NFA literature or parts

v35

Is there a legality issue with conversion literature or parts if the weapon is not possessed?

llama

One would think the First Amendment would apply... but then also, you would think that the Second Amendment would make it so the First didn't need to apply in this case.

That said... depends on which parts and for which guns.

badsbsnf81

Literature - if in the public domain, no.

Parts - most likely not, however, your best bet is to consult with a lawyer familiar with the NFA.

rufe-snow

Certain parts are considered verboten, such as the ones used in the selective fire M2 carbine mechanism. Mark would likely be the horses mouth regarding this. BUT, my understanding is if your in possession of these parts, that can convert a M1 carbine in to selective fire. Even without a M1 carbine in your possession, the feds can haul you away.

Horse Plains Drifter

Pretty much what llama said.

v35

These are general academic questions seeking expert answers.
There's no desire or necessity to spend money on lawyers as it's for informational purposes only.
The questions apply to those small arms manufactured in both semi and automatic versions or for which conversion literature and/ or parts are or were commercially available. Some examples are Browning MG's, BARs, US Carbines, Lancasters, Stens, PPSHs, Kalashnikovs, CETME, HK91, FNFAL, AR15s, Simonovs(SKS), Thompsons, M3 Greaseguns etc.
The question wasn't specifically which parts, but whether all versus some of the parts to complete a conversion and printed literature are currently legal to possess, buy or sell.
I've read some commercial Colt AR's and European AKs may have one or more full auto features or parts and be currently considered legal by BATF.

nmyers

The only parts sets considered NFA items are the M2 carbine kit, & the AR-15 DIAS (Drop In Auto Sear). See ATF P5300.4. Everything else is just parts.

I would not be surprised if ATF changes their mind & makes the Slide Fire stock an NFA item. (Logic, reason, or law have nothing to do with their rulings.)

Neal

v35

Thanks for the succinct answer.

competentone

quote:Originally posted by nmyers
The only parts sets considered NFA items are the M2 carbine kit, & the AR-15 DIAS (Drop In Auto Sear). See ATF P5300.4. Everything else is just parts.



The key characteristic making those parts NFA items (usually with possession of the semi-auto version of the firearm they fit into) is that they, with possession of the firearm, can be "readily assembled" into a "machine gun."

(Yes, I know ATF has claimed that possession alone of those parts -- without the firearm they fit into -- is itself possession of a "machine gun," but I don't think their "logic" has really been tested with the proper judicial review it deserves.)

Full-auto parts for other firearms remain "just parts" because they require some level of modification (usually machining of metal) of the receiver of a semi-auto firearm before they can be assembled into a machine gun. They are not "readily assembled" since machining is required to make them fit/work.