What is a Ghost Gun?

The term "ghost gun" gained prominence after California Senator Kevin de Leon used it in a 2014 press conference. The term itself has become a fixture in media and political dialogue, though its definition varies, often expanding to encompass legally owned firearms by responsible citizens, which confuses many gun enthusiasts. Generally, a "ghost gun" is considered to be any firearm made at home, assembled from kits, or lacking a serial number. 

Historical Context of Firearm Serial Numbers

Historically, many firearms, especially those manufactured before the Gun Control Act of 1968, lack serial numbers. This Act mandated serial numbers but included a grandfather clause for older models. These firearms are legal to own, operate, and inherit as family heirlooms.

Collectors and enthusiasts often treasure these older, non-serialized firearms. Debates become heated when there are moves to categorize all non-serialized guns as ghost guns.

Early Adoption of Serial Numbers

Some manufacturers started serializing their firearms before it was mandated. Winchester began in 1866, and Colt started in 1849, albeit with some early confusion. The adoption of serial numbers varied widely until it became federally required in 1968.

Why Privately Manufacturing Firearms Is Generally Harmless

Building a firearm at home is a hobby enjoyed by many gun enthusiasts who see it as a blend of technical skill, craftsmanship, and historical appreciation. For most people, this activity is a lawful expression of personal freedom and self-reliance, not a dangerous pursuit. Privately made firearms, often referred to as "ghost guns" in modern political debates, are typically used by hobbyists for recreational purposes, including hunting, target shooting, or as part of their collection.

The process of building a firearm requires a significant amount of time, effort, and knowledge, which makes it unlikely that criminals would choose this route over simply obtaining firearms through illegal channels, such as theft or black market purchases. The vast majority of homemade firearms are never used in crimes. In fact, privately manufactured firearms, often assembled from 80% lower kits, make up a small fraction of guns recovered from crime scenes. Between 2017 and 2021, approximately 1.47 million firearms were recovered and traced from crime scenes in the United States. Out of this total, PMFs made up just about 3% of all firearms recovered during this period. Their overall representation in crime scene recoveries remains low compared to commercially manufactured firearms. The idea that DIY gun-making inherently contributes to violence is largely a political narrative that overlooks the true motivations behind this practice. Ultimately, targeting these hobbyists with regulations ignores the real sources of illegal guns and won't make a dent in crime. Instead, the focus should be on addressing illegal trafficking and stolen firearms, which are responsible for the majority of gun violence.

Historically, the act of building a firearm at home has been about independence, technical curiosity, and the satisfaction of completing a challenging project. Home gunsmithing reflects a centuries-old tradition of Americans taking control over their own lives and freedoms, particularly when it comes to self-defense.

By focusing on regulation that targets law-abiding hobbyists rather than addressing actual criminal misuse, lawmakers run the risk of infringing on personal liberties without addressing the real sources of illegal gun violence. Thus, privately manufacturing firearms remains a lawful and harmless activity for millions of responsible Americans, with deep historical roots tied to the ideals of self-reliance and freedom.

The Rise of 80 Percent Lowers

The term "80 percent lower" signifies firearm frames or receivers that are not fully completed upon purchase. These items can be expertly finished into fully functional firearms without requiring a serial number, given their status outside the ATF’s definition of a "firearm." This unique classification champions the spirit of the Second Amendment by facilitating personal gun ownership and manufacturing, underscoring a commitment to individual rights and privacy.

80 Percent Arms has emerged as a leader in this arena, championing the rights of individuals to build their firearms discreetly. Our range of 80% lower receivers, especially popular in AR-15 style rifles, empowers enthusiasts to craft a fully operational firearm from the comfort of their own homes. This process not only emphasizes the importance of personal involvement in firearm creation but also respects the privacy of gun owners, aligning seamlessly with pro-Second Amendment values.

Moreover, 80 Percent Arms has innovated with specialized jigs that simplify the process of turning these lowers into functional firearms. These jigs, designed for precision and ease of use, are suited for both novices and experienced gunsmiths. These tools have set benchmarks for efficiency and accessibility, empowering individuals to uphold their right to bear arms through personal gun manufacturing.

Polymer and the DIY Gun Movement

The adoption of polymer materials has significantly advanced the DIY gunsmithing movement. These kits, often referred to as "80% lowers," are sold as incomplete receivers that do not qualify as firearms under current ATF guidelines, thereby circumventing the need for serialization until they are fully manufactured. The advent of 3D printing technology has added another layer to this trend, broadening the capabilities for home firearm manufacturing and intensifying discussions around regulatory measures. This has made us a key player in the ongoing debate over firearm manufacture regulations, championing the rights of enthusiasts to engage in this time-honored American tradition of personal gunsmithing.

VanderStok v. Garland and Ghost Guns

Our involvement in the landmark case, VanderStok v. Garland, highlights the ongoing legal challenges associated with ghost guns. This lawsuit contests regulations that could classify certain DIY firearms kits and completed firearms without serial numbers as illegal under new interpretations. The case argues for the preservation of the traditional American right to manufacture firearms at home for personal use, challenging overreaches that could infringe on personal liberties under the guise of regulating ghost guns.

Conclusion

The use of the term "ghost gun" has become a catch-all phrase for any firearm recovered without a serial number, including those stolen and later altered to remove identification. This broad application is misleading and criminalizes a practice rooted in American tradition—building firearms at home. The misuse of the term "ghost gun" to suggest danger associated with 80% lowers and parts kits not only misrepresents these items but also feeds into a narrative that unjustly vilifies lawful gun owners and enthusiasts. As debates and legal battles continue, it is crucial to clarify the definition and ensure that discussions around gun control and firearm rights remain focused on facts and not fueled by misinterpretations.