AK Sponsor
Posted: 11/27/2005 2:19:09 PM EDT
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Before anyone reads, this is not meant to ruffle feathers- I'm just curious. I have had my eye on a kit that has gone on sale and I am giving serious consideration to purchasing. Having said this I also got curious about the laws regarding building kit AKs. I looked on the website of the BATFE and it seems according to this that the kits I have been looking at are meant for the replacement of parts in existing AKs. Does this mean that to build an AK would be an illegal act as I am not replacing the parts on an existing firearm? Is there paperwork that should be filed to do this? I guess the ultimate question is what is the legal side of this? I emailed BATF with these questions, but it has been awhile and though maybe you guys could offer some illumination to my questions. Thanks abunch Lima |
| Don't worry, this question pops up from time to time. Keep in mind this whole forum is dedicated to building your own AK. We're building from the same kit(s) you are considering. The only paperwork that is involved is when (if) you purchase a 100% receiver. Its considered a firearm and you have to go through a dealer. Other than that, purchase the kit and the needed compliance parts. Read, read, read. |
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Thanks for the info Joe. I looked up the portion of law that is nagging at me. This is what it says (taken directly off of the BATFE website): With certain exceptions a firearm may be made by a nonlicensee provided it is not for sale and the maker is not prohibited from possessing firearms. However, a person is prohibited from making a semiautomatic assault weapon or assembling a nonsporting semiautomatic rifle or nonsporting shotgun from imported parts. In addition, the making of an NFA firearm requires a tax payment and approval by ATF. An application to make a machinegun will not be approved unless documentation is submitted showing that the firearm is being made for a federal or state agency. [18 U. S. C. 922( o), (r), (v), and 923, 27 CFR 178.39, 178.40, 178.41 and 179.105] If I'm not mistaken, most of the parts kits are imported aren't they? Thanks again, Lima |
Yes and this is the key to legality. You may build a semi automatic assault weapon as long as it is a US made rifle. 922(r) says no more than 10 imported parts (from the official parts list) and then the rifle may be considered US made. |
Most are going to be "safe" to order from, but not all will have the same quality product. Do some research on whatever company you're thinking about buying from before you do. As for who has the best quality kits, Dan's ammo and Bocefus at AK Files have some kits that are like new, in my experience. People like DPH, Ohio Rapid Fire, K-Var, Aim Surplus, etc. are supposed to have good kits, too. The key is to find a reputable dealer, see how good they claim their kits are, and see what people have to say about them. The only company that I've heard really bad things about is Florida Gun Works. I was told to "avoid them like the plague." |
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I ordered a kit from Aim about 3 weeks ago. I received it surprisingly quickly, and the kit was in excellent condition. I dislike the front pistol grips, so I asked if they had the standard ones. They said yeah and substituded the forend grip without charge. All the wood was in great condition, but the forend didn't have any finish on it (which was no big deal since I planned on refinishing anyway). The metal finish was in great condition with the chromed bore in mint condition. I even had all matching numbers! Overall a great experience and well worth the $110 or so shipped. |
| I have ordered several kits from AIM. They are great to work with and send their items quickly. All of the kits I have received have the standard stripped forend. They take off the original and sell it separately. Of the kits I've looked at, only one was not matching and all are in good condition as is, or make a great foundation for refinishing. |
Dont know about safe,but I have ordered some kits from tapco,check this deal out.125 dollars for a kit including a nice G2 trigger parts kit. |
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