The ATF is classifying 80% receivers as a firearm if it is “sold, distributed, or possessed with a compatible jig or template.”
So all of those 80% lower kits that include a jig are now firearms. Or will be 120 days after the rule is published in the Federal Register.
Anyone who is a prohibited person who possesses an uncompleted 80% receiver and a jig for that 80% receiver is considered to be in possession of a firearm.
There will be plenty of litigation on this.
The basic philosophy the ATF is relying on is simple: Guns are bad.
It is not true.
Friend’s son was a low level junkie, did some time, in Alabama, got pulled over for a tail light out, he worked as a mechnic, so had a tool box, and a couple of joints. He ended up doing more time for possing a weapon over the screwdrivers in his tool box. So anything can then be classified as a weapon if you’ve done time.