Could someone explain what improper molding means? “Inside to out” vs “outside to in?” What difference does it make?
Isn’t incomplete incomplete, regardless of where the plastic overage is?
Could someone explain what improper molding means? “Inside to out” vs “outside to in?” What difference does it make?
As I understand it (and I could be wrong), if they make the thing outside in they have created a firearm and disabled it by adding the extra inside plastic; you could skip the second step and pull the outside 100% lower from the machine.
If they do it inside out, that's not possible; if you skip the second step, all you have is the extra plastic that's supposed to be milled out by the customer.
P4L
“Could someone explain what improper molding means? “Inside to out” vs “outside to in?” What difference does it make?
Isn’t incomplete incomplete, regardless of where the plastic overage is?”
Just guessing but if you go outside-to-in you first build a ‘firearm’ per ATF and then fill some holes which the customer then drills back out.
If you go inside-to-out you never have a part that could function.
Technically, it makes a difference because any lower receiver more than 80% complete is defined to be the “firearm”. Once a receiver passes that point, it must be given a serial number and is still a firearm even if the milled portions are filled in. However, the the parts to be milled out are formed first, they are not a firearm, and if the polymer is molded around the different-colored portions to be milled, the final product is solid and has never been a “firearm” so it does not need a serial number. It’s just easier to do the milling/drilling correctly because you can see what has to be removed and whether you have gone far enough.
This article shows the process for finishing an EP Armory 80% lower. It is clear how it is done, and that there never is a finished receiver until the purchaser does the necessary machining:
http://www.thebangswitch.com/building-an-ep-armory-80-ar-lower/