80% Arms "Easy Jig"

[pdsmith505]

Just got done with an AR-15 lower using 80% Arms' "Easy Jig" that uses a router to mill out the fire control group.

Overall, the jig worked great. Considering that you are using a trim router and an really long 1/4" end mill to carve it out, the walls were pretty smooth. Only issue I ran into is that the router can get away from you pretty easy making the final depth cut since, at that point, you no longer have drill holes to start in and have to manually plunge the end mill into the material. My next one will be much better.

Also: Buy extra drill bits. The ones that ship in the tool kit were less than stellar. If it wasn't for the drill stop collar for the 3/8" bit, I'd say skip the tool kit and just buy the end mill from them. YMMV

 

[pdsmith505]

Mods: Totally forgot about the gunsmithing section.

Would one of you please move it there?

 

[savanahsdad]

huumm,, is that done ? that looks like a complete lower with no Ser# , I thought you had to have a Ser # number on that before you drilled the pin holes

 

[Arizona_Mike]

huumm,, is that done ? that looks like a complete lower with no Ser# , I thought you had to have a Ser # number on that before you drilled the pin holes

There is no requirement for a non-licensee to put a serial number on a self-built Title I firearm. It is only required if he is making a Title II (NFA) firearm.

I believe there is a letter out there saying you must mark it Name/Town/State/Model(optional)/Unique identifier prior to transferring but the statutory basis of this is suspect (and what about inheritance?).

Mike

 

[Crowcifier666]

I hope you registered it, too......

 

[pdsmith505]

Mike is correct. Your state laws may vary, however.

 

[Robert]

I use the same jig and it is very handy. The finished result, while not as smooth and perfect as a CNC produced lower is more than serviceable. Now to get mine coated...

 

[pdsmith505]

Robert:

Did you have any issues milling the final step of the fire control pocket? As mentioned above, the router got away from me on that step and gouged the hell out of the walls.

Any tips for the next one I do? I've got some ideas, but would like to hear how it went for you.

 

[Brass2grass]

As directed by the ATF, There's no requirement to serialize an 80% lower. However, you can opt to put one on it to help identify it if it is ever stolen. 80% builds are also non transferable (P2P).

 

[pdsmith505]

What federal law forbids you from, if you decided in the future that you no longer wanted the rifle, selling it to another person?

Personally, I know of no such law.

 

[Brass2grass]

The reason they are non transferable is because they are not serialized or marked in any way. If you were to transfer it you would have to fill out ATF form 7 5310.12 application for an FFL and pay the tax to register the receiver as a firearm. Only FFL licensees may register firearms.

 

[pdsmith505]

From the ATF: http://www.atf.gov/firearms/faq/firearms-technology.html

Q: Is it legal to assemble a firearm from commercially available parts kits that can be purchased via internet or shotgun news?
...
Individuals manufacturing sporting-type firearms for their own use need not hold Federal Firearms Licenses (FFLs). However, we suggest that the manufacturer at least identify the firearm with a serial number as a safeguard in the event that the firearm is lost or stolen. Also, the firearm should be identified as required in 27 CFR 478.92 if it is sold or otherwise lawfully transferred in the future.

Rule of thumb being that it's OK to build a gun for yourself as a non-licensee and sell it later if you decide to, but it's NOT OK to build the gun with the intent of selling it as a non-licensee. However, the firearm should be marked if you do sell it. Your local laws may vary.

 

[Brass2grass]

Yes and if you do so decide, it has to be registered. You can't name your weapon XYZ then just sell it since company XYZ doesn't exist in a DROS.

 

[pdsmith505]

In CA, that may be true. However, in most states firearms need not be registered at all.

 

[Brass2grass]

Pistols and AR lowers are registered in every state. Long guns and shot guns are the only exception.

 

[Hacker15E]

Pistols and AR lowers are registered in every state. Long guns and shot guns are the only exception.

Uh, what?

No...pistols are most certainly not registered in every state.

 

[Hacker15E]

BTW, the operative word in the paragraph from the ATF is "should".

It is notable because it has a different meaning than "shall", "will", or "must".

 

[Brass2grass]

Uh, what?



No...pistols are most certainly not registered in every state.

Although there are technically no federal laws requiring the registration of most guns, (some) state laws require the registration of some or all firearms except in the case of nfa firearms, which have to be registered. Out of state buyers require an FFL transfer while residents may exchange in P2P.

Any time you buy from an FFL, which EVERY gun is at some point, you are required to fill out form 4473. While it's not a registration Per se, it is a record of transfer in your name.

 

[Hacker15E]

Although there are technically no federal laws requiring the registration of most guns, (some) state laws require the registration of some or all firearms except in the case of nfa firearms, which have to be registered. Out of state buyers require an FFL transfer while residents may exchange in P2P.

Any time you buy from an FFL, which EVERY gun is at some point, you are required to fill out form 4473. While it's not a registration Per se, it is a record of transfer in your name.

Interesting attempt at clarification, but no, your original statement that, "Pistols and AR lowers are registered in every state. Long guns and shot guns are the only exception" is still entirely false. If you are a CALGUNS member, you'll recognize the term "FUD", and it unfortunately applies to your assertion.

How many different states besides CA have you resided in where handguns had to be registered?

I have lived in 8 other states besides California, and CA is the first and only one that required handgun registration.

 

[4thPointOfContact]

Pistols and AR lowers are registered in every state. Long guns and shot guns are the only exception.

Whoa, whoa, whoa... What's that quote from Tropic Thunder? Something about "pump your brakes, kid"?
Pistols are not registered in Georgia, nor are AR (or any other lower.)

 

[Brass2grass]

Oklahoma, North Carolina and California. Every weapon is registered by its manufacturer when built. When you buy a pistol the FFL puts it in your name. How do you think firearms are traced per Leo?

 

[BBBBill]

The FFL keeps the record of transfer (bound book or digital for some folks now) in his possession. That is not registered.
Registered means that the gov't has it in their records that you possess the gun.

 

[USAF_Vet]

Sadly, Michigan still requires handgun registration (looking at you, Detroit) but there is a bill in the House doing away with it.

Still, strripped AR receivers are firearms, and if transferred via FFL transfer as firearms. No registration required. 80% blanks and the like do not require any form of registration. I'm about done with a Flat Spot AR-15 steel puzzle piece kit. Made from laser cut steel flat sheets and welded together. It will be for a rifle build, and will not ever be registered. It'll probably never even have so much as a personal manufacturer mark or serial number.

pdsmith, you got a link for that jig? I might try my hand at an 80%. This Flat Spot build has been fun, and I can never have too many ARs.

 

[pdsmith505]

http://www.80percentarms.com/

I'd like to do one of the flat spot ones you mentioned, but lack a welding machine.

 

[USAF_Vet]

Thanks for the link. Like I need another project

We just discussed the possibility of braising and/ or using JB Weld for a flat kit. my experience with JB is that it can be brittle, so I personally wouldn't trust it to hold the pieces together long term. I use it like Bondo to fill in the nooks and crannies where the welds have left gaps, but not for structural support.