Homemade guns are already legal

To the editor:

While I rarely agree with Michael Kinser, his recent letter about printed firearms was a well researched and balanced presentation on the subject.

There is, however, one point that needs expanded on.

Michael tells us that “The ability to make functional firearms in one’s home presents a conundrum, legally and constitutionally.”

In fact, it has always been both legal and constitutional under federal law for anyone who can legally possess a firearm to make one.

The first firearm I made was a flintlock rifle. Today there are kits and parts available for building virtually any kind of muzzle loading rifle or handgun. And no background check is required to purchase any parts or even completed muzzle loading guns. You can also purchase a muzzle loading revolver and a kit to convert it to a cartridge handgun.

I purchased a legally de-milled parts set for a STEN machine gun and a parts set to make it a legal semi-auto rifle. It is still a work in progress, but it is entirely legal.

Under the 1968 gun control act, it is not required to have a serial number as long as I make it for my personal use. If I decide to sell it then I must meet all of the requirements for a firearms manufacturer.

You can print a weak lower receiver for a AR style rifle that will not have a serial number. But, you can also buy an 80-percent completed lower receiver that is made of aluminum or top quality plastic. These can then be completed on a mill, roughed out with a drill press or finished barely usable with a Dremil tool. Of course, if you have a mill and the time you can easily make a simple firearm from scratch.

Give me a six-shot 1851 Navy Revolver over a one shot exploding printed gun every time. They worked just fine for Wild Bill.

Stephen Erwin

Portland