Does the 4473 description matter

[GymB]

Under current rules we can’t convert a rifle to a handgun, but a new lower has never been a rifle so it can be built to either.

You buy a new lower, but the dealer incorrectly marks it as a “rifle” instead of a “other” am I now boxed in to only build a rifle?

I believe that the answer is that I am not, and I believe that because someone here said it some time ago, but I can’t find support for the statement from ATF.

Anyone have something supportive of this?

 

[BigWaylon]

Nothing supportive, but the paper doesn’t legally define the firearm at the federal level. I do believe certain states have weird requirements, but NC doesn’t in the matter.

If I bought a Rem 870 and the dealer mistakenly checked handgun instead of long gun...and I didn’t catch it...I still bought a long gun.

 

[Jerzsubbie]

I was thinking that in the case of an AR lower which is normally a long gun that it could be risky to build it as a pistol, but BigWaylon’s example of an 870 flipping it the other way makes sense. A clerical error doesn’t change the legal status of a firearm.

 

[BigWaylon]

I was thinking that in the case of an AR lower which is normally a long gun that it could be risky to build it as a pistol, but BigWaylon’s example of an 870 flipping it the other way makes sense. A clerical error doesn’t change the legal status of a firearm.

And, if you are of the CYA-mindset, a receipt for the stripped/complete lower should clear any of it up. Heck, snap a pic of it timestamped that day with a brace and a short upper. Ta-da!! A weapon that was initially built as a pistol, thus free to go back and forth.

 

[Jerzsubbie]

Heck, snap a pic of it timestamped that day with a brace and a short upper. Ta-da!!

I actually do this with all of mine now. Doubles as a method to record my serials just in case I ever need them.

 

[indie_rocker]

Are we just talking about a stripped lower here? That gets a check in the "other" category. It's sold as a receiver, not a rifle or pistol. The receipt would and should say as such.

 

[BigWaylon]

Are we just talking about a stripped lower here? That gets a check in the "other" category. It's sold as a receiver, not a rifle or pistol. The receipt would and should say as such.

Doesn’t even have to be a stripped lower. Stripped, complete, or anywhere in between. Brace or stock. Still an “other” without a barreled upper.