What part constitutes a "gun"?

[ptbrauch]

I'm not trying to create a loophole or anything, but was wondering what part of a gun legally defines it as a gun? I was wondering about this when it comes to shipping a gun. I know you can ship a barrel and a stock to anyone. Could you ship just the action of a gun legally? If so, then couldn't you ship a gun to someone if you shipped it in pieces?

[Tha' Hat]

Not real sure on the exact wording of the law, but I doubt you're the first person with that idea. I'm pretty sure it's a no-no, though.

[WhiteRubi]

depends on the gun in question.

AR-15 style: the lower receiver is the registered part
Bolt action guns: the "action" is the registered part
pistols: the frame is the registered part

[1ncamo]

Simply put, the "gun" is the part with the serial number, everything else is just "parts".

[westkybanded]

Simply put, the "gun" is the part with the serial number, everything else is just "parts".


Not necessarily... Some guns have all the parts numbered. Even the stocks.

[Multidigits]

Normally, the action. For example, you don't register T/C barrels for Encores, but are required to for the action. Barrels for these guns and others can be bought with out the FFL form being used.

[raktrakr]

According to the ATF website, you can ship a long gun to anyone(providing they can legally possess one) within the state through a common carrier. But who wants to test it

(B7) May a nonlicensee ship a firearm through the U.S. Postal Service?[Back]


A nonlicensee may not transfer a firearm to a non-licensed resident of another State. A nonlicensee may mail a shotgun or rifle to a resident of his or her own State or to a licensee in any State. The Postal Service recommends that long guns be sent by registered mail and that no marking of any kind which would indicate the nature of the contents be placed on the outside of any parcel containing firearms. Handguns are not mailable. A common or contract carrier must be used to ship a handgun.

[18 U.S.C. 1715, 922(a)(3), 922(a)(5) and 922 (a)(2)(A)]



(B8) May a nonlicensee ship a firearm by common or contract carrier? [Back]


A nonlicensee may ship a firearm by a common or contract carrier to a resident of his or her own State or to a licensee in any State. A common or contract carrier must be used to ship a handgun. In addition, Federal law requires that the carrier be notified that the shipment contains a firearm and prohibits common or contract carriers from requiring or causing any label to be placed on any package indicating that it contains a firearm.

[18 U.S.C. 922(a)(2)(A), 922(a) (3), 922(a)(5) and 922(e), 27 CFR 478.31 and 478.30]