An 80% frame is actually a "special case" with the BATF and it applies to metal castings that are used to form the basis for gun parts. In this case what we are talking about is a metal casting that has been "almost" completed. It was cast and then all the milling work was done to it.....but they stopped before they cut the slide rails (or any other combo of cuts that add up to 20% of the milling steps). Because the manufacturer stopped working on the piece BEFORE he/she finished it....this piece is still in a state of limbo so to speak....it isn't really a "Gun" but it isn't really a raw hunk of metal either.

The castings do NOT have any serial numbers or roll marks on them (normally the last step in the manufacturing process). In this form they are still considered to be just pieces of metal as far as the BATF and the Brady bill are concerned. If the manufacturer takes them 1 more step further...then they are subject to all the laws of the land that apply to firearms. Remember that as far as the ATF is concerned...the frame/receiver IS the firearm....and everything else is just parts.

So it is perfectly legal to order an 80% frame/receiver from the distributor and there is no paperwork at all involved. You do not need to be an FFL dealer, anyone that wants one can just call and give their credit card number and *poof* out it goes in the mail.

Ok.....sounds really cool huh? So what's the rub? Well the bottom line is...YOU (and only you) have to finish the final machining process on it yourself. There are no serial numbers and the firearm (once it is complete)can NEVER....let me say that again so you understand it...NEVER, EVER be sold to anyone else....period ! It is a firearm for "personal use only".

If you do it this way (build it yourself) then you are acting as a firearms manufacturer and that is perfectly legal as long as it is for personal use only. Kinda like it's legal to make all the homemade wine/beer that you want as long as it is not for resale....(well same basic idea any ways).

You can do the frame rails (in the case of a Colt 1911) with only a file if you want to but it would take a long time. I recommend a  mini-mill to finish out the last 20% like the professionals do. (the mini-mill is a great investment and they cost less than 700 bucks brand new).

There are 80% frames available for Colt 1911's, AR-15's, FAL's, Sig P-228's, PPK's and many other styles.(another reason to buy your own Mill ). You would just need to buy a parts kit to complete your new gun.

With a little bit of Do-it-yourself attitude and few pointers from someone who knows what they are doing....anyone can build one for themselves.

** NOTE ** All of this assumes that it would otherwise be legal for you to own a firearm. If you can not legally own a firearm then you can not legally build one either...

Here is a link to the actual BATF website and a paragraph that addresses the 80% issue:   http://www.atf.treas.gov/firearms/faq/faq2.htm#a7