can be taken as legal counsel. Always consult a lawyer before attempting to build a firearm from a kit or taking possession of an 80% lower.
Where Can I Get Gun Kits?
Looking for a gun build kit, complete parts kit, or some other type of gun kit for a firearm that you either own or which has your interest? In addition to making home builds possible, keeping gun kits around can also be a hedge against parts failure, so you always have a spare close at hand.
If you need one, take a look through the online collection at SARCO, Inc., online at SarcoInc.com. They carry a wide range of gun kits, including parts kits for AR-15 rifles and M1911 handguns. Check out their collection today.
