AR-15 build/registration.

[mosinutty]

Help me out fellas, I'm new to this and confused? I picked up a new flat top for one of my AR's this weekend. Now I would like to purchase another lower to use on my upper I replaced with the flat top. so that I'll have another AR. I thought that when I purchased the upper that the back ground check and paperwork would have to be done but was not. Then when looking at complete lowers on the Net I see that they have to be shipped to an FFL. So, Uppers do not require registration but lowers do? What about a stripped lower, do they have to be registered? Thanks!

[KernelKrink]

On rifles that come apart into two sections such as the AR15, ATF decides which half is the controlled serial numbered receiver, and thus the gun under fed law. On an AR, that's the lower. Even a stripped receiver has to go through an FFL just like a regular assembled firearm.

Guns are not "registered" in the USA unless you have a state or local law that requires it.

[BigG-n-Tn]

The key here -as KK said- is that the receiver is considered the gun by the ATF. Same thing with a pistol lower, etc.
e.g., Buy a breakdown shotgun minus the barrel for parts = have to transfer. By a replacement barrel = no need to transfer. You get the idea.

The only way around that -if your state allows- is a FTF purchase from a same-state resident.

[mosinutty]

OK, Got it! Thanks for the info!