This correspondence is in response to your recent inquiry emailed to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

concerning marking of firearms manufactured for personal use. As you may know, a significant part of the Federal firearms law provisions concerns the requirements pertaining to the manufacture, importation, distribution, possession, and sale of firearms. Under Federal law, an unlicensed individual may make a "firearm." The term "firearm" includes the following: ... (A) any weapon (including a starter gun) which will or is designed to or may be readily converted to expel a projectile by the action of an explosive: (B) the frame or receiver of any such weapon; (C) any firearm muffler or silencer; or (D) any destructive device. Such term does not include an antique firearm. We suggest that you at least identify the firearm with a serial number as a safeguard in the event that the firearm is lost or stolen. Also, the firearm should be identified as required in 27 CFR 478.92 if it is lawfully transferred to another person in the future. Additional information concerning unlicensed persons is available at: http://www.atf.gov/firearms/faq/unlicensed-persons.html. Please note that depending on the extent of your manufacturing activities you might need to apply for a Federal firearms license (FFL). Information on how to become an FFL is available at: http://www.atf.gov/firearms/how-to/become-an-ffl.html. Also, ATF does not have jurisdiction over State laws. You should also contact your local law enforcement agency and/or State Attorney General to inquire about local or State requirements that may apply to firearms manufactured for personal use. A listing of the State Attorney general's offices is available online at www.naag.org. We trust this correspondence has been responsive to your inquiry. Should you have any further questions, please feel free to contact your local ATF Industry Operations Office. A list of ATF Office telephone numbers can be found at http://www.atf.gov/field. Regards, Firearms Industry Programs Branch, ATF