Smith & Wesson Forum

Go Back   Smith & Wesson Forum > Ammunition-Gunsmithing > S&W-Smithing
o

Notices

S&W-Smithing Maintenance, Repair, and Enhancement of Smith & Wesson and Other Firearms.


Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 03-25-2017, 01:36 PM
skipnsb skipnsb is offline
Member
Is it legal to work on my own gun? Is it legal to work on my own gun? Is it legal to work on my own gun? Is it legal to work on my own gun? Is it legal to work on my own gun?  
Join Date: Jan 2017
Posts: 136
Likes: 66
Liked 112 Times in 52 Posts
Default Is it legal to work on my own gun?

ATF website is clear that a license is needed to work on guns as a business. An acquaintance claims it is illegal to work on my own firearms. I don't think so. Is there any basis for such a claim? I guess if I was buying and repairing and then reselling for profit that could be an issue.

With all the crazy gun laws I am just looking for a reality check.

Thanks.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 03-25-2017, 01:50 PM
Mike, SC Hunter Mike, SC Hunter is offline
Member
Is it legal to work on my own gun? Is it legal to work on my own gun? Is it legal to work on my own gun? Is it legal to work on my own gun? Is it legal to work on my own gun?  
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: In The Woods Of S.C.
Posts: 8,833
Likes: 13,927
Liked 13,636 Times in 4,936 Posts
Default

Your acquaintance is full of it........Yes you can work on your guns/cars/appliances/airplanes without a license............
__________________
S&W Accumulator
Reply With Quote
The Following 8 Users Like Post:
  #3  
Old 03-25-2017, 01:53 PM
44wheelman 44wheelman is offline
Member
Is it legal to work on my own gun? Is it legal to work on my own gun? Is it legal to work on my own gun? Is it legal to work on my own gun? Is it legal to work on my own gun?  
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,520
Likes: 313
Liked 777 Times in 390 Posts
Default

Just don't take the tag off your mattress.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 03-25-2017, 02:11 PM
murphydog's Avatar
murphydog murphydog is offline
Moderator
Is it legal to work on my own gun? Is it legal to work on my own gun? Is it legal to work on my own gun? Is it legal to work on my own gun? Is it legal to work on my own gun?  
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 26,784
Likes: 938
Liked 18,877 Times in 9,241 Posts
Default

Or alter the serial number in any way. Guess your acquaintance never adjusted the sights, mounted a scope, or exchanged grips or a stock on any of his guns....
__________________
Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220
Reply With Quote
The Following 8 Users Like Post:
  #5  
Old 03-25-2017, 02:15 PM
Arik Arik is offline
Member
Is it legal to work on my own gun? Is it legal to work on my own gun? Is it legal to work on my own gun? Is it legal to work on my own gun? Is it legal to work on my own gun?  
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Outside Philadelphia Pa
Posts: 16,601
Likes: 7,342
Liked 17,200 Times in 7,303 Posts
Default

To a certain extent. You can do most things except deface, remove, move or alter the serial number.

What you cant do is work on someone else's gun unless they are there with you. If you helped your friend install sights that's cool. If he left it for you to install sights that's not cool

Sent from my XT1650 using Tapatalk
Reply With Quote
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
  #6  
Old 03-25-2017, 02:16 PM
shocker's Avatar
shocker shocker is offline
Member
Is it legal to work on my own gun? Is it legal to work on my own gun? Is it legal to work on my own gun? Is it legal to work on my own gun? Is it legal to work on my own gun?  
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Michigan
Posts: 1,482
Likes: 550
Liked 1,427 Times in 666 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Mike, SC Hunter View Post
Your acquaintance is full of it........Yes you can work on your guns/cars/appliances/airplanes without a license............
Airplanes - under some circumstances yes, generally speaking, no.
Reply With Quote
The Following 3 Users Like Post:
  #7  
Old 03-25-2017, 07:27 PM
armorer951's Avatar
armorer951 armorer951 is online now
Member
Is it legal to work on my own gun? Is it legal to work on my own gun? Is it legal to work on my own gun? Is it legal to work on my own gun? Is it legal to work on my own gun?  
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Evansville, Indiana USA
Posts: 6,205
Likes: 480
Liked 11,335 Times in 3,505 Posts
Default

Well, if it's not legal, I'm going to be doing some hard time when they catch up with me. You guys will post bond for me....right?
__________________
Ret. LE, FA Instr, S&W Armorer

Last edited by armorer951; 03-25-2017 at 09:18 PM.
Reply With Quote
The Following 9 Users Like Post:
  #8  
Old 03-25-2017, 07:35 PM
Tom S.'s Avatar
Tom S. Tom S. is offline
Moderator
Is it legal to work on my own gun? Is it legal to work on my own gun? Is it legal to work on my own gun? Is it legal to work on my own gun? Is it legal to work on my own gun?  
Join Date: Nov 2015
Location: SE Michigan
Posts: 18,476
Likes: 8,386
Liked 17,059 Times in 5,594 Posts
Default

You can do anything to your own firearms that is legal for a licensed gunsmith to do. As pointed out, that does not include removing or modifying serial numbers, which is also illegal for gunsmiths. And just as gunsmiths aren't allowed to make certain modifications such as turn semi-auto's into full autos, or cut long guns shorter than the Federal limits, neither can you.

Ask your friend where he got his information from.
__________________
So many S&W's, so few funds!!
Reply With Quote
The Following 3 Users Like Post:
  #9  
Old 03-25-2017, 08:05 PM
lefty_jake lefty_jake is offline
Member
Is it legal to work on my own gun? Is it legal to work on my own gun? Is it legal to work on my own gun? Is it legal to work on my own gun? Is it legal to work on my own gun?  
Join Date: Jul 2015
Posts: 228
Likes: 135
Liked 245 Times in 127 Posts
Default

I don't want to be off topic in this thread, but I do want to mention that just because it is legal does not make it a good idea. I know some people who can do very good work at the "kitchen table." But I have also talked to lots of people who got in way over their heads and made expensive or dangerous mistakes. And as the original poster's friend demonstrated, there is a lot of misinformation available about working on guns.

I am not opposed to people working on their own guns, but when people ask me about it, my first words are things like: caution, safety, research and liability.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #10  
Old 03-25-2017, 08:09 PM
Targets Guy's Avatar
Targets Guy Targets Guy is offline
US Veteran
Is it legal to work on my own gun? Is it legal to work on my own gun? Is it legal to work on my own gun? Is it legal to work on my own gun? Is it legal to work on my own gun?  
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Southwest Iowa
Posts: 10,867
Likes: 2,688
Liked 18,968 Times in 5,588 Posts
Default

Now that you mention it those grips I put on last week are a little loose.
__________________
Mike
S&WCA #3065
Reply With Quote
The Following 3 Users Like Post:
  #11  
Old 03-25-2017, 08:36 PM
Tyrod Tyrod is offline
Member
Is it legal to work on my own gun? Is it legal to work on my own gun? Is it legal to work on my own gun? Is it legal to work on my own gun? Is it legal to work on my own gun?  
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Sunny Central Florida
Posts: 1,232
Likes: 334
Liked 993 Times in 378 Posts
Default

Not only can you work on your own gun, but you could legally build one from scratch if you so desire.
__________________
NRA Benefactor
Reply With Quote
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
  #12  
Old 03-25-2017, 08:44 PM
italiansport italiansport is offline
Member
Is it legal to work on my own gun? Is it legal to work on my own gun? Is it legal to work on my own gun? Is it legal to work on my own gun? Is it legal to work on my own gun?  
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Arizona
Posts: 3,222
Likes: 2,905
Liked 5,333 Times in 1,869 Posts
Default

I think it's also important to remember, to steal a line for the movies, "A man's got to know his limitations". It not all that difficult to do some serious and in some instances irreparable damage to an expensive firearm by someone who doesn't know what they are doing. I confine my own activities to replacing broken or worn parts when necessary and leave the true gunsmithing to the experts.
Jim
Reply With Quote
The Following 3 Users Like Post:
  #13  
Old 03-25-2017, 08:50 PM
texaspacker's Avatar
texaspacker texaspacker is offline
Member
Is it legal to work on my own gun? Is it legal to work on my own gun? Is it legal to work on my own gun? Is it legal to work on my own gun? Is it legal to work on my own gun?  
Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: Round Rock, Texas
Posts: 15
Likes: 7
Liked 19 Times in 9 Posts
Default

ITAR I think it's called came into effect after the Korean war? Obamanation and his minions tried and use ITAR in a back door maneuver to get rid guns.
ITAR made it so only the owner of a firearm could work on his own a fire arm or something to that effect? I think "they" started enforcing this ITAR law before Obamanation left office? I think, I am not sure!
If ITAR is being enforced you can't modify or work on someone else's firearm. You can't even mount a stock on a firearm that is not yours.
I learned this from my S&W warranty repairman after he started ranting about ITAR rules for hours last time I saw him. ITAR regulations and "fees" were going to cost him $10,000.00 a year. ITAR included a bunch of extra paperwork. Plus the ATF and other alphabet people were going to start poking around in his business. This was back in October of 2016 and he was 99.9% it had already happened. He said it would put him and others out of business and that was Obamanation and his buddies sneaky way of making it happen.
So I am assuming now, today, you can not legally work on someone else's firearm? I haven't checked out ITAR either so check it out to make sure.
Please check out ITAR!
Note!!!!! I AM NOT A LAYWER!
Semper fi.
God bless America plus you and yours!
Reply With Quote
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
  #14  
Old 03-25-2017, 09:01 PM
rct269 rct269 is offline
SWCA Member
Is it legal to work on my own gun? Is it legal to work on my own gun? Is it legal to work on my own gun? Is it legal to work on my own gun? Is it legal to work on my own gun?  
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Pikeville, Tennessee
Posts: 6,025
Likes: 910
Liked 9,880 Times in 3,633 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by shocker View Post
Airplanes - under some circumstances yes, generally speaking, no.
You can work on your own (store bought) airplane if/when (and ONLY when) a licensed aircraft mechanic inspects/signs off (in the log book). If/when you build your own airplane (from scratch or from a kit)---not recommended for those requiring instant gratification, you can work on it with no restrictions.

RT
Reply With Quote
The Following 3 Users Like Post:
  #15  
Old 03-26-2017, 01:11 AM
Muss Muggins's Avatar
Muss Muggins Muss Muggins is offline
Member
Is it legal to work on my own gun? Is it legal to work on my own gun? Is it legal to work on my own gun? Is it legal to work on my own gun? Is it legal to work on my own gun?  
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: bootheel of Missouri
Posts: 16,853
Likes: 6,981
Liked 28,085 Times in 8,897 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Mike, SC Hunter View Post
Your acquaintance is full of it........Yes you can work on your guns/cars/appliances/airplanes without a license............
But you probably shouldn't . . .
__________________
Wisdom comes thru fear . . .
Reply With Quote
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
  #16  
Old 03-26-2017, 06:59 AM
Pocchr's Avatar
Pocchr Pocchr is offline
US Veteran
Is it legal to work on my own gun? Is it legal to work on my own gun? Is it legal to work on my own gun? Is it legal to work on my own gun? Is it legal to work on my own gun?  
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: South Carolina
Posts: 64
Likes: 27
Liked 71 Times in 23 Posts
Default

Ask your friend if he has a license to Brush his Teeth. That makes about as much sense and not being able to work on your own gun. Are you sure he is your "friend?"
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #17  
Old 03-26-2017, 07:50 AM
Engineer1911's Avatar
Engineer1911 Engineer1911 is online now
US Veteran
Is it legal to work on my own gun? Is it legal to work on my own gun? Is it legal to work on my own gun? Is it legal to work on my own gun? Is it legal to work on my own gun?  
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Augusta, GA
Posts: 6,113
Likes: 6,644
Liked 6,156 Times in 2,666 Posts
Default

People have different levels of "Legal Compliance and Risk Taking" . Some folks are just able to cross the street in the day time only. Others walk out to their own machine shop and start building.

'High Compliance' and 'Low Risk' folks have all the challenge they need with a screw driver. It's kept in the drawer with band aids.
__________________
S&WHF 366
Reply With Quote
  #18  
Old 03-26-2017, 07:59 AM
jringo8769's Avatar
jringo8769 jringo8769 is offline
Member
Is it legal to work on my own gun? Is it legal to work on my own gun? Is it legal to work on my own gun? Is it legal to work on my own gun? Is it legal to work on my own gun?  
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Jamestown NY
Posts: 813
Likes: 7,785
Liked 518 Times in 281 Posts
Default

well i have found that some people should not work on things they do not know how to do...some people are very good with their hands and have a great mind to be able to figure out things...some people dont...i have been a mechanic for over 30 years and have seen some repairs which i say loosely were done so poorly that it cost more to repair it and fix it than the original repair to do right...and remember it sometimes pays to have things done right the first time...when i started working in the garages...i found that doing it once is the only way to do it...and that means doing it right the first time...God Bless,John
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #19  
Old 03-26-2017, 08:47 AM
steelslaver's Avatar
steelslaver steelslaver is online now
US Veteran
Is it legal to work on my own gun? Is it legal to work on my own gun? Is it legal to work on my own gun? Is it legal to work on my own gun? Is it legal to work on my own gun?  
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: Central Montana
Posts: 13,625
Likes: 12,742
Liked 39,091 Times in 9,966 Posts
Default

If was illegal to work on your own guns I would be in deep deep do do.

Its not.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #20  
Old 03-26-2017, 10:12 AM
skipnsb skipnsb is offline
Member
Is it legal to work on my own gun? Is it legal to work on my own gun? Is it legal to work on my own gun? Is it legal to work on my own gun? Is it legal to work on my own gun?  
Join Date: Jan 2017
Posts: 136
Likes: 66
Liked 112 Times in 52 Posts
Default I think I can

Thanks for the thoughts.
1. My acquaintance rarely shoots because he insists on paying his gunsmith to clean his guns. I doubt he has ever even changed a grip (or used a skilsaw). Possibly the gunsmith was panicked by ITAR and my acquaintance misunderstood, or the gunsmith wants to keep charging him for every little thing, or he read an article about ITAR and did not realize it did not apply to hobbyists.

2. Most of the fun I have had in life (not all) was from things I "shouldn't do"-flying little airplanes, big wave surfing, rock climbing, that girl in Ensenada....so we all need to be realistic on our abilities, or be able to pay to have it fixed. Safety is job 1. Always.

3. In retirement I hope to play with guns-trigger job, using my newused mill to make AR15's, chop my 329 Night Guard frame to fit my tiny hands. and such. lots of ways to waste money. cheaper than the ponies and nose candy, even if I absolutely trash a gun. So far I am convinced I can do all these things legally. I hope it stays that way.
Reply With Quote
The Following 3 Users Like Post:
  #21  
Old 03-26-2017, 10:35 AM
YeshuaIsa53's Avatar
YeshuaIsa53 YeshuaIsa53 is offline
SWCA Member
Is it legal to work on my own gun? Is it legal to work on my own gun? Is it legal to work on my own gun?  
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: SE USA
Posts: 2,437
Likes: 4,443
Liked 1,881 Times in 852 Posts
Default

A specific license is needed for an FFL holder to gunsmith at the FFL, so I understood years back. I think you will learn a lot if you gunsmith your own guns. With the internet nowadays, you should be able to find a video or two showing almost anything you want to do. They should each start out with, "Make sure the firearm is unloaded!"

As mentioned above, think safety and liability. Have to agree. The tag on the mattress is the best I've heard in more than a week. A licensed gunsmith may very well leave a tag on yours. You can remove it when you leave, if he does not.

Had a man tell me last week or so he should stick to things he knows well. I think curiosity sometimes gets the best of us. That being said, be ready for anything. I take mine to a gunsmith.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #22  
Old 03-26-2017, 10:50 AM
sw282's Avatar
sw282 sw282 is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: CSRA
Posts: 2,125
Likes: 869
Liked 1,629 Times in 779 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Mike, SC Hunter View Post
Your acquaintance is full of it........Yes you can work on your guns/cars/appliances/airplanes without a license............
Well, Mike used to build ''NUKES''...

l suppose he can handle a lil ole airplane....
Reply With Quote
  #23  
Old 03-26-2017, 11:01 AM
NYlakesider's Avatar
NYlakesider NYlakesider is offline
Member
Is it legal to work on my own gun? Is it legal to work on my own gun? Is it legal to work on my own gun? Is it legal to work on my own gun? Is it legal to work on my own gun?  
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Northern NY-AdirondackMts
Posts: 7,997
Likes: 12,856
Liked 13,380 Times in 5,043 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Be still View Post
A specific license is needed for an FFL holder to gunsmith at the FFL, so I understood years back. I think you will learn a lot if you gunsmith your own guns. With the internet nowadays, you should be able to find a video or two showing almost anything you want to do. They should each start out with, "Make sure the firearm is unloaded!"

As mentioned above, think safety and liability. Have to agree. The tag on the mattress is the best I've heard in more than a week. A licensed gunsmith may very well leave a tag on yours. You can remove it when you leave, if he does not.

Had a man tell me last week or so he should stick to things he knows wel
l. I think curiosity sometimes gets the best of us. That being said, be ready for anything. I take mine to a gunsmith.
I can agree with some of that. If your handy and work with your hands a lot and have common sense there are a lot of things you can do for yourself. (SOME gun work, SOME vehicle work,SOME home projects) As for me I do most of my own gun work, maintenance, if it involves adding some parts (Scope&mounts as a example), changing out some parts & doing some careful smoothing of moving parts, (trigger work on revolvers ETC).

Back when I was a kid one of my fathers best friends was the "handiest" person I ever met. He could fix or modify just about anything. Had a regular job but he made plenty of under the table money being a Mr Fix-it) One of Toms favorite sayings about taking things apart was" If you need directions to know how to take something apart and fix it don't do it your in over your head!" He had the philosophy that some people could do certain things and others could not! Don't push it!
__________________
14 S&W Revs none with locks!
Reply With Quote
  #24  
Old 03-26-2017, 11:53 AM
rct269 rct269 is offline
SWCA Member
Is it legal to work on my own gun? Is it legal to work on my own gun? Is it legal to work on my own gun? Is it legal to work on my own gun? Is it legal to work on my own gun?  
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Pikeville, Tennessee
Posts: 6,025
Likes: 910
Liked 9,880 Times in 3,633 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by skipnsb View Post
ATF website is clear that a license is needed to work on guns as a business. An acquaintance claims it is illegal to work on my own firearms. I don't think so. Is there any basis for such a claim? I guess if I was buying and repairing and then reselling for profit that could be an issue.

With all the crazy gun laws I am just looking for a reality check.

Thanks.
I suspect (without knowing the first thing about the ATF website and the nitty-gritty of the myriad regulations), that a gunsmith needs an FFL in order to (legally) transport, ship, and receive firearms in interstate commerce----not to work on guns-----not withstanding whatever Obama/his crowd were trying to pull off.

My motto: If it feels good, do it! (If you get caught, call your attorneys----they need to work too.)

Ralph Tremaine
Reply With Quote
  #25  
Old 03-26-2017, 02:13 PM
SMSgt's Avatar
SMSgt SMSgt is offline
Member
Is it legal to work on my own gun? Is it legal to work on my own gun? Is it legal to work on my own gun? Is it legal to work on my own gun? Is it legal to work on my own gun?  
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Florida
Posts: 6,555
Likes: 3,343
Liked 9,152 Times in 3,432 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by skipnsb View Post
ATF website is clear that a license is needed to work on guns as a business. An acquaintance claims it is illegal to work on my own firearms. I don't think so. Is there any basis for such a claim? I guess if I was buying and repairing and then reselling for profit that could be an issue.

With all the crazy gun laws I am just looking for a reality check.

Thanks.
Yes there is. It's called ignorance.
Reply With Quote
  #26  
Old 03-26-2017, 02:27 PM
BAM-BAM BAM-BAM is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: A Burb of the Burgh
Posts: 14,748
Likes: 1,614
Liked 19,850 Times in 8,772 Posts
Default

Are you in the "Business" of repairing firearms?

NO.

I changed the tires on my Polaris RZR on Friday ..... I'm not in the "business" of repairing ATVs..........
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #27  
Old 03-26-2017, 02:39 PM
moongoon moongoon is offline
Member
Is it legal to work on my own gun? Is it legal to work on my own gun? Is it legal to work on my own gun? Is it legal to work on my own gun? Is it legal to work on my own gun?  
Join Date: May 2016
Location: Tilton NH
Posts: 32
Likes: 97
Liked 28 Times in 13 Posts
Default

There is the issue on some imported rifles that should remain .922 compliant or some such. for instance, if you put original commie parts into a Mak 90 AK you could run afoul of the arcane law requiring so many American made parts even if it does not change the semi auto function, technically it will not be a legal fire arm. Always use USA manufactured parts in imported rifles and you will be OK.
Reply With Quote
  #28  
Old 03-26-2017, 02:50 PM
Zuchus Zuchus is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Maplewood, MN USA
Posts: 31
Likes: 2
Liked 26 Times in 11 Posts
Default

Legal, but to echo other comments:

Your nice gun + you with a Dremel tool = eternal regret

Luckily for me, my friendly local gunsmith was able to clean up my "work" with only minor chastisement...
__________________
The world is a very strange banana, but the monkey is not worried at all...
Reply With Quote
  #29  
Old 03-26-2017, 02:50 PM
hoc9sw hoc9sw is offline
Member
Is it legal to work on my own gun? Is it legal to work on my own gun? Is it legal to work on my own gun? Is it legal to work on my own gun? Is it legal to work on my own gun?  
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Texas
Posts: 2,887
Likes: 1,635
Liked 3,126 Times in 1,326 Posts
Default

After the onset of arthritis, I avoid hand tools. I may know how to do something, but getting my hands to co-operate is a lost cause.

But yes, there was a discussion earlier about an international rule that if applied here (in the US), would require gunsmiths who actually fabricated parts, however simple, to register as a type of manufacturer, and pay the taxes of that type of business. I have not kept up with the outcome of that. Am too busy trying to make sense of retiring without going broke.
Reply With Quote
  #30  
Old 03-26-2017, 02:53 PM
shocker's Avatar
shocker shocker is offline
Member
Is it legal to work on my own gun? Is it legal to work on my own gun? Is it legal to work on my own gun? Is it legal to work on my own gun? Is it legal to work on my own gun?  
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Michigan
Posts: 1,482
Likes: 550
Liked 1,427 Times in 666 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by sw282 View Post
Well, Mike used to build ''NUKES''...

l suppose he can handle a lil ole airplane....
Unlike a car, wrenching on a CERTIFICATED airplane by an owner who is not a licensed "Aviation Maintenance Technician" is not permitted under Federal Regulations except for a specific list of routine maintenance procedures like oil changes. You may work under supervision on other tasks but a licensed mechanic has to document the work in the aircraft LOGBOOK.

Owners of EXPERIMENTAL aircraft who built the aircraft and have the repairman's certificate may do whatever on that particular aircraft. Otherwise, see above.
Reply With Quote
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
  #31  
Old 03-26-2017, 07:36 PM
Tom S.'s Avatar
Tom S. Tom S. is offline
Moderator
Is it legal to work on my own gun? Is it legal to work on my own gun? Is it legal to work on my own gun? Is it legal to work on my own gun? Is it legal to work on my own gun?  
Join Date: Nov 2015
Location: SE Michigan
Posts: 18,476
Likes: 8,386
Liked 17,059 Times in 5,594 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by shocker View Post
Unlike a car, wrenching on a CERTIFICATED airplane by an owner who is not a licensed "Aviation Maintenance Technician" is not permitted under Federal Regulations except for a specific list of routine maintenance procedures like oil changes. You may work under supervision on other tasks but a licensed mechanic has to document the work in the aircraft LOGBOOK.

Owners of EXPERIMENTAL aircraft who built the aircraft and have the repairman's certificate may do whatever on that particular aircraft. Otherwise, see above.
I've worked on a boat load of aircraft without a license or certification.


Nearly all were WWII and 1:48 or 1:72 scale.
__________________
So many S&W's, so few funds!!

Last edited by Tom S.; 03-26-2017 at 07:38 PM.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #32  
Old 03-28-2017, 05:24 PM
Muley Gil Muley Gil is online now
US Veteran
Is it legal to work on my own gun? Is it legal to work on my own gun? Is it legal to work on my own gun? Is it legal to work on my own gun? Is it legal to work on my own gun?  
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: The SW Va Blue Ridge
Posts: 17,472
Likes: 88,959
Liked 24,780 Times in 8,482 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by rct269 View Post
I suspect (without knowing the first thing about the ATF website and the nitty-gritty of the myriad regulations), that a gunsmith needs an FFL in order to (legally) transport, ship, and receive firearms in interstate commerce----not to work on guns-----not withstanding whatever Obama/his crowd were trying to pull off.

My motto: If it feels good, do it! (If you get caught, call your attorneys----they need to work too.)

Ralph Tremaine
I held a gunsmithing FFL from 1977 until 1997. Unless things have changed, you do need a FFL to work on someone's firearm. If it is left at your shop overnight, that firearm must be logged into your bound book as well.

And it is also illegal to load ammo for someone else without a license.
__________________
John 3:16
WAR EAGLE!
Reply With Quote
  #33  
Old 03-28-2017, 06:20 PM
Tom S.'s Avatar
Tom S. Tom S. is offline
Moderator
Is it legal to work on my own gun? Is it legal to work on my own gun? Is it legal to work on my own gun? Is it legal to work on my own gun? Is it legal to work on my own gun?  
Join Date: Nov 2015
Location: SE Michigan
Posts: 18,476
Likes: 8,386
Liked 17,059 Times in 5,594 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Muley Gil View Post
And it is also illegal to load ammo for someone else without a license.
Maybe. Yes, if the person engages in the business of selling or distributing reloads for the purpose of livelihood and profit. No if you are loading for a friend or relative and not charging them.
__________________
So many S&W's, so few funds!!
Reply With Quote
  #34  
Old 03-28-2017, 11:40 PM
2152hq 2152hq is offline
Member
Is it legal to work on my own gun?  
Join Date: Sep 2005
Posts: 7,727
Likes: 1,633
Liked 9,099 Times in 3,366 Posts
Default

In the very least, an 01FFL to gunsmith other peoples firearms.
You keep a log book of repairs in and out. But no 4473 or NICS done on repair returns if it's the same gun to the orig owner.

To just tinker with or build your own,,none needed.

That 01FFL will allow you to also Buy/Sell as a Dealer UNLESS you opt to apply or renew your 01FFL as a 'Gunsmith Only' FFL.

That 'Gunsmith Only' edition used to excuse the applicant from listing 'business hours' on the application or renewal. That avoided a walk in surprise BATF Compliance check. (Sometimes they call first,,sometimes they just show up)
But the last couple of renewals I noticed that the Gunsmith Only option also required you to list business hours on the renewal,,so there went that tree to hide behind.

The last few years the BATF has changed the classification of certain gunsmithing operations and placed them in the 'gun manufacturing' catagory if performed.
That makes the the FFL needing a 07FFL,,not a 01FFL (07 being a manufacturer of firearms other than NFA firearms).
You get in to Fed Excise Tax collection & payments at that point if you perform certain activitys that are now considered manuf a firearm (it doesn't take a whole lot!). More paperwork, ect.
Reply With Quote
  #35  
Old 03-29-2017, 02:56 PM
BigDog48 BigDog48 is offline
US Veteran
Is it legal to work on my own gun? Is it legal to work on my own gun? Is it legal to work on my own gun? Is it legal to work on my own gun? Is it legal to work on my own gun?  
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Raleigh, NC area
Posts: 781
Likes: 1,378
Liked 689 Times in 329 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Be still View Post
A specific license is needed for an FFL holder to gunsmith at the FFL, so I understood years back. I think you will learn a lot if you gunsmith your own guns. With the internet nowadays, you should be able to find a video or two showing almost anything you want to do. They should each start out with, "Make sure the firearm is unloaded!"

As mentioned above, think safety and liability. Have to agree. The tag on the mattress is the best I've heard in more than a week. A licensed gunsmith may very well leave a tag on yours. You can remove it when you leave, if he does not.

Had a man tell me last week or so he should stick to things he knows well. I think curiosity sometimes gets the best of us. That being said, be ready for anything. I take mine to a gunsmith.
Also, watch several YouTube videos on the job you're planning to do. I always skip over the ones where the guy is using vice grips, cheap screwdrivers and a framing hammer on a nice pistol or rifle.

On a S&W, I always look to see if there's a Jerry Miculek video on the fix I want to take on.
Reply With Quote
  #36  
Old 03-29-2017, 03:13 PM
Drm50 Drm50 is offline
Member
Is it legal to work on my own gun? Is it legal to work on my own gun? Is it legal to work on my own gun? Is it legal to work on my own gun? Is it legal to work on my own gun?  
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Monroe cnty. Ohio
Posts: 6,923
Likes: 4,410
Liked 10,022 Times in 3,676 Posts
Default

I haven't had a FFL since early 90s. Was very careful to abide by
all regulations. As I remember the only thing a person couldn't
do was build a handgun. Although I think there was a process to
recieve "permission" and be issued a serial number. I believe it
still illegal to have a handgun with no serial number. I don't
believe it could be transferred legally.
But then again my grandkids are always showing me a You Tube
vidio of some nitwit putting together Zip gun pistols out of all
kind of common junk. You would think ATF would shut these
people down when they are such a pain on legitimate gun owners. I really don't worry about these idiots doing harm with
their zip guns. The biggest danger is some kid watching that
**** and making something that will blow up in his hand. It's
not funny when kid gets a trip to ER, or even loses a eye.
Reply With Quote
  #37  
Old 03-29-2017, 03:32 PM
bigggbbruce's Avatar
bigggbbruce bigggbbruce is offline
Member
Is it legal to work on my own gun? Is it legal to work on my own gun? Is it legal to work on my own gun? Is it legal to work on my own gun? Is it legal to work on my own gun?  
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Where this month?
Posts: 3,604
Likes: 264
Liked 4,215 Times in 1,714 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Drm50 View Post
As I remember the only thing a person couldn't
do was build a handgun.
Don't know about that, I can go and buy everything I need to build a 1911.

Many builders out there holding classes for those that want to pay to learn how to build them as well.
Reply With Quote
  #38  
Old 03-31-2017, 11:44 PM
2152hq 2152hq is offline
Member
Is it legal to work on my own gun?  
Join Date: Sep 2005
Posts: 7,727
Likes: 1,633
Liked 9,099 Times in 3,366 Posts
Default

No federal license is required to manufacture a firearm (long gun or handgun) if that firearm is for your personal use.
('manufacture' meaning making the frame component also, as opposed to using an existing frame or action from another firearm or a new mfg'd component.)
If that firearm is to be sold or transfered to another person (change of ownership), then the builder needs a manufacturers FFL.
With that 07FFL, the makers name, address and a mfg applied ser# to meet BATF specs must be applied before the gun is sold/transfered.
You also get into Excise Tax on the mfg of a firearm which is an IRS issue;

You are prohibited from manufacturing for your own use any NFA firearm w/o first getting BATF approval and payment of stamp tax.
Also no building of any firearm that defeats X-ray or any in use metal detection systems.
Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
Forum Jump

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
sent a 329pd and 629 Vcomp back to S&W one for warranty work one for custom work ?'s Samsonxd S&W Revolvers: 1980 to the Present 1 04-11-2014 03:10 AM
Legal or Not Legal Guns..... S&W357 The Lounge 45 12-20-2013 12:21 AM
Maybe so it can be legal anywhere Broke Hoss Smith & Wesson M&P Pistols 4 11-02-2013 06:41 PM
If It's Law, Will It Be Legal? montezumaz The Lounge 12 01-30-2013 01:46 PM
M&P 22p legal in NJ? moespeeds Smith & Wesson M&P Pistols 1 06-17-2011 08:50 PM

Powered by vBadvanced CMPS v3.2.3
smith-wessonforum.com tested by Norton Internet Security smith-wessonforum.com tested by McAfee Internet Security

All times are GMT -4. The time now is 07:02 PM.


Smith-WessonForum.com is not affiliated with Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation (NASDAQ Global Select: SWHC)