The Ultimate Firearms Destination for the Gun Lifestyle

Leaked: ATF Documents on 80% Parts



At RECOIL, we review every product fairly and without bias. Making a purchase through one of our links may earn us a small commission, and helps support independent gun reviews. Learn More

The rights of the American people are apparently under review, as President Biden informed the country just a few weeks ago. Between braces, 80% parts, and red flag laws, the deadlines were set urging the government to come out with clear statements about how they will treat such items in the future. Better said, how they will regulate the rights of the people. The ATF, or AFT depending on who you ask, has been hard at work and the documents regarding their decisions have hardly been kept behind closed doors. Docket No. ATF 2021R-05 is out in the wild and it sets its sights on firearms parts.

In its current form, the 107 page document aims to reconsider what the ATF considers a firearm, a gunsmith, and what it means for a firearm to be “complete.” Attached to the expected verbiage on reclassifying inanimate objects as something deemed too dangerous for other people to have, the document includes a proposal to change how the ATF tracks your data or the things you might want to own.

Screenshot of the Summary Paragraph of Docket No. ATF 2021R-05.

Starting with definitions, the proposed changes expand what the ATF considers to be a firearm, and thus extends the reach of their enforcement. The wording of the document asserts that the current definitions were written 50 years ago, in a time when revolvers were more popular, and that split-receiver handguns, as in, the semi-automatics well all use, were new on the scene. I guess 1911's have no longer been around for over 100 years. Something, something Two World Wars.

Clearly referring to privately made firearms as “Ghost Guns,” Doc ATF 2021-05 states that 23,906 of these were reported since 2016, as part of a crime. Since privately made firearms lack serial numbers, they are stated to be more difficult to track. At the same time, without serial numbers, it's hard for the government to know which unit went missing from the arms room.

Docket No. ATF 2021R-05
The proposed new definition of what will be considered a Firearm.

The item in question would be 80% receivers, and more specifically, when a single package can be ordered with all the parts needed to complete a firearm. The new proposal would require those selling 80% kits to treat them as firearms, and go through the process of operating under an FFL. Manufacturers of these parts kits will also have to be licensed as firearms manufacturers. In order to purchase a parts kit, the buyer will be required to undergo a 4473.

The act of defining a frame or receiver struggles through the difficult nature of rights infringement. The capriciousness rises to the surface when the hinge factor of whether or not a product is considered a firearm component bound by whether or not the ATF thinks it resembles a gun:

Docket No. ATF 2021R-05

It follows on to acknowledge that the Gun Control Act did not formerly clarify at what point an object officially becomes a receiver or gun.

While the GCA and implementing regulations define a “firearm” to include the “frame or receiver,” neither delineates when a frame or receiver is created. The crucial inquiry, then, is the point at which an unregulated piece of metal, plastic, or other material becomes a regulated item under Federal law.

Docket No. ATF 2021R-05, Page 30, APR 2021.

Another term requesting further definition is readily, in regards to how readily a piece of material may be converted into a functional firearm. The factors considered are:

(a) time, i.e., how long it takes to finish the process;
(b) ease, i.e., how difficult it is to do so;
(c) expertise, i.e., what knowledge and skills are required;
(d) equipment, i.e., what tools required;
(e) availability, i.e., whether additional parts are required, and how easily they can be obtained;
(f) expense, i.e., how much it costs;
(g) scope, i.e., the extent to which the subject of the process must be changed to finish it; and
(h) feasibility, i.e., whether the process would damage or destroy the subject of the process, or cause it to malfunction.

Docket No. ATF 2021R-05, Page 32-33, APR 2021.

The new proposal would require the individual who builds a firearm to engrave a serial number within 7 days of completion. Manufacturers who sell kits that can be readily converted into operating firearms will be required to acquire their FFL to continue business.

The letter openly states that it acknowledges that some businesses will be hurt by this determination, but the industry as a whole will be less impacted.

The document is expected to go public in two weeks, in the early days of May, and will be followed by a 90-day time period where the public is able to comment. As with similar situations with the ATF, comments sent to the ATF must adhere to guidelines, which they provide as follows:

  • Federal eRulemaking Portal: ATF recommends that you submit your comments to ATF via the Federal eRulemaking portal at www.regulations.gov and follow the instructions. Comments will be posted within a few days of being submitted. However, if large volumes of comments are being processed simultaneously, your comment may not be viewable for up to several weeks. Please keep the comment tracking number that is provided after you have successfully uploaded your comment.
  • Mail: Send Written Comments to:
      • Andrew Lange, Office of Regulatory Affairs, Enforcement Programs and Services,
      • Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives,
      • 99 New York Ave. NE,
      • Mail Stop 6N-518, Washington DC 20226;
      • ATTN: ATF 2021R-05.
    • Written comments must appear in minimum 12-point font size (.17 inches), include the commenter’s first and last name and full mailing address, be signed, and may be of any length.
  • Facsimile: Submit comments by facsimile transmission to (202) 648-9741. Faxed comments must:
    • 1. Be legible and appear in minimum 12 point font size (.17 inches);
    • 2. Be 8 ½” x 11” paper;
    • 3. Be signed and contain the commenter’s complete first and last name and full mailing address; and
    • 4. Be no more than five pages long.
    •  
  • Request for Hearing Any interested person who desires an opportunity to comment orally at a public hearing should submit his or her request, in writing, to the Director of ATF within the 90- day comment period. The Director, however, reserves the right to determine, in light of all circumstances, whether a public hearing is necessary. Disclosure Copies of this proposed rule and the comments received in response to it will be available through the Federal eRulemaking portal, at www.regulations.gov (search for ATF 2021R-05), and for public inspection by appointment during normal business hours at: ATF Reading Room, Room 1E-063, 99 New York Ave. NE, Washington, DC 20226; telephone: (202) 648-8740.

More on Gun Control and Censorship

Enter Your E-Mail to Receieve a Free 50-Target Pack from RECOIL!

NEXT STEP: Download Your Free Target Pack from RECOIL

For years, RECOIL magazine has treated its readers to a full-size (sometimes full color!) shooting target tucked into each big issue. Now we've compiled over 50 of our most popular targets into this one digital PDF download. From handgun drills to AR-15 practice, these 50+ targets have you covered. Print off as many as you like (ammo not included).

Get your pack of 50 Print-at-Home targets when you subscribe to the RECOIL email newsletter. We'll send you weekly updates on guns, gear, industry news, and special offers from leading manufacturers - your guide to the firearms lifestyle.

You want this. Trust Us.

15 Comments

  • booksfoxxy says:

    this is utter BS

  • NEAL says:

    How does any of this deter a criminal from obtaining or using a firearm? Why not put serial numbers on criminals, perhaps on their foreheads so we can all be aware when they are around? Personal responsibility has to be enforced, and we need to start by making our legislators responsible for their actions.

  • Jim Pickens says:

    A good argument for getting rid of the GCA.

  • Keith says:

    LOL. I can’t see why we need to listen to this administration who literally stole the Presidency.

    Installed not elected.

  • M Silvio says:

    Coming from a law enforcement family, I can already say that this will do nothing to keep criminals from getting this. As usual, it only hurts law abiding citizens. Law abiding citizens aren’t the problem. Gun control laws that already exist are not enforced. Look at the Fed Ex Indiana shooter. He should NOT HAVE been able to get a rifle after his shotgun was seized. The local prosecutor dropped the ball.

  • Sandy Warren says:

    Our founding fathers meant for the American People to institute a militia in order to protect the country and its people. No President should have the right to change that. Every breathing human knows that criminals do not get their firearms legally but through other avenues. Stop taking the rights away from the American people. Guns don’t kill people. People kill people.

    • Jeremy brown says:

      Well said !! Although I don’t believe the freaks that are doing these mass shootings are even actually felons . It’s my understanding their usually law abiding citizens that legally own the guns . Never the less I believe everyone should have at least a gun . Just in case you run into one of them crazies.

  • XSFRGR says:

    Freedom is a wonderful thing, but the reality is that if people are not willing to bleed for their freedom the oppressors will take it from them. Oppressors are evil creatures who demand absolute obedience or blood. Unfortunately very few Americans value their freedom enough to risk their blood.

  • Sig says:

    Off the subject. Foolish democrat had the nerve to say that the cop should have fired his weapon in the air first before shooting the teenage knife assailant in most recent blm issue. Someone should tell her that eventually that round will come back down. Sure she never even held / fired any kind of firearm.

  • Benny says:

    Just like Regan said freedom is only one generation away, you could loose it at anytime. Don’t let it happen under our watch, time to man up. This administration is doing everything to change the country you grew up with, I don’t even recognize it anymore. The only thing that’s left is to take away your only way to fight back because communication has no longer been an option for good citizens that enjoy constitutional rights.

  • Adam says:

    Just wondering when will be the time to physically take back the country? Doesn’t seem like the gov is going to make a blanket statement that will tell folks when it’s time to take up arms. Very few will be willing to stand up and lead the way, even fewer will actually follow due to being labeled as one of the “crazies”.

  • Mike says:

    A whole lot of folks already have the 80% items and completed a long time ago. Any grandfather clause?
    Am I supposed to complete a form 4473 myself and submit it to…..?
    This crap is so ridiculous, and as mentioned already, will not do a damn thing to curb gun related crime.
    How long before the pistole brace debacle rolls out?
    No to mention the demented fellow that has be tagged as the next head of AFT( According to Joe).

  • DonM says:

    The Usurper has announced another element of the plan to impose tyranny. Not just to steal elections in violation of the Constitution, but to impose pretended laws in violation of the Constitution. There is no longer even a pretense of being opposed to crime, the Usurper and his pretended administration are firmly on the side of the (other) criminals against citizens.

  • Brian Cahill says:

    Commenting here feels good, but I’m going to sign up for oral arguments. Sick of these morons stealing my rights.

Add a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

View Comments

  • How does any of this deter a criminal from obtaining or using a firearm? Why not put serial numbers on criminals, perhaps on their foreheads so we can all be aware when they are around? Personal responsibility has to be enforced, and we need to start by making our legislators responsible for their actions.

  • LOL. I can't see why we need to listen to this administration who literally stole the Presidency.

    Installed not elected.

  • Coming from a law enforcement family, I can already say that this will do nothing to keep criminals from getting this. As usual, it only hurts law abiding citizens. Law abiding citizens aren't the problem. Gun control laws that already exist are not enforced. Look at the Fed Ex Indiana shooter. He should NOT HAVE been able to get a rifle after his shotgun was seized. The local prosecutor dropped the ball.

  • Our founding fathers meant for the American People to institute a militia in order to protect the country and its people. No President should have the right to change that. Every breathing human knows that criminals do not get their firearms legally but through other avenues. Stop taking the rights away from the American people. Guns don't kill people. People kill people.

    • Well said !! Although I don’t believe the freaks that are doing these mass shootings are even actually felons . It’s my understanding their usually law abiding citizens that legally own the guns . Never the less I believe everyone should have at least a gun . Just in case you run into one of them crazies.

  • Freedom is a wonderful thing, but the reality is that if people are not willing to bleed for their freedom the oppressors will take it from them. Oppressors are evil creatures who demand absolute obedience or blood. Unfortunately very few Americans value their freedom enough to risk their blood.

  • Off the subject. Foolish democrat had the nerve to say that the cop should have fired his weapon in the air first before shooting the teenage knife assailant in most recent blm issue. Someone should tell her that eventually that round will come back down. Sure she never even held / fired any kind of firearm.

  • Just like Regan said freedom is only one generation away, you could loose it at anytime. Don't let it happen under our watch, time to man up. This administration is doing everything to change the country you grew up with, I don't even recognize it anymore. The only thing that's left is to take away your only way to fight back because communication has no longer been an option for good citizens that enjoy constitutional rights.

  • Just wondering when will be the time to physically take back the country? Doesn't seem like the gov is going to make a blanket statement that will tell folks when it's time to take up arms. Very few will be willing to stand up and lead the way, even fewer will actually follow due to being labeled as one of the "crazies".

Subscribe to the Free
Newsletter
×