http://www.atf.gov/firearms/firearmstech/081508manufacturing-of-firearms.pdf
So bending a bolt and drilling a receiver for a scope is considered manufacturing? Seems kind of a strict interpretation.
Taking a pile of parts and putting an AR together is also reason to end up with an 07 FFL as opposed to an 01.
They put out that email because the Chicago field office wrote a ‘clarification’ letter that read that something as simple as installing Trijicon night sights on a Glock before the transfer of the Glock could be considered ‘manufacturing’.
Anyone who sales Glocks knows in takes less than 5min to install them, well it does for me. 
There’s a HUGE difference in what say Bowen Custom can do to a SA Ruger revolver vs. installing night sights on a Glock.
Only if it is done with the intent of reselling the firearm. As I read it only operations performed for the sole purpose of the sale or distribution of the firearm is considered manufacturing. After you buy the gun or receiver any work done to it isn’t manufacturing.
True, but I wonder how many gunsmiths that do this kind of work for resale actually have a manufacturing lcense?
So to sum it up briefly More ridiculous ass bullshit from BATFE. The word retarded comes to mind.
Most of them and all of the smart ones.
the wording of, your papers please,come to mind! we do a licence for every act and all moves to the point all is regulated to a stand still of any , all rights are gone …more like the nazi and commies less then freedom!
So if I buy a gun improve it for resale I then need to pay another excise tax?? I’m betting this really about income and more taxes. Seems more like double taxation to me. Wonder who the first poor bastard will be to have to fight this in court? He will probably win but how much will it cost him and will it put him out of business cuz anyone doing this type of work is probably a small guy.
Totally insane.
There’s a liberal behind this… Up high @ BATFE.