Comprehending the Legalities of Building Your Own Guns: A Guide for Hobbyists

Is it legal to build your own guns? This question often arises among gun enthusiasts and hobbyists who desire to create their own firearms. While the legality of homemade guns can vary depending on the jurisdiction, there are significant federal laws that govern this practice. This article provides a comprehensive guide to help you understand the legalities of building your own guns, including the necessity of serial numbers and the impact of recent changes in state laws.

The Legal Status of Building Your Own Guns

The basic answer to the question is: YES, building your own guns is legal. However, it is essential to understand that there are specific legal requirements and regulations that must be followed.

Overview of Federal Regulations

No Federal Law Prohibits It: There is no federal law that explicitly prohibits homemade guns. The Second Amendment and the Constitution serve as a foundation for the legal right to arm oneself and build firearms. Furthermore, any law attempting to ban homemade guns would be unconstitutional, as demonstrated by historical precedents such as the effort by Britain to prohibit the American colonies from importing and exporting arms.

Serial Numbers and Registration Requirements

One of the most important aspects of building your own guns is the requirement for serial numbers. According to federal law, serial numbers are only required if you intend to sell the firearm. This means that for homemade guns intended for personal or hobby use, you have the freedom to assign your own serial numbers. Major firearms manufacturers and home hobby builders alike follow this same practice.

Serial numbers can be assigned based on a variety of schemes, such as a date, a unique identifier for the firearm, or a combination of elements like a model number and production date. For instance, Colt Arms, a renowned firearms manufacturer, employs a numbering scheme that includes a UPC code, model number, and SKU. Hobbyists can use similar schemes or even more creative methods like the dog's birthday or a letter sequence for each firearm built.

Stripped Lows and Legal Considerations

Building your own guns from a stripped lower (the part of the firearm without the receiver) is a bit more complex. A stripped lower already has a serial number affixed to it, and altering this number is illegal. Therefore, you only have the option to create a serial number for a firearm that is 80% or less complete. In practice, this often means starting with a raw or semi-finished piece of metal from a hardware store and working up to a fully functional firearm.

Recent Changes in State Law

Due to recent events, such as the "ghost gun panic" initiated by certain media narratives, there have been some changes in state laws. However, most of these changes are state-specific rather than federal. It is crucial to stay informed about the laws and regulations in your state or where you plan to build your guns.

Conclusion

Building your own guns can be both a rewarding and legal endeavor, but it is important to follow the correct procedures and adhere to the laws and regulations in your area. Understanding the legal requirements, particularly regarding serial numbers, and staying aware of any changes in state laws will ensure that you can safely and legally build your firearms.

Key Points to Remember:

No federal law explicitly prohibits homemade guns. Serial numbers are only required if you intend to sell the firearm. Stripped lowers already have a serial number and should not be altered. The legal landscape may vary by state, so check for specific laws.

With these guidelines, you can enjoy the hobby of building your own guns while remaining compliant with the law.