Mfg own firearms.

[BAJ475]

If I get my FFL (07), can I still manufacture firearms for my personal collection using 80% lowers or 80% frames as if I was not an FFL, or would I have to engrave a serial number and the other info required as a manufacture and pay the applicable taxes because I would be an 07 FFL?

Taxes are not the problem. Staying out of trouble is.

I originally thought about getting my 07 FFL so I could assemble AR rifles from 100% pre-machined parts and then marketing them as completed units, instead of selling a customer a lower and assembling the rifle according to the customer's specs, which I believe would only require an 01 license. Not wanting to see how close to the edge I could get, I figured that an 07 license was the safer bet.

However, I am not sure that the AR market is large enough to support what I want to do and am considering the SSE2 market building custom 1911 and 2011 pistols.

Like I said, staying out of trouble is the number 1 goal. So can I build a few 1911/2011 pistols for my personal collection, or do I need to totally abandon my efforts on getting an FFL before I try any build 1911/2011 pistols for my personal collection?

Thanks for any help and guidance you can provide

[M1NM]

I think both markets would be pretty small. It would probably take years to develop a customer base large enough to make any serious money at it. I wouldn't want the ATF nosing around my hobby shop.

[swell1957]

I looked into this as well. This is what I found on a FAQ on the ATF website. Not sure where to find the actual US Code.

9. May I lawfully make a firearm for my own personal use, provided it is not being made for resale?
Firearms may be lawfully made by persons under the GCA provided they are not for sale or distribution and the maker is not prohibited from receiving or possessing firearms.

From this pdf: https://www.atf.gov/file/61721/download

Maybe someone else knows where to find the actual US Code.

[ke6guj]

I looked into this as well. This is what I found on a FAQ on the ATF website. Not sure where to find the actual US Code.

9. May I lawfully make a firearm for my own personal use, provided it is not being made for resale?
Firearms may be lawfully made by persons who do not hold a manufacturer’s license under the GCA provided they are not for sale or distribution and the maker is not prohibited from receiving or possessing firearms.

From this pdf: https://www.atf.gov/file/61721/download

Maybe someone else knows where to find the actual US Code.

there is no Code that says that a non-licensee may make their own Title 1 firearms. more importantly, there is no Code that prohibits it.

[swell1957]

there is no Code that says that a non-licensee may make their own Title 1 firearms. more importantly, there is no Code that prohibits it.

Understood. But is it saying that if you hold a manufacturer's license you can't make personal firearms?

[BAJ475]

I think both markets would be pretty small. It would probably take years to develop a customer base large enough to make any serious money at it. I wouldn't want the ATF nosing around my hobby shop.

I understand, but I am 70+ so not trying to make serious money. Just something to supplement my retirement and keep me out of the wife's hair.

[BAJ475]

I want to thank everyone for their replies. Looks like you can make your own firearms but that you must comply with all of the requirements as if they were for inventory.

[swell1957]

Good luck in your business!