Is FFL needed for sending pistol parts?

[lanzador49]

Can parts (everything EXCEPT the trigger mechanism) be sent without any problem to and from individuals? Or must an FFL be used?

The example would be a Sig p320 - can someone in South Carolina remove the TCU and then sen the frame, barrel, slide, spring, directly to someone in California?

I see that manufacturers (and individuals on secondary market) buy and sell "exchange kits" that involve a new slide, barrel, spring, frame...everything except for the TCU.

[turnip_lord]

The only thing that needs to go through an FFL is the bit that's legally defined as the firearm.

In most cases, that's not the trigger mechanism, but the frame / (lower) receiver. For P320, as I understand, it's the piece of bent metal that forms the housing of the trigger control unit. The trigger components that go inside are not a firearm.

There are California politicians trying to restrict that, but for now, you're good to go, assuming that you're not otherwise building an illegal firearm. Building an 80% P320 in California is believed to be not legal, but modifying one you legally own should be generally OK.

[lanzador49]

The only thing that needs to go through an FFL is the bit that's legally defined as the firearm.

In most cases, that's not the trigger mechanism, but the frame / (lower) receiver. For P320, as I understand, it's the piece of bent metal that forms the housing of the trigger control unit. The trigger components that go inside are not a firearm.

There are California politicians trying to restrict that, but for now, you're good to go, assuming that you're not otherwise building an illegal firearm. Building an 80% P320 in California is believed to be not legal, but modifying one you legally own should be generally OK.

The question is more whether, assuming someone legally and properly owns a p320 that is a compact frame, for example, that has the TCU with the serial number on it that is registered in that person's name, it's a problem if someone from out of state sends a different frame and different barrel/slide assembly into which the registered TCU could fit...which are the "parts" I am referencing.

In that sense, perhaps the "80%" consists of all the parts that comprise the TCU...

Then - here's an interesting twist - say someone has the frame and slide and barrel assembly, and just needs the TCU - would it be merely up to the FFL whether to accept just the TCU without any frame??

[turnip_lord]

Again, as I understand, for P320, legally, the firearm is *just* the serialized sheet metal housing for - I think people call it "the insert".

My understanding is that none of the other FCU components, nor the barrel, nor the slide, nor the plastic outer shell are regulated, and you can have them shipped to your home. Although note that for most other handguns, the frame would be the controlled & serialized bit (because it directly houses the firing mechanism).

On the flip side, you generally can't have that insert, or a complete FCU, or a complete P320 delivered to an FFL, because P320 is not on the roster of handguns approved for sale. Exceptions apply for new residents, gifts from immediate relatives, etc.

[ronlglock]

Is FFL needed for sending pistol parts?

I see that manufacturers (and individuals on secondary market) buy and sell "exchange kits" that involve a new slide, barrel, spring, frame...everything except for the TCU.