One of the most popular firearm types for gun enthusiasts and hobbyists is the tried and tested AR or assault rifle. Aside from boasting a high rate of fire and a sleek design, AR models are also known for their efficient handling and satisfying action. Due to the gun’s design, there tends to be some confusion with regards
Assault rifles are typically made up of the upper and lower receiver. Gun enthusiasts who love customizing and dismantling their arms know that each of these components is crucial to one another. If you’ve been a gun enthusiast for a while, you might already know why it makes up both the upper and lower receiver.
Due to changes in the federal rulings, there tends to be some confusion with regard to what constitutes a firearm. If you own an assault rifle, you need to understand the rules even further as it matters if you own either an upper or a lower receiver alone. What are the new laws according to the federal ruling?
Legalities When It Comes To Receivers
Currently, federal regulations define a firearm’s frame or receiver as the piece that is by definition, a gun. Due to the assault rifle’s design feature which consists of both upper and lower parts. The problem lies within the fact that the upper receiver of the assault rifle is the part where most of the frame of the gun is.
That being said, the lower receiver of the gun cannot be considered as a gun by its federal definition. As per the North State Journal, the lower receiver which sits above the pistol grip and contains the trigger and hammer, cannot fire a bullet on its own. As such it cannot be considered as a firearm in and of itself.
The upper receiver, on the other hand, is considered a firearm. This basically means that if you own an upper receiver, and you don’t have a license to get firearms, you can get criminally charged for it. On the other hand, you might not be able to get charged if you own a lower receiver.
For now, it remains to be confusing whether the lower receiver is considered a firearm. Some people have been charged with the possession of it, while others weren’t apprehended by the law. States are looking to change the ruling regarding this so that they could regulate the buying and selling of lower receivers as well.
As per reports, lawmakers want to regulate receivers even further as some gun owners are making 3D-printed receivers at home. Certain loopholes in the law are being abused so to remedy this, the law wants to bar any receivers that don’t have serial numbers – thus making 3D-printed receivers illegal.
Parts Of An AR
What makes the assault rifle such a popular option for gun owners is that the gun is highly customizable. It’s one of the upsides for it, but the downsides are that legal teams have been using this to derail legal proceedings, says The Star. This is another reason why legislators want to change the way the law defines guns.
The upper receiver of a common AR like the AR-15 includes the sights, the barrel, and the muzzle device. AR-15 uppers can be easily bought online and these parts can be used to customize your firearm. As you can see, the top portion contains most of the components that actually make the part work.
On the other hand, the lower receiver includes parts like butt stock, handgrip, and magazine. Though essential, most of the parts of the lower receiver are mainly for the handling of the AR.
As always, it’s better to know about the gun laws in your state first before you get an AR-15 or even an upper receiver. It’s also better to just get the licenses and permits for each of the firearms you own. This way, you are free from getting charges whatever happens.
It’s also a must that you buy only from legitimate and authorized firearms dealers. The last thing you’d have on your hands is illegal firearms that don’t have permits.
It’s important to know what the gun laws are in your state as this will help you understand what your rights are much better. Also, keep in mind that assault rifles are no laughing matter. These are high-caliber weapons that you need to be very responsible with. Even knowing simple matters like the parts of the upper and lower receiver are both crucial.