Kit gun legality
I have developed a new innovative type of kit gun, a type of novelty firearm. My question is whether or not it is legal for me to sell the kit in parts as the FMJ derringers are sold (plates and parts seperate)? Would there be any liabilty in case I can sell them? And what demand would you guys see for a cheap (i figure about $100-$125 for whole kit), fun to shoot piece that is very clever?
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Liability?
If your gun blows up and injures someone. . .you could be liable.
Falls down and "accidentally" discharges. . .you could be liable.
If your gun is distributed improperly. . .you could be liable.
Gun kits may or may not be legal in different jurisdictions. Do I know which ones? Hell no!
Its impossible to determine the interest people might have in your gun without knowing more about it, but in general, the "powers that be" won't look favorably on inexpensive do-it-yourself guns, particularly if they used cased ammunition and/or resemble a non-gun item.
If you really have a viable idea, it might be worth applying for a patent (you can get temporary pt pending protection without having to go through the whole process of getting the patent), then taking the idea to an established gun manufacturer who can help you much more easily with the above issues.0 -
thanks for the reply, it would indeed resemble a non-gun item, to more precise it would resemble a lighter. I doubt any mainstream company would even chance something like this because of future implications, however i would like to sell them on gunbroker but don't want the ATF knocking on my door because i might have done something wrong. It would only be considered a firearm if completed by purchaser, I think? Has anyone heard of this before? I really appreciate all the help. 0 -
Maybe you can find some info on the BATF website. Its worth a shot, especially if it keeps you out of jail. 
You are knuckle-dragging ape with a gun.0 -
Likely you would still need a manufacturer's license. Luckily, these aren't too hard to get. If you can qualify for a C&R FFL, likely you can also be a gun builder. It's just a matter of forms, paperwork, security checks, signitures, fingerprints, fees, and the passage of time. The wheels of bureaucracy grind slow, but they grind exceedingly fine.
"Every child had a pretty good shot,
To get at least as far as their old man got,
But something happened on the way to that place,
They threw an American flag in our face."
-Billy Joel, "Allentown"0 -
Generally guns that do not look like guns are considered AOW's (any other weapons). Pen guns are a good example, as are High Standard Derringers that have been placed in wallet holsters, and, I believe, walking cane guns. It may not be ilegal to sell the parts, but if it was designed so as not to look like a gun, chances are it will be illegal to own without AOW status.
To err is human, to moo is bovine.0 -
Unless it is black powder it will be a modern firearm and even in kit form this needs to be shipped to an FFL if it is complete with all the parts needed to assemble a functional firearm. If it has the appearence of a "non conventional" firearm; such as a camera, walking stick, smoking pipe, cigarette lighter, ect. it will be an Any Other Weapon as boeboe has already mentioned. This would mean a $200 National Firearms Tax for the customer who must register it in kit form and can then assemble it when approved by the BATFE or a $5 NFA transfer tax if you sold it as a complete firearm and you are a Special Occupational Taxpayer registered with the BATFE. Liability? I see not BUT liabilties and you had best investigate an insurance carrier before you even consider selling something like this.
"Nothing can ever be made 'idiot proof' because idiots are simply too clever"!
Mark T. Christian0 -
tronic,
E-mail me.
cbxjeff<P>It's too late for me, save yourself. <br>0 -
About 2 years ago, many US law enforcement agencies circulated a warning of the existence of a multi-shot gun disguised as a cell phone. No one in this country has actually seen one of these, but the possible threat sure had a lot of officers worried.
I think that it's safe to say that, today, possession of any kind of disguised firearm will earn you a Close Encounter of the Worse Kind with the fellows with the bulges in the cheap suits. You were born 100 years too late; forget about it.
Neal0 -
Again I thank everyone for the input, it seems the project will never leave the drawing board. Damn shame because it would have been a hell of a "spy" toy. Thank you guys. 0 -
quote:Originally posted by tronic
thanks for the reply, it would indeed resemble a non-gun item, to more precise it would resemble a lighter. appreciate all the help.
I think Paladin Press used to sell an instruction book on building a single-shot .22 out of a Zippo. BTW, I bought one of those FMJ kits and they are junk. I'm designing a new frame and innards to use with the barrrel. If it works, I might decide to sell plans and/or parts. You don't need an FFL to sell non-receiver/frame parts. If it has a serial #, you need an FFL.
Chrome don't get you home.0
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