Can I build an AR 15 from parts broken down enough to prevent having to go through a FFL dealer for anything? I know I must always personally own the gun as a whole forever. If I can where do I begain. I have a good working knowledge of guns and have worked and modified most ever gun I own. I live in Georgia not the left coast.
Yes, in theory you can, using an 80% lower. But unless you own a milling set up you’ll more than likely need to buy a lower from an FFL.
Even in california, you can do a home build starting with an 80% lower without registering through an ffl.
Another option is a FTF purchase of a registered lower from someone else (check your states laws).
I myself picked on up about a year ago from a buddy that overstocked during the last panic buy. Now she sits with centurion arms upper and no FFL has my name on any paperwork.
Just another potential option. Usually guys will want to see a valid ID and a CCW/CPL card to verify your not a “bad guy”.
IIRC, there is a thread on TOS that describes this method. Walks you right through the process. Been a long time since I saw it, but it’s probably still there in a DIY section.
just buy your lower privately and get everything else on the net
This.
Yep, you either need to be skilled enough to mill out and finish an unfinished lower, or find a stripped or complete lower from a private seller. Everything else can be found without having to deal with an FFL, as the lower is the only part with a serial number and categorized by the BATFE as the actual firearm.
Yep. This.
And why single out the left coast? Yes the political climate mostly sucks here, but its no better on the right coast. Ever see those red and blue maps during election times? Most of CA is bright blood red. Gets real blue around L.A. and S.F., but that’s about it. Its a big place. Please don’t lump the bad with the good.
I would love to finish out an 80% lower one day but I don’t have near the skill or equipment to do it. I don’t guess you can take one to a machine shop and have them do it right?
Technically you need to be the one drilling out the lower. There may be build parties in your area–check it out.
Nice, didn’t even think about that…anywhere to look for build parties? I am in Dallas so I am sure there are plenty of enthusiasts in the area…
The news is always yakking about the “gun show loop hole”;:rolleyes:
that could be a good place to look for a private seller.
.
A lot of the build parties just require you to pay $50, put your 80% in the CNC machine and press the start button (you have to be the one who presses it to legally be considered the manufacturer). That’s it.
How to mill out a lower https://www.m4carbine.net/showthread.php?t=115548 Look around the net theres alot of DIY info on this.
Here in MS private is the way to go if you do not want your name out there.
I would love to do that someday. If just to say I have.
Additionally, I would like to do it with a stainless steel lower for the cool factor and the robustness factor.