Gun builders have been legally crafting their own firearms at home for personal use since the birth of our nation. The advancement of technology (Polymer80 aka “P80” or “80%” AR-15 frames and 3D-printed gun frames) has not only made it easier; it’s also recently brought it to the forefront of the media’s, government’s, and public’s attention. That can be good and bad.
But building your own guns is nothing new.
Why do you need to build guns?
The anti-2A crowd has glommed onto the so-called “ghost gun” narrative, just as they did with so-called “assault weapons” and more recently, “military grade.” Rather than use actual firearms nomenclature, these terms are political and fictitious fabrications designed to incite fear in the public. The media and progressive political machine gin up righteous indignation with their fury directed at lawful firearms-owning citizens instead of criminals.
Never mind that the same anti-liberty factions have intentionally conflated privately made firearms (PMFs) with illegally defaced factory guns (serial numbers removed) – which are used by criminals in FAR higher numbers. It’s a lot easier to grind a serial number off a stolen or illegally purchased gun than it is to build one that actually works.
Not Even ATF Can Verify ATF’s ‘Ghost Gun’ Claims <— Link
But, I digress.
Contrary to popular belief, not all publicity is good. With the advent of social media and a 1-second news cycle that is on 24 / 7, information spreads quickly. Both good and bad. Some of the bad being misinformation and disinformation. Like all other topics, firearms are subject to the challenge of distilling truth from fiction – and there is PLENTY of fiction.
So, why do we build? I could end this article by simply saying: Because it’s legal and a constitutionally-protected Right. Because we can. Because it’s fun. It’s rewarding just like building your own hot rod or your own tree house. The end. But I can’t just end this article there, now can I?!?
Are 80% frames considered guns or not?
Years ago, in the pursuit of regulating the firearms industry, the Ay-Tee-Eff had to define a gun. Fair enough, eh? At what point does a block of steel, aluminum, or even plastic become a “gun?” The Ay-Tee-Eff determined it to be a frame or “receiver” that is 80% or more completed (to the point of being able to install the rest of the firearm components). 80% was the line. Not 25%. Not 50%. Not 99%. Eighty percent was the line. Why 80%? You’ll have to ask them. But, that’s how the Ay-Tee-Eff defined it. As long as we’re all on the same page (and definition), there should be no problems, right?
But, in the end, it doesn’t matter how long it takes to build a gun. It shouldn’t matter if it only takes 30 seconds! Debating the amount of time it takes is a DISTRACTION in reality. It simply doesn’t matter. Next question!
You’re just trying to avoid buying a traceable gun!
Why build a gun when you can just buy one? And probably cheaper!
On some gun forums, Glock owners get snarky with their advice, “Just buy a Glock!” They can’t understand why anyone would spend time and possibly more money to build a Glock-clone that can be a bit problematic in the early stages of the build and when testing for function. Many new builders have issues. There is a learning curve. “Just buy a Glock!” the fanbois mindlessly repeat. The assumption is that we’re building a Polymer80 INSTEAD of buying a factory Glock pistol. Nay. ‘Tis false.
We don’t build P80s or AR-15s to save money over store-bought factory guns. Home-built can be more expensive in the end.
If you work hard to keep costs down, it’s possible to be slightly cheaper than a factory gun. But, if we’re going to build a personalized gun, it’s likely to be more expensive than a factory store-bought gun. Possibly a LOT more expensive. Ask me how I know!
Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain!
As I mentioned, the attention to the hobby can be good and bad. The good is that it has drawn many more to the hobby. It’s growing. The bad is the same as what happens with most media attention to firearms. They deflect the blame for crime away from the criminals and point the finger at law-abiding firearms owners and enthusiasts.
PS… There is an organization that hosts an annual competition for gun builders of all types. It’s held in March in St. Augustine, Florida. How cool is that?? It’s called the “Gun Maker’s Match.” <— Click on the link for more info!
Well written and accurate post.
Thanks! 🙂
If the govt. took our SEMI-AUTO SPORTING RIFLES or even JUST THE AR-15, WHAT EXACTLY COULD WE POSSIBLY USE IN THE CASE THAT THE GOVT TRIES TO TAKE CONTROL AMD WE NEED TO DEFEND OURSELVES AS THE 2nd Amendment states?!?! DO u honestly think BIDEN would accept his security team to ONLY CARRY PISTOLS AND A 12ga!?!?
I also love the fact that you pointed out about how this whole thing started simply because the ATF and the government didn’t approve how much time it took, and the difficulty level it was in order for us to enact our God-given rights!? Most people don’t realize that that’s really what it boils down to is that it has nothing else to do with other than the government disapproving the popularity, quickness, and ease for us to act on our rights!!
Yeah! It shouldn’t be so “easy” to exercise your Constitutional Rights, eh?? 😉
Lets see. I can say what I want when I want. Yea I know about the politically crowd but really they have no power to stifle me. No power to regulate religion or the media. Military can’t just use my house. Protected against unreasonable search and seizures too. Protected against self incrimination too. Right to a speedy trial and to face my accusers. Lawsuits are covered too. And there are lots more that ensured voting rights and ended slavery among other things. All these rights are exercised daily by the American public. Yet as has been seen that non of these rights would have lived had it not been for the 2ND amendment. You have people including very high ranking politicians who would gladly destroy the 1st amendment IN DIRECT VIOLATION TO THEIR OATH OF OFFICE!
Yup, yup, yup. Sad and very disappointing.
If not for all the “Attention Seeking Media Whores,” dead set on doing WHATEVER it takes to get social media attention REGARDLESS of how STUPID & RECKLESS it could be, shooting off P80’s with drum mags and switches out the window while driving down public streets & ALL OTHER SORTS OF SIMILAR STUPID SHIT while trying to claim what you’re doing is legal!!!!???
I also dont understand why NO ONE ever questions the fact Biden wants to ban 80’ers SIMPLY BECAUSE OF HOW QUICK AND EASY YOU CAN MAKE THEM!? As well as HOW IS BIDEN going to try to DISARM LAW ABIDING CITIZENS after ARMING THE TALIBAN WITH OVER $7MILLION in ACTUAL WEAPONS OF WAR!!??
Anyways, great write up i really enjoyed it!
Thanks for checking it out and commenting!