Understanding 922r Compliance

Understanding 922r Compliance Introduction If you've been considering purchasing or modifying an imported firearm, there's a good chance you've heard about 922r or 922r compliance. However, you may not know exactly what 922r is or how to ensure your firearm is 922r compliant. In this article, we'll cover everything you need to know about 922r compliance, including what it is (in plain language) and how to comply with it. By the end, you'll see that 922r isn't as complicated as it may seem. What is 922r? When someone mentions "922r," they're referring to a section of federal law governing imported rifles and shotguns. Note that 922r does not apply to handguns. The US Code, under Title 18, governs Crimes and Criminal Procedure. Chapter 44 of Title 18 covers firearms, and section 922 (18 USC 922) explains what can and cannot be done with firearms. Specifically, "922r" refers to subsection "R" of section 922. The full text of 18 USC 922r states: "It shall be unlawful for any person to assemble from imported parts any semiautomatic rifle or shotgun which is identical to any rifle or shotgun prohibited from importation under section 925(d)(3) of this chapter as not being particularly suitable for or readily adaptable to sporting purposes except that this subsection shall not apply to – (1) the assembly of any such rifle or shotgun for sale or distribution by a licensed manufacturer to the United States or any department or agency thereof or to any State or any department, agency, or political subdivision thereof; or (2) the assembly of any such rifle or shotgun for the purposes of testing or experimentation authorized by the Attorney General." The ATF, in the Code of Federal Regulations under Title 27, has helped define which parts may not be foreign in the banned foreign firearms in order to have certain features. The relevant regulation, 27 CFR 178.39, specifies the parts that are considered "imported parts" for the purposes of 922r compliance. 922r in Plain Language In simple terms, 922r states that there are certain rifles and shotguns that may not be imported because they are not "suitable for sporting purposes," and it is illegal to assemble one of these banned rifles or shotguns from too many imported parts. However, you can build or assemble an otherwise illegal-to-import firearm if you use enough US-made parts, ensuring that there aren't too many foreign parts. 922r Compliance To comply with 922r, you need to know the list of parts and ensure that only 10 or fewer are foreign. The list includes 20 parts, such as the frame/receiver, barrel, muzzle attachment, trigger, hammer, and magazine components. Unfortunately, the law doesn't specify a minimum number of US-made parts needed; instead, it requires that there are no more than 10 imported parts out of the list of 20. This means that 922r compliance requires counting the foreign parts in a firearm (or planned firearm) from the list and replacing them until there are fewer than 10 foreign parts. The number of parts that need to be replaced can vary depending on the firearm. For example, an AK-47 style rifle must have no more than 10 foreign parts from the list to be 922r compliant. Common parts to replace with US-made components include buttstocks, forearms, magazines (which can count for three parts: body, follower, and floorplate), and muzzle devices. However, be cautious with magazines – if the firearm is in an otherwise prohibited configuration and you're using a different (foreign) magazine, you lose the benefit of being 922r compliant. 922r Compliant Firearms It's difficult to provide a comprehensive list of "922r compliant firearms" because compliance varies for each type of firearm. You must follow the 922r compliance steps outlined above. For example, the popular WASR-10 AK-style rifle is imported in a "sporting configuration" that only accepts 10-round magazines. The importer then modifies the rifle to accept 30-round magazines after swapping out many parts for US-made components, ensuring 922r compliance. This is also why foreign semi-auto shotguns, such as those made by Benelli and Beretta, are not sold with magazine extensions. Before the magazines can be extended, enough parts must be swapped out for US-made parts to comply with 922r. How to Make Sure You Comply with 922r For individuals, the key steps to ensure 922r compliance are: 1. Confirm that you are dealing with a foreign firearm subject to the sporting purpose test. 2. Count how many parts from the list are foreign (not American-made). 3. Replace the foreign parts with US-made parts until the foreign parts count is 10 or less. If you're an FFL, seek guidance to ensure that the firearms you're importing, making, and/or selling are compliant with 922r. Conclusion In conclusion, understanding and complying with 922r is crucial for anyone looking to purchase or modify an imported firearm. By following the steps outlined in this article and being aware of the list of parts covered under 922r, you can ensure that your firearm is 922r compliant. Remember, compliance is essential to avoid violating federal law. FAQs 1. Does 922r apply to all firearms? No, 922r only applies to imported rifles and shotguns, not handguns. 2. Can I import a banned firearm if I modify it to be 922r compliant? No, the banned firearm must be assembled within the United States using enough US-made parts to be 922r compliant. 3. How many foreign parts are allowed under 922r? No more than 10 parts from the list of 20 specified parts can be foreign-made. 4. Are there any exceptions to 922r compliance? Yes, there are exceptions for firearms assembled for sale or distribution to government agencies, as well as for testing or experimentation authorized by the Attorney General. 5. What should I do if I'm unsure about my firearm's 922r compliance? Consult with a knowledgeable firearms expert or attorney to ensure your firearm is 922r compliant and avoid potential legal issues.