Several years ago, I decided I would build an A-10 rifle, until I talked to my local gunsmith. He convinced me that I would have trouble making all of the components match well, unless they were all from the same company. (he was right) AR-15’s are almost all very close copies of the original M-16, which I shot in the service. It makes mix and match very practical on the AR-15.
I looked at the 80% lower receivers and they had some variance in brand and big variances in the alloy they were cast from. Most are forged and machined from 6061 or 7075 aluminum alloy. Some are not. The weight of the rifle is somewhat affected by choice of alloy, but also the strength. 7075 is much stronger, but less acid resistant. 6061 is easier to cast or forge than 7075, and it is less expensive.
I opted out of that and bought a bolt action in it’s place. Fine shooting rifle.
Few months back I ordered a serialized lower for an AR-15 rifle build. Had it shipped to a local FFL, then I ordered the parts from several places. I was surprised how easy it went together. And the finish was amazing. Am at the stock phase now, it won’t be made of plastic. Have it roughed out but not finished yet.
How does that connect to this article? When I ordered the lower, it was required it be recorded as a rifle sale. Now, unless something reverses it, looks like the ATF no longer has the courts approval on the whole administrative process they have compiled for years. And home built rifles are still legal.
I really prefer the old school, steel frame rifles. They are heavy but they are strong enough for heavy calibers. (My father during WWII was an armorer, serviced Quad 50’s and Bofors.)
It was completely machined, and serialized. Those were and are still required to be transferred through an FFL. At the time of transfer, I believe you can designate it a pistol, and build either a pistol or rifle with it. If transferred as a rifle, it must be made into a rifle.