Introduction
Military surplus parts kits are a popular option for hobbyists, collectors, and gunsmiths interested in building or restoring firearms. However, understanding the ATF regulations surrounding these kits is critical to staying legal. In this guide, we’ll break down what parts kits are, how they’re regulated, and what you need to watch out for in 2025 and beyond.
What Are Military Surplus Parts Kits?
Military surplus parts kits are collections of disassembled firearm parts—typically from rifles, pistols, or machine guns—once used by armed forces. These kits often include:
-
Barrel
-
Bolt and carrier
-
Receiver stub (more on this below)
-
Handguards, furniture, and small parts
These parts are typically from demilitarized firearms that have been rendered non-functional according to Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) standards.
Why Are Surplus Parts Kits Popular?
-
Cost-effective: Often cheaper than new or modern firearms.
-
Historical value: Kits are sourced from Cold War-era or WWII firearms.
-
Customization: Ideal for building personalized, legal firearms.
-
Learning tool: Useful for those learning gunsmithing or firearm assembly.
ATF Regulations for Parts Kits (Updated for 2025)
1. Demilitarization and the Receiver Rule
Per the ATF, the receiver is the legally controlled part of a firearm. For a parts kit to be legally sold, the original firearm must be “demilled”—that is, destroyed to ATF specifications.
-
A common method is torch-cutting the receiver into multiple pieces.
-
The remaining parts can be sold as a non-firearm kit.
Important: You cannot possess a full receiver or rebuild it into an unregistered machine gun. Doing so is a federal crime under the National Firearms Act (NFA).
2. Building a Firearm: What’s Legal?
You can legally use a surplus parts kit to build your own firearm if:
-
You use a new, legally manufactured receiver (e.g., 80% lower or stripped receiver).
-
The final build complies with ATF and federal law.
-
You are not prohibited from possessing firearms.
🚫 Fully automatic builds are illegal without proper licensing and NFA registration.
3. 922(r) Compliance
For imported military surplus rifles (like the AK-47 or FAL), Title 18 USC § 922(r) prohibits assembling a firearm from imported parts unless it contains a minimum number of U.S.-made parts.
-
You’ll need to use U.S.-made components (trigger group, barrel, etc.) to comply.
-
The ATF parts count is key—ensure you’re under the limit of imported parts.
4. State and Local Laws
Federal rules are just the beginning. Some states (California, New Jersey, New York, etc.) have:
-
Bans on specific parts (e.g., barrels or bayonet lugs)
-
Restrictions on kits that could create “assault weapons”
-
Serial number and registration requirements
✅ Always check your state and local laws before buying or assembling a kit.
Tips for Staying Compliant
-
Buy from reputable dealers that follow ATF demil standards.
-
Document your build process, especially when using 80% lowers or U.S.-made parts.
-
Do not attempt full-auto conversions—this is heavily prosecuted.
-
Use 922(r) compliance kits available from trusted U.S. manufacturers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a parts kit considered a firearm?
No. As long as the receiver is destroyed, the parts kit is not a firearm under federal law.
Can I build a machine gun with a parts kit?
No. Without a Class 3 license and NFA registration, this is illegal.
Do I need to serialize a home-built gun?
Currently, under federal law, you don’t need to serialize a home-built firearm unless you transfer or sell it, but some states require serialization upon completion.
Final Thoughts
Military surplus parts kits are a great way to explore firearm history, build your own rifle, or expand your gunsmithing skills. But navigating ATF regulations is critical to avoid legal trouble. Whether you’re building a semi-auto AK from a Romanian kit or restoring an Israeli Uzi, stay informed, stay legal, and always put safety first.
This article was written by ChatGPT and is intended for SEO purposes only. The info in this article is not verified to be true.
