ATF changes the definition of what part of the FNC rifle is the 'weapon'

[aloharover]

http://www.atf.gov/firearms/rules/atf_ruling2008-1.pdf

"ATF has reconsidered its classification of the lower assembly of the FNC rifle as the receiver. The upper assembly of the FNC rifle is more properly classified as the receiver. The upper assembly of the FNC rifle houses the bolt and provides a connection point for the barrel. Moreover, the upper assembly is classified as the receiver on similar types of firearms, to include other FN rifles, such as the FN FAL and FN SCAR. Reclassification of the upper assembly as the receiver will also allow the continued installation of a lawfully registered sear into an FNC rifle because no modification to the receiver, which is the upper assembly, is required to properly install the sear."

Now some people are talking about how this same definition change could be made for the AR family of rifles.

Thoughts?

[BushmasterFanBoy]

I can easily imagine such a quick hasty change, if it were newly applied to AR's in the future, would see people exploit the system to get both the upper and lower from different vendors, each one under its own impression about which one is the new "Firearm" in the eyes of the ATF.

[aloharover]

Actually I believe if the change were made all AR uppers would be required to be appropriately marked, including those in circulation.

If the upper is the serial numbered item, then all uppers would require name, city, state, model, caliber, and serial numbers.

[TOrrock]

I wouldn't worry too much about it vs. AR uppers.

FNC uppers have always been serialized, and FN considered them to be the regulated part anyway.

[SoDak]

So no panic buying? And just when I thought I had a reason to buy an upper.

[TOrrock]

So no panic buying? And just when I thought I had a reason to buy an upper.

Dude, use whatever excuse you need, no harm in buying another upper......

[DM-SC]

Dude, use whatever excuse you need, no harm in buying another upper......

That's right!

[aloharover]

FNC uppers have always been serialized, and FN considered them to be the regulated part anyway.

Good to know, thanks

[Renegade]

I wouldn't worry too much about it vs. AR uppers.

FNC uppers have always been serialized, and FN considered them to be the regulated part anyway.

It is an imported firearm, so it does not matter what FN considers. For the record, I have seen uppers that are NOT serialized. I hope this does not become a mess, but it seems to be heading that way.