Is a frame a handgun

[Old Sparky]

I think I am correct but could I get clarification. A striped frame must be shipped as a handgun?
Thanks

[shvlhead.45]

Old Sparky,

Don't believe that to be true for the following reasons:
1.  I ordered a new stainless T/C Encore receiver (no barrel) configured as a rifle with rifle  butt stock and forearm and it was processed by my FFL as a long gun.  T/C Encores and Contenders can be ordered from various places as one or the other.

2.  I bought a AR 15 stripped lower and the FFL processed it as an "other" and it becomes a pistol or long gun by what it is assembled as first.

3.  If it was originally sold as a long gun it must remain a long gun for life, but may be configured as a hand gun or a long gun if originally sold as a hand gun.

I am not a lawyer, LEO, or FFL but that is my understanding of federal law.

r/shvlhead.45

[Curtis]

I think it depends a lot on which state you are in.  Of course, all federal laws apply.  I live in Texas and have received several Contender frames from out of state.  My FFL has classified them both as "frame only" and "pistol" on the NICS paperwork.  That does not necessarily make them so.  Of course, Texas has no handgun registration so that helps.
 
Curtis

[carlsflh]

what ever main componet that  has the sereal number  on it is considered a firearm by the atf   and would need to be shipped to a ffl dealer  on a contender the frame is considered a firearm

[Keith L]

I haven't shipped one in a few years, but last time I sent a frame to TC I had to send it UPS overnight.  The closest place was a gun shop and I paid almost $40 shipping.  TC sent it to my door.  The shipping rules can be the carrier's rules, not laws.  Check with carriers and see what you have to do.

[keith44]

Ok boys, what ever part is marked with the serial number IS the handgun, no exceptions.  Check with BATF for their exact wording.

[mechanic]

A friend, who holds an FFL and owns a store, told me he got a clarifying letter from ATF, stating that any frame that could be made into a handgun, if transferred as a frame only, had to transfer as a handgun.  They included TC's, and AR style weapons. 
 
A different ATF analyst could very well write a different letter to a different dealer......
 
Ben

[Old Sparky]

Thanks, I was pretty sure I understood. I also went to the ATF site and understood that the frame started as a handgun and is a handgun. But before reading the rules thought things may have changed. I havnt purchased a frame in 20 years
thanks

[Richard P]

As Keith and Carl stated-----the serialized component IS the firearm.  Whether it is a rifle action or a tc frame, or a shotgun action; if it is the main component----not a barrel or slide----that is the piece that is viewed as ''the firearm'' by ATF.   You have to go by their shipping rules.  ps,  Once a rifle---always a rifle.  You cannot build a handgun on a rifle action (that was originally a rifle) without going into the area of ''SBR's'' and the attendant tax and registration implications. 
  There are court cases that apply to tc actions.    rp

[jem44357]

Good info

[Ladobe]

A TC frame originally sold as a carbine can be registered as a handgun to remain as such, or transferred by a licensed FFL as a handgun frame and remain as such as well, both regardless of anything BATF legal mumbo jumbo might be.   The Contender carbines bought way back when first introduced were registered as handgun frames, sold and transferred as handgun frames.