10 parts rule...confused.

[The Normanator]

Hello all,
I'm new to this whole thing and just purchased my first gun kit, a Hungarian AMD-65 parts kit. I also ordered an "Ohio Ordinance" receiver. I am a little confused about this whole 10 parts rule. The way I understand it, You can't have any more than 10 of the imported parts on the home built weapon, but I also heard that to be legal, the minimum number of US compliance parts that I can use is 7. Since there are 20 or so parts to the Ak, This would leave about 13 imported parts? My question is, which parts count when replaced towards the total number. ( What are the cheapest parts I can get away with changing?) thanks in advance! Norm

[KernelKrink]

The "10 parts rule" is a list of 20 specific parts that MAY be on any given rifle, no more than 10 of which can be imported if you want to build it with a pistol grip, hicap mag, etc. Those parts are:

(1) Frames, receivers, receiver castings, forgings
or stampings
(2) Barrels
(3) Barrel extensions
(4) Mounting blocks (trunnions)
(5) Muzzle attachments
(6) Bolts
(7) Bolt carriers
(8) Operating rods ----------------------N/A
(9) Gas pistons
(10) Trigger housings -------------------N/A
(11) Triggers
(12) Hammers
(13) Sears ----------------------------N/A
(14) Disconnectors
(15) Buttstocks
(16) Pistol grips
(17) Forearms, handguards
(18) Magazine bodies
(19) Followers
(20) Floorplates

#3, the bbl extension only applies if you are using the original length muzzle brake with the screw on extension. If you use the US made extended muzzle brake you can eliminate #3.

So that is 17 parts on an AMD65 with the extension, 16 without. Replace 6 or 7 and you are left with 10. The receiver is 1, so you have 5 or 6 parts left depending on how you build it. Most people replace the hammer, trigger, and disconnector. Pistol grips are also cheap. The extended US brake is usually the best option. If you only plan on using a handful of mags, the follower and floorplate is an option, but quickly becomes expensive if you want many mags.

[KernelKrink]

BTW, if you build it up as a pistol without the stock and remove the foreward grip, you don't need to use any US parts at all. The 10 parts rule only applies to rifles and shotguns, not pistols.

[Harlan at FAC]

The BATF&E reference to a 'barrel extension' is for a separate part at the breech end of the barrel, not to a part at the muzzle end. An AK type rifle does not have a 'barrel extension', an AR type rifle does.

There is no federal requirement for U.S. parts. Your goal is to make sure that the rifle in question has no more than ten imported parts (of the specific list of parts that applies to that particular rifle). U.S. parts are added to make the rifle functional.

Harlan
FAC