Safety & Legal Compliance
Essential information about legal requirements, safety considerations, and customer responsibilities when purchasing Polymer 80 USA products.
CRITICAL LEGAL NOTICE
IT IS THE CUSTOMER'S SOLE RESPONSIBILITY TO VERIFY THE LEGAL STATUS OF OUR PRODUCTS IN THEIR STATE, COUNTY, AND CITY BEFORE PURCHASING.
Firearm laws vary significantly across jurisdictions and are subject to frequent changes. Polymer 80 USA cannot monitor all local regulations.
Federal Law Overview
What Are Unfinished Frames & Receivers?
Under federal law (27 CFR § 478.11 and § 479.11), unfinished frames and receivers are not classified as firearms until they reach a certain stage of completion. Polymer 80 USA sells products that fall into this category - they require additional machining, drilling, and assembly to become functional firearm components.
Key Federal Requirements:
- Purchasers must be at least 18 years of age for long guns and 21 for handguns (federally)
- Products are sold as manufacturing blanks or for educational purposes
- No federal background check is required for purchase (state laws may differ)
- Once converted to a functional firearm, all applicable laws apply
- Manufacturing a firearm for personal use is generally legal under federal law
Important Federal Restrictions:
Under federal law, it is illegal for certain individuals to possess firearms, including those convicted of felonies, individuals subject to restraining orders, unlawful drug users, and those adjudicated as mentally defective. These restrictions apply to finished firearms made from our products.
State Law Variations
State laws vary dramatically regarding unfinished frames and receivers. Some states treat them the same as complete firearms, while others have specific regulations or bans.
Common State Restrictions:
Many states have additional requirements beyond federal law, including:
- Registration requirements for homemade firearms
- Serial number requirements
- Background check requirements even for unfinished components
- Bans on certain features or configurations
- Age requirements higher than federal minimums
- Waiting periods
It is your responsibility to research and understand:
- Your state's definition of a firearm (some include unfinished frames)
- Any registration or serialization requirements
- Age restrictions in your state
- Background check requirements for purchase
- Restrictions on features (magazine capacity, etc.)
- Local ordinances that may be stricter than state law
Customer Responsibilities
By purchasing from Polymer 80 USA, you accept full responsibility for:
Before Purchase:
- Researching federal, state, and local laws
- Verifying your eligibility to possess firearm components
- Understanding age requirements in your jurisdiction
- Checking for any local bans or restrictions
After Purchase:
- Complying with all laws during assembly and completion
- Registering the firearm if required by local law
- Applying a serial number if required by law
- Only manufacturing firearms for personal use (unless licensed)
- Never transferring completed firearms to prohibited persons
Prohibited Activities:
It is illegal to:
- Manufacture firearms for sale or distribution without proper licensing
- Create firearms that violate the National Firearms Act (NFA)
- Manufacture firearms with intent to commit crimes
- Sell or transfer completed firearms to prohibited persons
- Create undetectable firearms (must contain enough metal to be detectable)
Safety Considerations
Working with firearm components requires knowledge, skill, and appropriate safety measures.
Manufacturing Safety:
- Use proper tools and equipment
- Follow established machining practices
- Wear appropriate safety gear (eye protection, etc.)
- Work in a well-ventilated area
- Take measurements carefully to ensure proper fit
Firearm Safety Rules (Once Completed):
- Treat every firearm as if it is loaded
- Never point a firearm at anything you are not willing to destroy
- Keep your finger off the trigger until ready to fire
- Be sure of your target and what is beyond it
- Store firearms securely to prevent unauthorized access
Warning: Improper machining or assembly can result in firearm malfunction, which may cause injury or death. Only individuals with appropriate technical expertise should attempt to complete our products into functional firearms.
State Compliance Overview
Disclaimer: This table provides general information only. Laws change frequently. This is not legal advice and may not be current. You must verify current laws in your jurisdiction.
| State | Status of Unfinished Frames/Receivers | Key Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| California | RESTRICTED | Requires serialization, background check, may be banned |
| New York | RESTRICTED | Generally prohibited without proper licensing |
| New Jersey | RESTRICTED | Requires serialization and registration |
| Connecticut | RESTRICTED | Registration and serialization required |
| Massachusetts | RESTRICTED | Licensing and registration required |
| Texas | LEGAL | Comply with federal law only |
| Florida | LEGAL | Comply with federal law only |
| Arizona | LEGAL | Comply with federal law only |
| Pennsylvania | VARIES | Check local ordinances, generally legal |
| Illinois | VARIES | Check local laws, FOID may be required |
Note About This Table:
This is a simplified overview and may not reflect recent legislative changes or local ordinances. Some states not listed may have restrictions. Always conduct your own research before purchasing.
Need Clarification?
For questions about our products, policies, or shipping, contact our support team. For legal questions, consult with a qualified attorney.
This Safety & Legal Compliance page was last reviewed on: January 15, 2024
Note: Firearm laws change frequently. It is your responsibility to verify current laws in your jurisdiction. This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
By using our website or purchasing our products, you acknowledge and accept full responsibility for legal compliance.