[Bill_in_VA]

Let’s look at the laws and not ATF opinions and/or rulings.

18 USC CH44 §921 (a)(3)(B) defines a firearm as “ the frame or receiver of any such weapon …”
27 CFR 478.11 defines a Curio and Relic firearm as “ (a)Firearms which were manufactured at least 50 years prior to the current date …”
QED, a firearm receiver is a firearm, and a +50 year old firearm is a C&R.

Nowhere in the United States Code nor the Code of Federal Regulations does it say anything about completeness or originality.

ATF Ruling 85-10 is an ATF determination regarding the importation of C&R firearms.

18 USC CH 44 §925(d)(3) prohibits the importation of military surplus firearms but was amended under Section 233 of the Trade and Tariff Act of 1984, 98 Stat. 2991 to allow for the importation of military surplus firearms IF they were C&R firearms. The ATF ruled/determined/interpreted things to allow only complete C&R surplus firearms because as they decided, not what the laws say - C&R receivers aren’t of “special interest to collectors.” Again, nowhere in federal law does it say anything about C&R firearms must be complete and in original condition.


An perfect example is the case of Mosin Nagant 91/30 rifles with pre-1899 receivers being approved for sale as antiques.

HTH