buktseat
Shootist, Gent, Scholar
So I know this topic has been beaten to death. And I know that there are stickies that go into some detail. I also know that the ATF has some policy written down about it. And based on all of this information, I've reasonably concluded the following:
1) I can purchase and finish an 80% lower, legally and unserialized, in the state of Maryland at this time, provided I retain it for my own purposes.
2) I can put a 16+ inch HBAR upper and carbine buffer/stock on that lower and have a Maryland legal rifle to shoot with, provided I retain it for my own purposes.
3) HBAR uppers generally include those with barrels chambered in 300BLK, 7.62x39, and any other unit specifically denoted by the mfr. as an "HBAR barrel."
4) I can put a pistol (short barreled) upper and pistol buffer tube on said lower and have a Maryland legal AR pistol to shoot with, provided I retain it for my own purposes.
5) Were I to put a traditional AR-15 upper on said lower - with the M4 barrel profile - that would be a banned weapon and *not* legal.
Again, based on my research, I believe all of these statements are true. If any of them are not, I'd love if someone who absolutely, conclusively knows exactly what they're talking about would set me straight, hopefully providing links to legally relevant sources that support whatever assertions they might make.
All of that said, here's my problem. The good folks at White Marsh Arms in Reisterstown, and the ones at Lock Stock & Barrel in Taneytown have *both* told me that number 1 on my list is false. That in fact I must involve the ATF in some capacity, and mark the lower in some way or be guilty of some criminal offense. But the ATF website clearly states:
So what gives? Why are people who are generally in the know and whom I generally trust telling something that appears to be blatantly false? Is it about wanting my dollars on registered lowers? Is it about playing it safe? Or are they right? Please help!
1) I can purchase and finish an 80% lower, legally and unserialized, in the state of Maryland at this time, provided I retain it for my own purposes.
2) I can put a 16+ inch HBAR upper and carbine buffer/stock on that lower and have a Maryland legal rifle to shoot with, provided I retain it for my own purposes.
3) HBAR uppers generally include those with barrels chambered in 300BLK, 7.62x39, and any other unit specifically denoted by the mfr. as an "HBAR barrel."
4) I can put a pistol (short barreled) upper and pistol buffer tube on said lower and have a Maryland legal AR pistol to shoot with, provided I retain it for my own purposes.
5) Were I to put a traditional AR-15 upper on said lower - with the M4 barrel profile - that would be a banned weapon and *not* legal.
Again, based on my research, I believe all of these statements are true. If any of them are not, I'd love if someone who absolutely, conclusively knows exactly what they're talking about would set me straight, hopefully providing links to legally relevant sources that support whatever assertions they might make.
All of that said, here's my problem. The good folks at White Marsh Arms in Reisterstown, and the ones at Lock Stock & Barrel in Taneytown have *both* told me that number 1 on my list is false. That in fact I must involve the ATF in some capacity, and mark the lower in some way or be guilty of some criminal offense. But the ATF website clearly states:
Individuals manufacturing sporting-type firearms for their own use need not hold Federal Firearms Licenses (FFLs). However, we suggest that the manufacturer at least identify the firearm with a serial number as a safeguard in the event that the firearm is lost or stolen. Also, the firearm should be identified as required in 27 CFR 478.92 if it is sold or otherwise lawfully transferred in the future.
So what gives? Why are people who are generally in the know and whom I generally trust telling something that appears to be blatantly false? Is it about wanting my dollars on registered lowers? Is it about playing it safe? Or are they right? Please help!
