What are the requirements to build a firearm?

Question

Being a gun collector and facinated with building things I've become interested in building my own firearm. I've found plans for a WW2 Sten gun but am unclear on the laws.

Having read the answer on the ATF website
http://www.atf.gov/firearms/faq/faq2.htm#a6
It says that it is legal provided it don't fall into an NFA category (no silencer, 16" + rifled barrel, not full auto, etc) and you don't sell it to anyone.
And reading a machinist making his own guns; http://www.homebuiltfirearms.com/ and companies that sell 10% and 80% receivers for 1911's and AK-47's without needing FFL transfers, I know its legal. But is it as simple as that? Make your own gun, just don't sell it and make sure it meets the requirements?

Also I wouldn't be making an actual Sten. My plans so far would be to replicate a Ruger 10/22 but moving things around and changing the shape of the bolt to resemble a Sten.

Thanks

Answer 1

I have looked into this project, but it is too tool intensive or cost restrictive (if I farm out the milling) for me.

First, you need the 16" barrel like you said, and you then need to meet the 26" overall length. Also, all the 80% tubes you see are generally reduced inside diameter. You will need to turn the bolt down to fit the tube and modify it so it will never function as full auto again. To be in legal compliance with 922R for semi auto rifles, you will need a certain number of American made parts and you cannot have more than 10 foreign "counted" parts.
A problem with the Sten that you will quickly see is that most of the parts are generally welded together rather than pinned or threaded. You will have to grind and drill out a lot of welds carefully so you don't damage critical parts. Every now and then a spring or internal part is damaged when the gun was cut up too, so be prepared for that, you may need to buy some parts later.
The above are typical problems with building a gun that uses a tube for a reciever. They look simple and operate simple, but rebuilding them legally without a lathe and mill is a nightmare. Plus they are not the best choice for a first build (Sorry if my assumption is wrong).

The AK and 1911 are realtively easy because they don't require heavy modifcation like tube guns. The 1911 80% frame just requires drilling a few extra holes with a drill press and then assembly. I have built quite a few AK's and it is simple too. The AK just requires a press and bending jig for making a reciever from a flat, a spotwelder for welding the rails in, and a rivet tool for crushing a few rivets. Some pressing will also be required for barrel and barrel pin removal and reinstallation. And of course some fitting work with a dremel tool will be needed. Defeating the full auto nature of the AK (to make it legal) is simple. The flat will not have the extra hole for auto components. Set aside the auto parts and get a semi auto fire control group and install it instead.

If you are looking to get into gun building check out my links below.

Answer 2

I would not start to build anything that even looked like a full-automatic weapon without a written and signed opinion from the BATFE stating that it was legal and permissable.

Those people have a tendency to change rules unexpectedly and things that might be legal today could be illegal tomorrow.

Frankly, I don't think YOU will be safe building a Sten gun replica, even if you do plan it to be strictly semi-automatic. With the Class III books closed, tinkering with the receiver of a firearm designed to be full auto could lead to complications with the BATFE.

If you really want to build a firearm for your own use, and the BAT-men say it is OK, build a rifle or handgun that is not a Class III weapon.

Doc

Answer 3

Go ahead and try. Getting the proper metal blocks is not so easy to start with. The machines needed to do the job properly are costly. You can do a lot of it by hand if you are artistic. This takes a long time and a lot of work. then there are many more things to think of.

No I did not ever make a gun. My uncle did and it is a real beauty. Yes it still is usable after all these years. This was a very high powered sniper rifle. He was with the Army at the time and was allowed to keep the one he made. You will find many of his ideas Incorporated in all the modern sniper rifles.

Yes I have tried that gun and believe me it does what it is designed to do. No I did not shoot people.

Answer 4

I've seen the sten rebuild kits and the plans for the tube receiver, I'm pretty sure if you took the plans to a competant gunsmith, he would know the forms you'd need to have a semi auto receiver machined for a sten.

Answer 5

Have you considered making a rifle that doesn't cause the BATFE to come knocking ?
I mean either a flintlock or percussion [ cap and ball ] rifle.
Not exactly high tech, but a challange to build and, if you hunt,
this will 'git 'er done.'

Answer 6

don't hurt yourself...go for it.