by The Wall Street Journal is reporting that ATF agents raided 80% lower maker Polymer80 yesterday.
Federal agents on Thursday raided one of the nation’s largest manufacturers of ghost-gun parts, a sign that federal law enforcement is cracking down on kits that allow people to make weapons at home.
The raid target, Nevada-based Polymer80, is suspected of illegally manufacturing and distributing firearms, failing to pay taxes, shipping guns across state lines and failing to conduct background investigations, according to an application for a search warrant unsealed Thursday after the raid took place.
The probe focuses on Polymer80’s “Buy Build Shoot Kit,” which includes the parts to build a “ghost” handgun. The kit, which Polymer80 sells online, meets the definition of a firearm, ATF investigators determined according to the warrant application. That means it would have to be stamped with a serial number and couldn’t be sold to consumers who haven’t first passed a background check.
The story goes on to note that there were no arrests and no charges have been filed.
Bear in mind that the ATF has previously determined that 80% lowers were not firearms and that Polymer80 has a determination letter to that effect.
One has to wonder if ATF is really concerned about the sale of parts kits or are they trying to curry favor with the probable Biden Administration in an effort to get their budget increased?
Mind you there are plenty of other places where you can purchase the necessary parts to finish out an 80% lower. I even thought about doing one until I started adding up the cost and concluded it just wasn’t worth it.
UPDATE: The Firearm Blog is reporting that ATF is now actively going after Polymer80 customers and forcing them to surrender the Buy Build Shoot Kit. The alternative offered to the owners of these kits is for the ATF to come back and raid their house with a warrant.
I think we know what they means. Your dog is shot, your kids are terrorized, your house is torn apart, your neighbors are scandalized, and everything will be shown in the 6pm new because media will have been alerted to be on the scene of the raid.
The ATF receipt as sent to TFB is below:
