What records are kept when buying a rifle in PA?

[FCastle88]

I'm going to be in the market for an AR or AK soon, and I'm interested in what records are kept if buying one from an FFL. Does the dealer keep any records on who purchased the rifle? Is a private sale the only way to avoid a paper trail?

[Pa. Patriot]

I'm going to be in the market for an AR or AK soon, and I'm interested in what records are kept if buying one from an FFL. Does the dealer keep any records on who purchased the rifle?

FFL retains federal form 4473 AND bound book log for 20 years minimum required by Fed law, or relinquishes to ATF for "storage" if they go out of business prior to 20 years.

Is a private sale the only way to avoid a paper trail?

FTF and manufacturing your own rcvr.

[FCastle88]

FFL retains federal form 4473 AND bound book log for 20 years minimum required by Fed law, or relinquishes to ATF for "storage" if they go out of business prior to 20 years.



FTF and manufacturing your own rcvr.

I was afraid of that, a lefty AR isn't the easiest thing to find used and local lol.

[RoyJackson]

I was afraid of that, a lefty AR isn't the easiest thing to find used and local lol.

Keep an eye out for a Stag AR. They make LH versions. You might search the PAFOA classifieds too or put a "Buy" ad there.

[FCastle88]

Keep an eye out for a Stag AR. They make LH versions. You might search the PAFOA classifieds too or put a "Buy" ad there.

I'm probably going to go with a stag, but the odds aren't exactly in my favor for finding the model I want for sale, left-handed, in good condition, for a good price, within say 50 miles...lol. I might have to look into buying a lower FTF then just buy a Stag left-handed upper.

[Legion_Prime]

I was afraid of that, a lefty AR isn't the easiest thing to find used and local lol.

Doesn't matter, just find a lower for sale locally and then you can buy a Stag lefty upper and have it shipped right to your home. The lower is the registered part and is the same whether it's built for a Stag lefty or not.

[Emptymag]

Doesn't matter, just find a lower for sale locally and then you can buy a Stag lefty upper and have it shipped right to your home. The lower is the registered part and is the same whether it's built for a Stag lefty or not.

Good thinking, BUT...

I can't speak for the OP, but if I wanted "no paper trail", I wouldn't want one shipped to my home. Credit card, mailing address, etc... no thanks.

Of course, that's how I got my RRA kit - via mail, but if you want NO paper trail, (govt. or otherwise) ftf is the best route.

[Huggy]

IMHO, the lefties aren't worth the extra money and hassle.
As a southpaw, I find the standard setup just fine, and plenty comfy. In the unlikely situation that I need the forward assist, I can use left thumb, or right hand without taking my hand off the grip. The only advantage of the lefty uppers that I see is the spent casings don't eject cross body, but everything else I shoot ejects cross body anyway. I installed an ambi-safety on mine,but I find myself using the standard side with my trigger finger anyway, and the ambi-switch just kinda digs into my thumb.
Get whatever makes you happy, but I'd suggest at least trying a standard setup before springing for a lefty, if you haven't already.

[FCastle88]

IMHO, the lefties aren't worth the extra money and hassle.
As a southpaw, I find the standard setup just fine, and plenty comfy. In the unlikely situation that I need the forward assist, I can use left thumb, or right hand without taking my hand off the grip. The only advantage of the lefty uppers that I see is the spent casings don't eject cross body, but everything else I shoot ejects cross body anyway. I installed an ambi-safety on mine,but I find myself using the standard side with my trigger finger anyway, and the ambi-switch just kinda digs into my thumb.
Get whatever makes you happy, but I'd suggest at least trying a standard setup before springing for a lefty, if you haven't already.

I've never shot an AR, I have shot a couple of semi-auto .22s and I got a bunch of burning powder in my face and on my right forearm every time I shot them, so since AR's are one of the few semi-auto rifles that come in a left-handed version I figured I might as well go lefty.

[RoyJackson]

I've never shot an AR, I have shot a couple of semi-auto .22s and I got a bunch of burning powder in my face and on my right forearm every time I shot them, so since AR's are one of the few semi-auto rifles that come in a left-handed version I figured I might as well go lefty.

Although I'm the guy who suggested looking for a Stag LH upper, I own a standard RRA Entry Tactical (right hand rifle).
I shoot left handed due to A) Left eye dominance and B) A stroke resulted in lmited use of my right hand.
As long as you have a deflector aft of the ejection port, you won't get hit by hot brass.