NON-functional AR-15 lower?>

[Dr Rockso]

Only a bad idea if the receiver is actually a receiver. If I mangle it to be non-functioning AND it is an 80% lower, then it cannot be a firearm.

Just sent off my idea to UCSD again to see what comes of it. I think that based on the law it should be OK but that is just me.

You'd still have something that looks identical to a functional AR-15 on display on campus. Probably not the best way to influence the fence sitters.

[pullnshoot25]

You'd still have something that looks identical to a functional AR-15 on display on campus. Probably not the best way to influence the fence sitters.

But it will attract the curious!

[aplinker]

An 80% would need a pistol grip hole tapped, the takedown pins drilled and the receiver extension tapped. At that point you'll cross 80%. You could use a 0% forging, but you won't be able to get a mag in, and you'll still need to do all the above.

People are just going to assume it's airsoft, anyways.

[pullnshoot25]

An 80% would need a pistol grip hole tapped, the takedown pins drilled and the receiver extension tapped. At that point you'll cross 80%. You could use a 0% forging, but you won't be able to get a mag in, and you'll still need to do all the above.

People are just going to assume it's airsoft, anyways.

What if it is a pistol grip hole and oversized takedown pins, all else being untouched?

[elsolo]

Where can I find an AR-15 lower that is in all ways a completely non-functional item? Metal or resin would be cool, safety blue or neon orange is fine.

Any ideas?

Not what you are asking for, but perhaps of interest.
Armalite sells raw castings of A2 uppers for like $20, if you just need an identifiable AR part that obviously isn't a real gun.

http://www.armalite.com/ItemForm.aspx?item=E20139&ReturnUrl=Categories.aspx?Category=c0cc8ac9-bc49-48a4-a24c-34a2a171e570

[Stormtrooperthunder]

edit: half asleep and taking pain meds = selective reading...

[Hopi]

What if it is a pistol grip hole and oversized takedown pins, all else being untouched?

Anything past the 80% mark is a firearm.

[goober]

An 80% would need a pistol grip hole tapped, the takedown pins drilled and the receiver extension tapped. At that point you'll cross 80%.

that's not true. there are billet 80% lowers being sold now with all those ops done + the mag well (but NO FCG pocket) and the vendor has a BATF declaration stating that they are non-guns...
of course the OP has already said that ~$190 was too rich for his taste so these $250+ 80's obviously aren't an option, i'm just showing them as an example of a product with all the features you listed but that is still within "80%" limits.

[goober]

Anything past the 80% mark is a firearm.

so what's "80%"?

[Hopi]

so what's "80%"?

That's the magic question.

In the interest of CYA, if it's being sold as an 80% receiver, ANY work beyond that would be more than 80%.

[frigginchi]

will this work?

http://www.magpul-pts.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=5&products_id=35&zenid=72i19ii4csakfapb7ec93i7km3

[goober]

That's the magic question.

In the interest of CYA, if it's being sold as an 80% receiver, ANY work beyond that would be more than 80%.

not trying to be argumentative... you are correct, its a moving target.
i was just pointing out that there exists considerable confusion (and yes, even FUD) regarding the legalities of unfinished or "80%" lowers...
some models are well below the "magic 80%" threshold as sold, while others are right there (or in some cases perhaps a bit beyond )
the current BATF ruling is that the FCG pocket is the big no-no... pivot & takedown pins, buffer tube hole, pistol grip screw, detents and such, are all fine as long as the FCG pocket is not milled nor are the FCG component (pins & selector) holes drilled. there are in fact "80%" lowers being sold now that are just as described, and the vendors have BATF declaration letters green-lighting them.

[Hopi]

not trying to be argumentative... you are correct, its a moving target.
i was just pointing out that there exists considerable confusion (and yes, even FUD) regarding the legalities of unfinished or "80%" lowers...
some models are well below the "magic 80%" threshold as sold, while others are right there (or in some cases perhaps a bit beyond )
the current BATF ruling is that the FCG pocket is the big no-no... pivot & takedown pins, buffer tube hole, pistol grip screw, detents and such, are all fine as long as the FCG pocket is not milled nor are the FCG component (pins & selector) holes drilled. there are in fact "80%" lowers being sold now that are just as described, and the vendors have BATF declaration letters green-lighting them.

Yep.

An interesting question, when starting with a 0% forging, can one complete every step but the FCG pocket/holes and still be 79% or less? Can you link me an example of one of these being sold commercially?

[goober]

Yep.

An interesting question, when starting with a 0% forging, can one complete every step but the FCG pocket and still be 79% or less?

the "xx%" thing is really an unfortunate misnomer, and has become more of a point of confusion than a useful term anymore IMO...
but yes, if you buy a raw ("0%") forging (or a block of aluminum, for that matter) and machine every feature into it short of milling the FCG pocket and drilling the FCG part holes, it is still a non-gun and you can sell or transfer it without an FFL or any paperwork (this is in fact what many vendors are doing).
the takedown & pivot lug pockets/gap b/w "ears" can even be done, such that an upper can be fitted (there was a time when this was one of the no-nos).

(of course this is all in reference to the AR15 lower receiver, different criteria may apply to other platforms)

[pullnshoot25]

I am trying to get a screwed up receiver to make this prop gun.

So I guess that if I really want to get crazy with it I can just glue on a PG and jerry rig a buffer tube, right? It won't be the prettiest gun but it will be a free which is what I am trying to accomplish...

If all else fails, I can just put up pictures and stuff.