State Laws on Unfinished Frames and Receivers
Last updated 24 October 2026. General information, not legal advice. State laws change often.
The short answer
Federal rules set a minimum. States can add their own limits, and several did while Polymer80 was selling kits. Always check your state's current law before you order an unfinished frame, receiver or kit.
Two reported examples
- Nevada: In May 2021 the legislature passed AB 286, which banned sales of privately made firearms and receiver blanks. Wikipedia reports that state courts struck down key parts of the ban in December 2021. The article's order of events is unclear on this point, so read the court record if it matters to you.
- Maryland: A law treating unfinished receivers as firearms took effect on 1 June 2022, according to the same source.
How to check your state
- Search your state attorney general's site for "unfinished frame" or "privately made firearm".
- Ask the seller whether they ship to your state. A seller that blocks your state is following its own reading of the law.
- If a transfer through a licensed dealer is required, find a dealer before you order.
Related
For the federal side read what "readily converted" means and the frame or receiver rule explained.
Source
- Polymer80 on Wikipedia, litigation section
General information, not legal advice. Current as of September 2026. Laws change; check the official source before you act.
