Stripped Pistol Frame....handgun?

[SW CQB 45]

is a stripped pistol frame considered a handgun?

I found a federal firearms guide that defines a handgun as

Handgun...

(a) any firearm which has a short stock and is designed to be held and fired by the use of a single hand...

(b) and any combination of of parts from which a firearm described in paragraph (a) can be assembled.

I guess I am reading into this too much. its not a firearm yet as its only a stripped frame, but it's part (stripped frame) from which a firearm can be assembled.

I say yes....does anyone read this different?

 

[ingmansinc]

My understanding is a frame, if being sold, shipped, etc. is considered a firearm and subject to the same regulations as a complete firearm.

 

[wheelgun28]

I am sure that someone smarter than I will give you the correct answer. I would say the frame IS the firearm, it carries the serial number. In order to buy the frame you need to do transfer paperwork or what ever your state requires. Also the frame needs to be shipped to an ffl etc. All the rest of the parts, trigger, barrel cylinder and the rest can be shipped any old way, no transfer problems etc.

Thats my guess

 

[Pilgrim]

I am sure that someone smarter than I will give you the correct answer. I would say the frame IS the firearm, it carries the serial number. In order to buy the frame you need to do transfer paperwork or what ever your state requires. Also the frame needs to be shipped to an ffl etc. All the rest of the parts, trigger, barrel cylinder and the rest can be shipped any old way, no transfer problems etc.

Thats my guess

Exactly right......good guess.

 

[SW CQB 45]

I am not being a smarty pants....

but is a stripped pistol frame considered a "HANDGUN" by definition?

 

[venomballistics]

frame, receiver, lower receiver or side plate is that part that the ATF refers to as the firearm ... the rest is just replacement parts packed in tight formation

 

[LoadedRound]

The serial numbered part is the "firearm".

 

[handejector]

I am not being a smarty pants....

but is a stripped pistol frame considered a "HANDGUN" by definition?

Yes, it is.

 

[JJ_BPK]

The serial numbered part is the "firearm".

Not all serial numbered "frames" are the firearm.

In MOST case yes, but the FN FAL serialized part that is considered the "firearm" is the upper receiver. The FAL lower, with HTS, grip and stock, although it is serialized, it is not the ATF registered part.

AND striped serialized frames are processed as firearms.

If they are manufactured complete..

Here are three AK frames. The Flat is considered a piece of sheet metal and not tracked. The bent frame with welded rails is considered complete, but may not be serialized.

Without getting into all the details of manufacturing firearms law. It is best you contact the ATF for when a firearm is or is not a traceable weapon..

 

[SW CQB 45]

here is the deal. I bought a stripped alloy officers frame to make a CCO. When I called it in (NICS) it was not clear if this was considered a handgun, but my ATF agent buddy said call it a handgun to be on the safe side.

well the frame was machined incorrectly and I sent it back for a replacement. I got it back today and started researching the actual definition of a "handgun".

When I call in the NICS, I will call it a handgun. I have a ATF Reg book but it must have been written by a lawyer as its not clear...but will go on the safe side.

thanks again

 

[JJ_BPK]

here is the deal. I bought a stripped alloy officers frame to make a CCO. When I called it in (NICS) it was not clear if this was considered a handgun, but my ATF agent buddy said call it a handgun to be on the safe side.

well the frame was machined incorrectly and I sent it back for a replacement. I got it back today and started researching the actual definition of a "handgun".

When you purchased the frame, did the manufacture process a FFL to FFL transfer??

Or was the frame delivered as less the 85% complete?? There is an area where the "frame" if not completely machined it is NOT a firearm.

If these were completed serialized frames, each time you receive one there should have been a FFL to FFL transfer?? And if you returned one another transfer??

When I call in the NICS, I will call it a handgun. I have a ATF Reg book but it must have been written by a lawyer as its not clear...but will go on the safe side.

thanks again

Lawyer bureaucrats, even worst than ambulance chasers..

 

[SW CQB 45]

yes sir, its a complete stripped frame with a serial number.

it came FFL to FFL.

on the 4473 on question #18, I did not know what to call it (handgun or other firearm-which includes frame) and the definition was not clear to me.

I will call it a handgun.

thanks