I want to build my first ar. Need Help

[Cpeg]

I want to build my first ar and I know I can get the upper and parts kit online but I read you have to be 21 to buy a lower. Is this true even though its a rifle?

[c.a.willard]

I would think that would depend on whether or not the lower is a stripped lower and how it is on file with the FFL. A stripped lower can be used to manufacture either a pistol or a rifle (Typically listed in the category of Other on the paperwork) and as such may be treated like a pistol meaning you must to be 21 to purchase from a FFL. A complete lower is listed in their paperwork as a rifle and therefore should not require you to be 21

[Guest FIST]

[quote name='c.a.willard' timestamp='1353066569' post='846430']
I would think that would depend on whether or not the lower is a stripped lower and how it is on file with the FFL. A stripped lower can be used to manufacture either a pistol or a rifle (Typically listed in the category of Other on the paperwork) and as such may be treated like a pistol meaning you must to be 21 to purchase from a FFL. A complete lower is listed in their paperwork as a rifle and therefore should not require you to be 21
[/quote]

That's solid logic. I would guess the age requirement varies based off the sellers practices. Some online retailers will not sell short barrels to you without the tax stamp info.

To the OP, if you are "able" to purchase a stripped lower online your FFL should ensure that it's listed as "rifle" on the 4473. Your specific FFL is the one that you should talk to. They will best answer your question. Good luck.

[Cpeg]

Thanks I'll call an FFL in my area to check.

[gjohnsoniv]

No, you don't have to be 21 to buy a stripped lower. I know I bought one when I was 18 without any problems. Where you might run into a problem is if you try and register it as a pistol lower, then it would be 21.

[Oh Shoot]

[quote name='gjohnsoniv' timestamp='1353084853' post='846607']
No, you don't have to be 21 to buy a stripped lower. I know I bought one when I was 18 without any problems. ....[/quote]

You bought it through FFL?

Instructions on step 18 on 4473 say:

[i]Since a frame or receiver for a firearm, to include one that can only be made into a long gun, is a "firearm other than a shotgun or rifle", it cannot be transferred to anyone under the age of 21.[/i]

Other instructions in that section also seem to mean that a receiver is to be transferred only as "receiver" any more, not "handgun" or "long gun".

(I can't copy and paste from the ATF PDF, since it's "protected". Even after I dinked with it, it will only paste garbage characters.)


- OS Edited November 16, 2012 by OhShoot

[gjohnsoniv]

Yep, bought mine through an FFL, no problems. Maybe something has changed or they just marked it rifle at the time.

[scoutfsu]

Many FFL's were selling them as rifles instead of other. Some still do. There were recent-ish clarifications regarding selling stripped lowers as "others." You now officially need to be 21 to purchase it from an FFL.