ATF Open Letter to FFLs to Clarify Application of “Frame or Receiver” Final Rule on Certain Semiautomatic Pistol Frames.
WASHINGTON – -(AmmoLand.com)-The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives issued an open letter today to all federal firearms licensees regarding the application of Final Rule 2021-05F, Definition of “Frame or Receiver” and Identification of Firearms, on partially complete Polymer80, Lone Wolf, and similar semiautomatic pistol frames.
In April 2022, the Department of Justice announced a new “Frame or Receiver” final rule, which modernizes the definition of a firearm. The final rule, which went into effect in August 2022, clarifies that parts kits that are readily convertible to firearms are subject to the same regulations as firearms made by a federal firearms licensed manufacturer.
Today’s open letter clarifies to the firearm industry and the public how the August 2022 final rule addresses partially complete, disassembled, or nonfunctional semiautomatic striker-fired pistol frames or parts kits manufactured, sold, or distributed by Polymer80, Lone Wolf, and others.
Partially complete Polymer80, Lone Wolf, and similar striker-fired semiautomatic pistol frames, including, but not limited to, those sold within parts kits, are regulated by the Gun Control Act (GCA) because they have reached a stage of manufacture where they “may readily be completed, assembled, restored, or otherwise converted” to a functional frame.
This definition of “readily” applies to each classification of a partially complete frame or receiver under this rule, whether sold alone or as part of a kit; therefore, even without any associated templates, jigs, molds, equipment, tools, instructions, guides, or marketing materials, these partially complete pistol frames are “frames” and “firearms” as defined in the GCA and its implementing regulations.
“Today’s open letter is another important step in implementing the crucial public safety rule regarding privately made firearms, or Ghost Guns,” said ATF Director Steven Dettelbach. “The partially completed pistol frames described in this open letter are readily convertible to functioning firearms under the Gun Control Act. Ghost Guns can kill like other firearms if they are in the wrong hands, so they are treated as firearms under the law. This means that they must have serial numbers so that law enforcement can trace if they are used in crimes like other guns, and also that those engaged in the business of selling them must be licensed dealers and run background checks.”
If anyone remains unclear about a specific model or configuration, they may submit a request with a sample to ATF, who can only render a formal determination upon receipt of a formal request and physically examining a submitted sample.
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives
ATF regulates the firearm industry and is the lead federal law enforcement agency with jurisdiction involving firearms and violent crimes. More information about ATF and its programs is available at www.atf.gov.
“A well regulated militia, being necessary to the free state, the RIGHT of the people to keep and bear arms SHALL NOT BE INFRINGED.” The second amendment to the United States of America constitution, THE law of the land. The ONLY legal business that the government has in dealing with firearms, frames, destructive devices and anything else a militia might use is SHALL NOT INFRINGE The atfe along with many other alphabet government agencies, potus and most of congress are hell bent upon destroying our GOD given, constitutionally protected freedoms and rights. They are a disgrace to the office they… Read more »
When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature’s God entitle them… and it’s about that time, folks.
Of course, no mention that “modernizing” a definition is outside the prevue of an enforcement arm of an administrative branch, and reserved only for the legislative (as defined by the referenced GCA), which makes this “Final” rule a blatant overreach and abuse of power.
Hopefully, the lawsuits that this opens the ATF up to will point this out?
Defy, defy, defy, defy, DO NOT COMPLY. EVER. PERIOD! Kill all they send!
ONLY A TRAITOR would work for atf.
F*CK atf and their extended families!!!!! Ammoland should stop advertising for them.
F atf!
So I read this as even 80% items must be serialized per the ATF. Also seems to be limited to “striker-fired” items. So I guess serialization requirement would not apply to an aluminum 80% item. This is a very weird interpretation of a “regulation”! I sure hope the pending lawsuits jam this stuff down the throats of the BATF folks! oh, and do it quickly!
Play it again, Sam….for the Slo Joe types among us.
Politicians with laws never stop bad guys with guns.
They only control the good guys, which is their true agenda.
Unlike un-serialized firearms, serialized firearms were not in common use in 1791, therefore cannot be legal……
Interesting how they drop this letter when multiple companies have a lawsuit in the 5th circuit and are seeking an injunction against enforcement of this rule and they will most likely succeed.
Apparently they are referring to striker style pistols only. I see nothing about AR style 80% lowers. The previous rule stated 80% receivers could be sold, just not with a jig.
Once upon a time, a maker of 80% AR type frames made what he called a 0% lower. It looked like a solid aluminum brick.
Great fun!