AR Build Group - Advise Please

[badey]

I am thinking of getting an AR build group started at my church, and could use some clarification on a few things.

First, is a stripped lower considered a pistol for a private sale? I know you have to be 21 to buy it from the FFL, but does that change after the initial purchase?

Second, since the lower is considered the firearm, would people without a LTCF legally be able to transport it to/from where we would be working on the build (it is not going to be at a gun shop, range, or gunsmith shop)?

I may have more questions later, but this is it for now.

[RXM]

From my phone discussion with the BATFE (take it for what it's worth), a stripped lower receiver is considered a firearm and not a long gun or a pistol. A lower receiver will be considered a rifle lower when a stock and a barreled upper receiver >=16" is assembled. A lower receiver will be considered a pistol lower when a barreled upper receiver <16" has been assembled with the lower receiver that does not have a stock (e.g., pistol buffer tube). Once a lower receiver has been made into a rifle, it can no longer be made into a pistol; however you can make a pistol into a rifle and back (reference Thompson ruling).

Some folks chose to roll the dice and use a carbine buffer tube for their pistol build b/c they're planning on making it into a SBR in the future. In my discussion with the BATFE, the agent stated that the lower receiver should not be able to readily accept a stock. I bought a dedicated pistol buffer tube when I put together my AR pistol (e.g., PWS enhanced pistol buffer tube).

Someone will come along to correct me if I've stated something incorrect. Good luck.

[badey]

Thanks for the reply. I think that means that someone under 21 can possess it if it was given to them by a parent or grandparent.

[Pa.Sniper]

Just to clarify something. No one ever "builds" an AR, they put them together. They are like an erector set, just put them together with the parts you want.
With all the plastic on them now-a-days, maybe there're more like legos.

[USMC3531]

yes people do "build" ARs http://www.theflatspot.net/ar-15-receiver-flat.html

[RXM]

Semantics, what would we do without them? Hopefully this thread does not go way of the "customized AR" thread.

[USMC3531]

My advise is dont invite too many people per night if you only have 1 set of tools, people will get upset if you spend most of the time working with ----- instead of helping them.

[markshere2]

+1 for the appleseed-like effort to spread the word!

We need more churches like yours!

My pastor has his LTCF and so does his District Superintendent!

[badey]

So am I right that the people involved would technically need to have their LTCF to transport the lowers to and from the build location?

[SteveWag]

Lowers are NOT pistols. You can hang them from your rear view mirror and sell them at flea markets. They can only be sold by FFL's to an over 21 buyer because they are "other", not rifle, not pistol. YOU can sell, give or throw them at any eligible person. Once a lower is filled out in a pistol configuration THEN a LTCF would be required. (How about “filled out”, I could have used “populated’ or even “decorated”) Don’t you like people who don’t answer the OP?
Steve