Do I Really Need to Get All My Lowers Engraved?

Published on April 20, 2022
Duration: 5:47

William Kirk of Washington Gun Law TV clarifies recent ATF regulations regarding the serialization of 'personally made firearms' (PMFs). He explains that PMFs are not required to be serialized under the Gun Control Act or the new rule unless mandated by state or local law. Serialization is only necessary for PMFs taken into inventory by a Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL) for longer than 24 hours, excluding same-day repairs.

Quick Summary

Under new ATF regulations, personally made firearms (PMFs) for personal use are not required to be serialized unless mandated by state or local law. Serialization is only necessary if an FFL takes the firearm into inventory for over 24 hours, excluding same-day repairs.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: New ATF Regulations
  2. 00:48The Core Question: Engraving Lowers?
  3. 01:20Understanding CFR Rulemaking
  4. 02:00Personally Made Firearms (PMFs)
  5. 02:30Finding the Answer in the Report
  6. 03:23ATF Clarification on Serialization
  7. 03:57What is an Untraceable Firearm?
  8. 04:19Repairs vs. Inventory
  9. 04:34Do You Need to Serialize All Your Lowers?
  10. 04:54Key Takeaway: FFL Inventory Rule
  11. 05:07Further Questions & Contact

Frequently Asked Questions

Are personally made firearms (PMFs) required to be serialized under the new ATF regulations?

No, personally made firearms (PMFs) for personal use are not required to be serialized by the Gun Control Act or the new ATF rule, unless state or local law mandates it. Serialization is primarily triggered when an FFL takes possession of the firearm into their inventory.

When does an FFL need to serialize a personally made firearm?

An FFL must serialize an unserialized firearm if they take it into their possession and keep it for longer than 24 hours. This rule excludes same-day adjustments or repairs, as these are not considered part of the FFL's inventory in the long-standing ATF view.

What is the ATF's stance on serialization for homemade firearms?

The ATF clarifies that personally made firearms for personal use do not need serialization unless they enter an FFL's inventory for more than 24 hours. Same-day repairs or adjustments do not require serialization, as they are not considered inventory.

Does the new ATF rule mean I have to engrave all my lowers?

No, the ATF has clarified that serialization requirements for personally made firearms primarily apply when they enter an FFL's inventory for longer than 24 hours. Personal firearms kept by the owner do not need to be serialized unless state or local law requires it.

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