Personally built firearms. How to handle LEO encounter?

[BucDan]

Laying in bed about 3 minutes ago, no class, was going to study, but this thought came to mind. How would one tackle a LEO encounter when you -the gun owner shooting at the range- have a firearm made out of an 80% lower or a personally built AKM such as I? Will they flip and start fishing? What procedures should I take during this encounter? I know why a personally built firearm is legal, but I surely heck wouldn't want to say anything stupid especially for someone of younger adult age such as I. Because I bet they would try to get as much info as possible and try to bust the "young and stupid" as for being the "useful idiot".

Any tips? Thanks.

[mike_the_wino]

Carry a copy of the flowchart. Hell, carry a stack of them and hand them out like Gideon bibles. And STFU. Just point and grunt. If it is assembled according the chart that is all that is important. Engrave your name on if it makes you feel better.

Tips? Don't go making 50 80%, or AK flat builds, and sell them or you will go to jail.

[BucDan]

I will never build
and sell them don't worry. . But alright thanks... I will make sure to grunt

[bigmike82]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uj0mtxXEGE8

[alfred1222]

+1 for STFU...

[s4alex]

Unless you are acting like a moron or yelling out "HEY LOOK AT RIFLE, IT AINT GOT NO SERIAL NUMBER ON IT!!!!"

I really do not see why an officer, who is probably at the range to get his target practice in, will go and ask you specifically about it and look at the serial number.

What the interaction should be like:

Cop: (looks at you and you gun) Nice gun.
You: Thanks..

Then STFU and keep on shooting.

[BucDan]

Alright...

[killathrilla]

...

[killathrilla]

...

[Eljay]

You might also consider that if you're pulled over, and if you're asked if there are any weapons in the car, and you're dumb enough to say yes, they'll do a safety check. They're not supposed to be checking serial numbers, just if it's loaded or not, but you know how that goes. You can imagine them freaking out anyway. Same answer - whip out the flow chart and say it's a totally legal gun and if the need it explained you can decide if you would rather lead them through it or have your attorney do it. But it's even better if you think about how to avoid it in the first place. (In previous threads popular answers are: "No", "There's nothing illegal in the car", and "Does a pocket knife count?")

[dieselpower]

First off the "flow chart" has nothing to do with an 80% lower or its legality in law.

Secondly, if question by LEO, answer him/her. They are simply trying to figure out if you know its legal or if you just stole it and had no idea it was an 80% build.

LEO- "This has no serial number. Did you file it off or something?"
You- "No. Its a legal home built firearm using the BATFE rules on building a firearm at home. I didn't have to place serial numbers on it since its never going to be sold."
LEO- "You know that makes it impossible to track if stolen?"
You- [blank stare]---- no reply.
LEO- "Really Mr X, how do I know you didn't steal this?"
You- "Really SIR, how do you know I didn't steal my shoes? I don't want to answer anymore of your questions on this subject."

If you are being questioned by LEO, there is a good chance they are just testing you as they are taught to do. A good Officer is a dry sponge...they soak up what you tell them. The Officer is going to do what the Officer is going to do no matter what you say. BUT BUT... if you answer his / her questions directly with confidence in the answers, they are more likely to take a stance helping you.

I have had a 30 minute conversation with an officer on concealed gun laws in the state we were in. On a stop a few hours later he acted like he didn't know a single law when questioning a young girl. She "taught" him the laws... LOL. We laughed about it in the car after he let her go on her way. The firearm had dropped out of her purse in a movie theater and needed to use a cigarette lighter to find it... when asked WTF she was doing lighting a lighter she proclaimed to the whole theater..."I can't find my gun you A-holes"

Moral of the story..."Just because they are asking...doesnt mean they don't know."

[newglockster]

^^^ lol! The OP has a good question though...

[theicecreamdan]

"This is my rifle"

[BucDan]

Alright thanks diesel, your posts are always helpful with insight and learning. Greatly appreciate it.

[Intimid8tor]

There are generally 2 schools of thought on this subject, or any other dealing with LEO.

1.) Pound sand, you don't have a warrant.

2.) Officer - Whachya got there.
Owner - It's my personally built semiautomatic rifle following the applicable federal and state laws.
If it continues after the first answer, be very wary as the hook is about to be thrown into the water.
Officer - It doesn't have a serial number.
Owner - pursuant to federal law it is not required on a personally built firearm.
Officer - what if it gets stolen?
Owner - Bummer
Officer - What federal law allows you to build a firearm yourself.
Owner - Let's make an appointment with my attorney so he can explain it to you.

END OF CONVERSATION!!!!