Loophole Lets Criminals Buy Untraceable Ghost Guns Online

[davepc]

http://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/loophole-lets-criminals-buy-untraceable-ghost-guns-online-n71912

A legal loophole means that anyone, including criminals, can order a so-called "ghost gun" off the web without a background check - a gun with no serial number that can't be traced.

The guns are built from kits and arrive in pieces, so under existing law, when they're shipped, they aren't guns. When assembled by their buyers, they're lethal - and legal.

Federal officials like Graham Barlowe, the resident agent in charge of the ATF's Sacramento office, say the loophole is dangerous.

"People that could not pass a background check," said Barlowe, "are purchasing these unfinished receiver kits and making firearms because they know that if they went to a gun store, they wouldn't be able to pass a background check."

How do the get away with an unserialized receiver?

[needledriver]

1. Thanks for the hyperbole

You don't buy a "gun", what you are buying is parts with an unfinished receiver. Unfinished receivers don't have a serial number because they are unfinished! If you have the skills and tools to mill and drill that 80% AR 15 lower you can end up with a privately made "ghost gun" and then go on a murderous rampage because MOAR GUNZ!

If you are looking for a real loophole, go buy yourself a mail order black powder cap and ball revolver. The serial number is on the receiver. Then go buy yourself a replacement conversion cylinder that uses centerfire ammunition. No serial number on the cylinder. Instant mail order single action cartridge revolver.

[davepc]

2. Huh?

What hyperbole? I posted the article with its original title as per DU rules.

And my questions was a genuine request for information, since the article was vague on how exactly a receiver can legally be unserialized.

[needledriver]

3. Thanks NBC for the hyperbole, not you

Sorry for the confusion. Until a receiver is finally finished it is a lump of metal. An 80% AR receiver is missing some critical holes and channels it needs to function, so it is not yet technically a receiver. You also can buy flat, cut sheets of metal that you can bend, weld, and have your own MAC 10 machine pistol. No serial numbers. So, yes, if being legally able to build your own firearm for your own private use qualifies as a "loophole", then NBC has a point.

http://www.theflatspot.net/mac10---45-lower-receiver-flat.html

[appal_jack]

6. It's hyperbole, because some receivers can be made out of virtually any sheet metal

See this Northeast shooter's forum epic post about making an AK receiver out of a shovel:

http://www.northeastshooters.com/vbulletin/threads/179192-DIY-Shovel-AK-photo-tsunami-warning!

Be warned, the discussion has homophobic jokes and much other crass humor throughout. If the word 'libtard' is completely unacceptable to you, maybe just take my word that this guy makes a working Kalashnikov from a kit, an old shovel, and some other random bits. I'm the type who can can get called a 'libtard' and give back as good as I'm getting, saying things like "My grandfather knew how to deal with Nazis like you: he shot them." With a sense of humor like that and a respect for ingenuity, I enjoyed the thread. But again, it's not for everyone.

-app

[HAB911]

4. LOL!

too funny

[aikoaiko]

5. Its not a loophole. The law explicitly allows this.

Creating a functional AR lower from an 80% is not easy, but with the right machinery and practice, people become proficient.

Here is a short video that briefly describes the work that needs to be done.

This one describes the process more fully.

I thought about doing this, but after watching the videos, I decided my time and money were better spent buying completed lowers.

[oneshooter]

7. AAAND when completed

It can not be legally sold
given away
inherited

Without a serial number

It can only be destroyed

The ATFE can and does issue serial numbers for these rifles.

If you ask for one.

[wincest]

8. single shot zip guns

are easy to make. all you need is some pipe, a nail and a shotgun shell

edit to add so called "ghost guns" are illegal in CA. so check your state and local laws.