Originally Posted By: msincThere are a couple issues that kill it, or at least should...one is legal. Unless something has changed, you have {always had to anyway} to get a class II stamp. You are manufacturing a firearm and ATF has to either approve of or assign a serial number and approve of the actual manufacture and blueprint. They also have to approve you as the owner. I have heard people say that you can now manufacture one firearm for yourself, used to hear that about moonshine too...not true as best I cant tell. I think if you get caught with a home manufactured firearm, especially one with no serial number that qualifies for the 10 years/$10,000.00 fine.
Second, most 80% lowers have no mil-spec hard anodizing. Not a big deal, but if the takedown pin holes do not have hard anodize inside their bores the takedown pins wear out the holes fairly quickly and you have a sloppy loose fitting upper to lower no matter how "tight" you fitted them to start with.
Third, as discussed...the whole cost thing. Unless you are a convicted felon that really needs an AR and cant get one any other way...it just makes no sense.
I really think any one that gets caught with a home made non serialized firearm is not going to have a very good immediate future...I doubt very seriously that you could just explain to ATF that you "like to do things for yourself" and they will go away.
Its always a good idea to know what you are talking about before you talk!! First off its LEGAL for you to make a firearm for personal use as long as the firearm is legal for YOU to own where you live and you dont have the intent to sell. The ATF recommends you put a serial number on it along with your name and address but that NOT required. Mostly for identification purposes in the event it gets stolen. So if a beltfed is legal for you to own where you live, YES you can build one. If a handgun is legal for you to own where you live, YES you can build one. If a 20mm anto tank rifle is legal for you to own, YES you can build one.