Looking for machinist/gunsmith in NC...

[masek77]

I'm looking for someone in NC who is able to do some machining on an 80% complete receiver for me. I'm not sure what kind of license this entails but they should be able to legally do this and not just be some backyard machinist.

The work is relatively simple. I could do it if I had a milling machine but oh well.

Specifically it is a Browning model 1919A4 right side plate.

Please email me if you can help...

[gunnut69]

Machining a right side plate is making a machine gun. This can be done with prior approval from BATFE but they are no longer allowing this process. If you are wanting to make a semi-auto side plate for an automatic weapon the process has to be approved by BATFE BEFORE the work is done... This is likely not going to happen so break down and just buy a semi auto side plate from a maker who already has the approval..  The best sggestion anyone can giive you is to contact BATFE before doing anything.

[masek77]

This is not correct sir.

I have seen the rules pertaining to this and it is 100% legal for me to do this machining myself or to hire someone to do it for me, so long as it is machined for a semi auto configuration and not full auto. I know what must be done, but don't have the equipment to do it.

What I have now is what is known as an 80% receiver. It is now for all legal purposes just a hunk pf metal but when the machine work is finished it is then considered a firearm. This same principle applies to literally a hundred thousand other 80% receivers sold in the USA annually. None of them are considered guns but when a few more holes are drilled they become firearms, per BATFE rules.

In my case, the Kit must be machined also to allow for only semi auto use which I will have done. The Right Side Plate is drilled and a minor amount of machining is done and when assembled I will have a 100% semi auto, 100% legal firearm.

If you wish to dispute this, I think I can find the necessary legal documents that allow for this.

[koginam]

masek77
I think gunnut69 was trying to keep you out of trouble with what he thought was the law.
 If you have a community collage near you that offers a machine technology class, and you know what needs to be done and have the skill you should be able to do the work yourself, Many have night classes open to the public for a small fee, you will have access to mills and lathes and measuring equipment that will make the job easy. In most cases they have instruction on the use of the equipment as well.  Or you could get them to assign a student to do it for you. This could save you a few bucks as well.
Best of luck

[gunnut69]

I almost passed on further comment to this but will for those who may be contemplating this type activity. I didn't read in your first post anything indicating a semi auto build so covered all the bases. It is true that anyone can make a weapon but there are forms that have to be filed with ATFE before completion. They will register the firearm and it must be serial numbered. It is illegal to assemble a 'non-sporting semi-auto weapon' using imported parts.. It is very unlikely you found a parts set of 1919 MG parts that were NOT imported.. This is a very dangerous area, even when assembling a AKS type weapon using a parts kit and receiver flat. The only folks who can legally do the machining you require would be holders of a firearms manufacturers license. A gunsmithing license DOES NOT allow the manufacture of a weapon.  If you 'hire someone' to do the machining, that person is making the weapon. ATFE will take a very dim view of that!. Doing it yourself with the proper forms is quite doable.. Without the proper forms can get you federal time.. The best advice anyone can give you is to contact AFTFE BEFORE the problem develops. You might be amused to know that the definition of 80% has changed on some of these receivers and guess who makes that determination?? ATFE, of course!! Do as you will but you would be wise to consult ATFE, first!!

[masek77]

I thought it would go without saying that I wouldnt be posting on a public forum soliciting an illegal activity dont you think? Why would I ask for someone who was licensed if I wanted to make an illegal weapon?

I have investigated this and I am well within my rights to do this.

I have built several AKs as a matter of fact and understand the US parts requirement for them. This doesnt apply so much to US made weapons such as the 1919A4 as the whole thing is American made.

I think I know what you mean by paperwork but this is not a matter of contacting the ATF for every build. Instead, it is a matter of following precedent. I am not the first person to do this type of build and all I would possibly need is a copy of the ATF approval letter that allows for the specific build I am attempting. Copies of this letter are available for almost every type of gun you can imagine for the asking. In fact copies of this approval letter for the 1919A4 are available on several websites.

As far as "hiring someone" yes my intention is to either do this myself using someone elses equipment or pay an FFL 02 to do this for me.

[gunnut69]

Well good luck to you in any case.. I fear you're going to need it. The for to notify BATFE is number 'ATF F  5320.1(Form 1)'. You most certainly are within your rights to build such a weapon. If you fail to follow the BATFE's rules, they will put you in jail.. but you know what you are doing??  so have fun... I would check with the local BATFE office, it may save you some grief. As to asking for things one shouldn't on an open forum I make no assumptions of prior knowledge,. Good luck.