What is a firearm?

We all ought to know what a firearm is by now, what with controversial topics in the media catalyzing its fame. Movies, videogames and most forms of content, even for kids, involve some kind of device which is able to shoot. So the concept of a firearm, socially, is very well known. However, the legal definition of what constitutes a firearm is also very important. 

What is the Legal definition of Firearm?

Any weapon (including a starter gun) which will or is designed to or may readily be converted to expel a projectile by the action of an explosive;

This is the legal definition of a firearm. And this actually sets the precedent for how receivers of guns, and the 80% lower maret as a whole are handled legally.  

The criteria for the 80% lower is right here, in the definition of what it is to be a legal firearm. “That part of a firearm which provides housing for the hammer, bolt or breechblock, and firing mechanism, and which is usually threaded at its forward portion to receive the barrel.”  27 CFR § 478.11.

Who is Steel Fox Firearms?

Here at Steel Fox Firearms, we are a  Florida based firearms store with a passion for getting guns to their new owners. For 6 years Steel Fox firearms has supplied its customers with a steady flow of firearms both in store and online through gunbroker and eBay. However, in an attempt to maximize customer accessibility online, we have made a new website with a host of new firearms and gun parts for  customers to buy online and in store.

How to Buy a Firearm Online?

Before you buy a firearm you will 1st need to create an account on Steel Fox firearms. com. That will allow you to put in any billing information for the FFL transfer that you might need to ensure a speedy shipping process. Buying a firearm online is not as hard as most people would think.  All you need to do is make your order like you would any other item and then put in your shipping information to the listed FFL that you’d like it shipped to you. Your newly purchased firearm will be sent to that FFL and you will have to pay an FFL transfer fee, as well as the fee for the background check. Assuming all goes well, you will be able to take your new firearm home in 3 days.

In order to buy a class 3 licensed firearm which encompasses silencers short barrel rifles short barrel shotguns and transferable machine guns, you will need a dealer to send a copy of their FFL and their So they’re So T. After that  An ATF form 3 will be processed to transfer the firearm to your dealer. A 14 day approval process will take place in which the ATF will decide if you are allowed to have the class 3 firearm. Once the approval process is complete you can go through the normal steps of buying a regular firearm and it’s yours To take home.

Warning: a firearm  Cannot legally be shipped to your home. Only an FFL dealer can receive the firearm for you. At this dealer you will go and fill out the appropriate paperwork before the transfer can be completed to you.

Do You Need  A Background Check to buy a firearm?

There seems to be a little confusion on when a background check is warranted because there is talk all over the Internet about building kits that can be bought and shipped straight to the customer’s house. It is in fact not legal to purchase a 100% complete firearm without a federal background check.

On the same note it is Completely legal to buy an 80% lower build kit and build it at home. If this is typically how customers are able to get firearms online so quickly. Because there is no background check there is also no 3 day wait time to take your new firearm home. Yet that’s because it is not legally considered a firearm until it is machined into 100% complete lower receivers.

What are the types of firearms?

There are many different Kinds firearms out there. There are many different kinds of actions from flintlock to bolt action to fully automatic. There are different feeding systems with muzzleloaders, stripper clip fed firearms, and more modern external magazine fed firearms. There are many different calibers that are linked to many different firearms and even variations of those same firearms. However there are 3 commonly known gun types. The pistol, the rifle, and The Shotgun.

The Pistol 

Pistols, and in this case handguns, are a group of firearms that have the following characteristics. They are fired from one hand, have no support from the shoulder, and have a barrel length under 16″. There are different kinds of pistols which include revolvers in semiautomatic pistols that use different actions and different calibers to produce a different effect.

The Rifle 

Rifles are much bigger than pistols, although they can be small in their carbine variants. However, all legally defined rifles have the following characteristics. A rifle is a firearm that is fired with two hands, braced against the shoulder firing only one projector with each pull of the trigger has rifling which helps spin and stabilize the projectile and a barrel length over 16″. The 2 main schools of rifles are bolt action guns and semi-automatic rifles.

The Shotgun

Shotguns are smooth bore barreled firearms that shoot shells of metal pellets instead of the regular lead projectiles in rifles and pistols. The smaller the pellets determine what it will be called, either birdshot or buckshot. A legally defined shotgun has the following characteristics. A shotgun is fired with 2 hands while braced against the shoulder much like a rifle it fires once per Pole of the trigger; it has a smooth bore and a barrel length of over 18″.

Any Other Weapon

Any other weapon is described as a firearm that does not possess all of the criteria of one of the types of firearms. This makes it a class 3 weapon and must be transferred with an SOT. The main 2 variants of “any other weapons” are short barreled rifles and short barrelled shotguns.

The Second Amendment is there for all US citizens to take advantage of. In recreation, defense, and hunting, Firearms have been the cornerstone of the United States identity. At the core of American beliefs is an American ready to defend it. Buy your Firearms at Steel Fox Firearms today!