background check for ar parts?

[Guest bang-flash]

i'm still learning about building an ar rifle and read on another thread here that a background check was required to get certain parts.

could someone tell me which parts require the check and which don't?

thanks

[saintsfanbrian]

The only part that you have to go through an FFL for is the receiver (lower) as this IS the gun. It will be the part with the serial number. Should only cost about $100 if you get a stripped one. (not that I have purchased mine yet but one day)

[nightrunner]

maybe you're referring to NFA/Class 3 parts. in that case, any sound suppressor, barrell/upper shorter than 16", grenade launcher, the 870 shotgun attachment, or tri-burst or full auto trigger assembly requires all paperwork for any Class 3 weapon

[Guest bang-flash]

thanks for the replies. nfa/class 3 is not in my current plans.

so if i understand correctly, and please correct if i'm wrong, but the only "restricted" (requiring back check) part is the lower receiver. which is basically the metal shell that all the other parts go into. or does it also include the parts that go into the lower, referred to as parts kits by others?

[Daniel]

thsi is the only piece that requires a BG check. anything else can be purchased freely.

\

this contains the serial its under those XXXXX's on teh pic so IT is teh firearm according to BATFE.

the lower receiver parts kit people have been mentioning goes inside that shell. you will also need an upper that can be bought as a shell and assembled from parts you buy separately or as a whole piece.

[Guest ETS_Inc]

By the way, you don't need to go through an FFL / SOT to purchase barrels shorter than 16" or full-auto fire control groups. You can order any of those components through mail-order, or via the internet.

Barrels below 16" may be used on pistols, so they are readily available. Also, believe it or not, even if you don't own an AR pistol, you can legally own a <16" barrel - as long as you don't own any AR lowers which aren't registered as SBR's or MG's. So, if you don't own any AR's whatsoever, you can own a <16" barrel, and there's nothing BATFE can do about it.

Now, F/A FCG's are an animal of a slightly different variety. NFA 34 defines a machine gun not only as a firearm which discharges multiple shots with a single action on the trigger, it also defines a machine gun as the parts which can be readily adapted to make a machine gun. Therefore, the FCG is kind of like an MG. If you own a S/A AR, but don't own a registered MG, you can't be in possession of a FA FCG. However, if you don't own a reciever which can be readily converted using the parts (e.g. no lowers whatsoever), it's not illegal for you to possess a F/A FCG.

But, no dealer / manufacturer in their right mind is going to sell you a F/A FCG without seeing your NFA Form 4. That's a CYA thing. Given how easy it is to get an AR, and how easy it is to convert one to F/A, no dealer who wants to stay in business and out of jail is going to want to be giving you the parts to make an illegal MG.