AR Build

[Grizzly]

I see you checking headspace, but not chamber cutting.
Was this already done?

Barrel was already chambered with extension installed. I checked headspace for my own piece of mind before pulling the trigger.

[John MH]

Wasn't it proofed before you pulled the trigger?

[SevenSixTwo]

That's what I was thinking.

Great build though.

[Sandgroper]

Not necessarily - without quoting directly, a barrel does not need to be proofed if it is imported by the individual for their own use - i.e. not sold, transferred on, given etc.

Basically, it's not illegal to have an unproofed barrel or to use it, but it is illegal to try and pass it on to a third party.

[John MH]

Seem to remember Grizzly in a previous post stating that the barrel was delivered via an RFD, therefore a third party transfer and as such not allowed unless proofed prior to transfer.

This is the difficult bit as the barrel cannot be proofed until assembled with an upper receiver and bolt carrier group, the only way to do it would be to either have the barrel assembled onto a ‘slave’ receiver and BCG then sent to proof, stamped up and then disassembled and returned for reassembly on another receiver (with the tested bolt) or have an RFD assemble, proof and then disassembly for the home builder to reassemble.

If there was no RFD transfer and the parts came directly from the USA to the home builder then there is no third party transfer and the problem goes away, not sure that’s allowed though.

[Mattnall]

The home builder can import all the bits and build it himself and without proof (as long as he has authority to possess in the first place). If anything went wrong on a range and it was found the rifle wasn't proofed then there would be interesting times for all trying to get compensation (for whatever damage or injury occurred -and Heaven forbid if it was an MoD range).

As John says, the RFD should have given it over if it wasn't proofed.

Best not to get too in depth at this stage, in case the worms leave the can.

Well done on the build though, looks like you have a nice rifle and the satisfaction of assembling it yourself.

[Sandgroper]

Seem to remember Grizzly in a previous post stating that the barrel was delivered via an RFD, therefore a third party transfer and as such not allowed unless proofed prior to transfer.

This is the difficult bit as the barrel cannot be proofed until assembled with an upper receiver and bolt carrier group, the only way to do it would be to either have the barrel assembled onto a ‘slave’ receiver and BCG then sent to proof, stamped up and then disassembled and returned for reassembly on another receiver (with the tested bolt) or have an RFD assemble, proof and then disassembly for the home builder to reassemble.

If there was no RFD transfer and the parts came directly from the USA to the home builder then there is no third party transfer and the problem goes away, not sure that’s allowed though.

It's been covered many times before - just do a forum search for "proof" - but to refresh memories; HO guidance which essentially mirrors the Proof Acts.

24.3 The proving of firearms is governed by the Gun Barrel Proof Acts of 1868, 1950 and 1978 (However, note that much of the 1950 Act was repealed in 1996 by SI 1996/1576).
Under these Acts it is:
(a) an offence to sell, exchange, expose or keep for sale, or export, or keep for exportation, or to attempt to sell, exchange or export, or to pawn or pledge, or attempt to pawn or pledge, or to take in pawn or pledge, an arm, the barrels of which are not duly proved and marked as proved (section 108 and 109 of the 1868 Act);
(b) an offence to import into the United Kingdom small arms, the barrels of which are not duly proved and marked as proved, without giving notice in writing within seven days to either the London or Birmingham Proof House or to send such imported arms, within twenty-eight days of their arrival in the United Kingdom, to be proved at either the London or Birmingham Proof House (Section 122 of the 1868 Act).
This does not apply to any small arm imported by any person for their own personal use whilst it is in their possession. In such a case, the proof is the responsibility of the possessor.

[John MH]

We know that, but it was previously stated that the parts were transferred via an RFD so the last line:

This does not apply to any small arm imported by any person for their own personal use whilst it is in their possession. In such a case, the proof is the responsibility of the possessor

Does not apply in this case.

The "not sure its allowed though" refers to the direct importation of parts via courier to a individual and not an RFD, I’m fully aware of the proof requirements.

[Sandgroper]

Well, ask Grizzley and get the answer!

My original post was replying to your question regarding proof

Wasn't it proofed before you pulled the trigger?

and now seems to be going around in circles very quickly.

[froggy]

Very interesting post about your amazing AR "journey" - Great looking rifle