Receiver (firearms)

Apart from these traditional materials, modern techniques have introduced polymer and sintered metal powder receivers to the market.

For the purposes of United States law, the receiver or frame is legally the firearm,[4] and as such it is the controlled part.

[11] In the case VanDerStok v. Garland, filed on June 30, 2023, a federal court in Texas ruled that the new ATF regulations exceeded the agency's statutory authority, and struck them down.

In California it is unlawful to possess an unserialized zero percent receiver, and it is unlawful to ship one into the state[14] As of 2024[update], several designs and at least two designs for 3D printable polymer lower unfinished receivers for the AR-15 have been released: the AR Lower V5 and the Charon.

[15] The receiver or frame is legally the firearm, and as such it is the part that requires a manufacturer's serial number and valid Possession and Acquisition Licence to acquire and own.