stripped lower

[winchester70]

When you buy a stripped lower with the intention of building a pistol how should it be marked on the 4473?

[AJ C-burg]

If it is a virgin lower do it as an other. You can do it as a pistol, but then it will always have to be transfered as such. As an other it can be used for a pistol, turned into a rifle, and back to a pistol, in case you didn't know. If it's listed as a rifle, or starts as one, it must always be a rifle.

From my experience, IANAL or FFL

[JoshIronshaft]

It should be marked as "other - receiver", neither a pistol or rifle because then it can be a rifle or pistol or made into a pistol and then a rifle, BUT once a rifle, it can't be a pistol, because the magic ATF fairy has sprinkled dust on it that makes it so. Once a rifle, always a rifle, and even with a pistol buffer tube, by putting on a barrel less than 16" you're making an illegal SBR and helicopters will instantly encircle your house.

Reference: http://jerkingthetrigger.com/2013/11...isconceptions/

[BenFoo]

It should be marked as "other - receiver", neither a pistol or rifle because then it can be a rifle or pistol or made into a pistol and then a rifle, BUT once a rifle, it can't be a pistol, because the magic ATF fairy has sprinkled dust on it that makes it so. Once a rifle, always a rifle, and even with a pistol buffer tube, by putting on a barrel less than 16" you're making an illegal SBR and helicopters will instantly encircle your house.

Reference: http://jerkingthetrigger.com/2013/11...isconceptions/

What he said.

[winchester70]

I knew I was right! I purchased a stepped lower from a lgs and he asked me if I was building it a pistol and I said yes so he marked the paper pistol and I questioned it and he told me this is the way they do it and they sell lots of them. O well I guess it is forever a pistol.

[SteveWag]

Your lgs was wrong!!! The ATF says “other”. The PA definition of a “firearm”, in all cases, mentions a barrel, no barrel means not a “firearm”..
Steve ( a PA dealer and a FFL)

[winchester70]

I wonder if he marked the other one I bought as a rifle.

[JoshIronshaft]

This is a common misconception with FFL's.

[Xringshooter]

This is a common misconception with FFL's.

No, it's a common misconception of FFL's that don't bother to read the regulations, or the explanations that are printed right on the 4473 packet!!

A stripped AR lower OR any virgin receiver (say one from NoDak Spud or Surgeon, or any number of custom receiver makers) are always marked as "Other" on the 4473 and in the description section it is identified as "Receiver". It is fully explained in the 4473. It is just a receiver until the barrel and stock go on.

Also, because a stripped lower is an "Other" a FFL CANNOT sell it to someone under 21.

[sgtsandman]

Or you can get an 80% lower an make it anything you want it to be and not have to worry about any paperwork at all. They make 80% lowers for AR15s, AR10s, AK47s, and 1911s.

There are some limitations though. Once made into a firearm, you can never sell it or transfer it, though your spouse can accept it as part of the estate. If you ever do wish to sell or transfer it, you will have to get it serial numbered and do paperwork then.