And so, it begins...

[Strictly Street]

Not sure of all the details due to legal moves on both sides which seem to be on-going but the main issue seems to 80% lowers for AR-15 style rifles

 

80% lowers are not firearms by definition. They are only partially machined and need finished in a machine shop to be functional. Ares

Arms sold the 80% lowers as a firearm related part but did not register them with the ATF or do the Federal background checks.

 

The ATF apparently acknowledges that 80% lowers are not in their jurisdiction but wanted to confiscate them anyway. That and all customer records for the company. Which is the real problem it would seem. The ATF wanted the records more than they wanted the 80% parts. They pulled some rather shaky legal moves to get a shaky search warrant to do it too.

 

Here's some links to this.

http://weaselzippers.us/179529-breaking-ares-armor-raided-by-atf-for-customer-files-despite-restraining-order-from-judge/

 

http://weaselzippers.us/179587-more-video-and-pics-from-atf-raid-on-ares-armor/

 

http://www.thetruthaboutguns.com/2014/03/robert-farago/breaking-more-video-of-atf-ares-armor-raid/#more-304389

 

 

Does anybody have more information on this? Sure sounds like the Feds are stepping out of line and using extra-legal means to justify their actions. Or is this just another knee-jerk reaction to the scary "Black Rifle"?

 

On a related note, isn't it legal to build your own firearm?

 

For any FFL dealers out there does a store have to keep customer records of non-firearm sales?

 

 

 

 

 

[ReconRat]

To be specific, the complaint was about a 80% lower made of polymer from EP Armory. It has two different colored polymers, one is for the portion that gets removed. Ares Armory sells them. Supposedly a newer decision has been made that it is still ok as an 80%. But apparently actions are still proceeding based on another previous decision that they are not. Also disregarding a previous previous decision that they were ok. Remember that this is California, and if one or more showed up on the street, actions would be taken regardless. As far as I know, the design of 80% lowers is regulated, and have to be submitted for review in order to qualify and be sold.

 

http://cdn3.volusion.com/rhqso.ycmfs/v/vspfiles/photos/BUY5-1.jpg?1393416077

 

http://www.eparmory.com/Lower-Receivers-s/1819.htm

 

edit: More specific, if the 80% sample submitted is found to NOT have the following done, it is not a firearm.

1. Milling out of fire-control cavity.

2. Selector-lever hole drilled.

3. Cutting of trigger slot.

4. Drilling of trigger pin hole.

5. Drilling of hammer pin hole.

 

Obviously confusion on how to handle a two tone polymer. It could be said that it was finished and filled back in or something.

 

Also, at the federal level it is ok to build your own firearm unless it's short barrel or full auto or other prohibited type. At the state level, laws will vary.

Edited March 17, 2014 by ReconRat

[Strictly Street]

Thanks for the info