TriggerMan
Well-Known Member
Hoping this is the right forum as it deals with several different topics.
First, a bit of background on my question. I recently purchased a new Ruger Mk 4 Lite 22/45 pistol. One of my main interests in this pistol was the fact that the top end was easily removable/swappable much like an AR pattern rifle or many pistols such as the Sig P320.
So here is my question. I copied it from another site I am a member of and pasted it here so I wouldn't have to type it all over again. By the way, no one ever responded to the question at the other site so here goes....
Guys help me understand something please.....
On an AR15 type rifle the lower reciever is the serialized part. I have always in my mind attributed that to the fact the fire control components/trigger are located there. You can buy any upper for your serialized lower and have it shipped directly to your home.
On most pistols the serialized portion is again the grip frame or lower section of the pistol which again contains the fire control parts and trigger. Even though grips on the P320s are interchangeable, the serial numbered part is the firing mechanism once again. You can freely order new barrels and slides with no FFL and have it sent directly to your home.
On the Ruger MK 4s, it is completely opposite. The lower grip frame has no serial number but still houses the fire control components. The barrel which no other firearm I am aware of is the serialized item. To buy a different barrel I need to ship to an FFL and complete a form 4473.
What gives here? What determines what portion of a firearm is the serialized part? Is it up to the manufacturer? Does the government decide? Such a silly thing. I want to order a barrel 1.5" longer and have to go through hoops for the ruger but could order 50 AR15 uppers and 50 P320 slides and barrels and have them direct shipped to my home no questions asked.
First, a bit of background on my question. I recently purchased a new Ruger Mk 4 Lite 22/45 pistol. One of my main interests in this pistol was the fact that the top end was easily removable/swappable much like an AR pattern rifle or many pistols such as the Sig P320.
So here is my question. I copied it from another site I am a member of and pasted it here so I wouldn't have to type it all over again. By the way, no one ever responded to the question at the other site so here goes....
Guys help me understand something please.....
On an AR15 type rifle the lower reciever is the serialized part. I have always in my mind attributed that to the fact the fire control components/trigger are located there. You can buy any upper for your serialized lower and have it shipped directly to your home.
On most pistols the serialized portion is again the grip frame or lower section of the pistol which again contains the fire control parts and trigger. Even though grips on the P320s are interchangeable, the serial numbered part is the firing mechanism once again. You can freely order new barrels and slides with no FFL and have it sent directly to your home.
On the Ruger MK 4s, it is completely opposite. The lower grip frame has no serial number but still houses the fire control components. The barrel which no other firearm I am aware of is the serialized item. To buy a different barrel I need to ship to an FFL and complete a form 4473.
What gives here? What determines what portion of a firearm is the serialized part? Is it up to the manufacturer? Does the government decide? Such a silly thing. I want to order a barrel 1.5" longer and have to go through hoops for the ruger but could order 50 AR15 uppers and 50 P320 slides and barrels and have them direct shipped to my home no questions asked.
