ATF "Frame or Receiver" Rule Now in Effect thumbnail image

ATF "Frame or Receiver" Rule Now in Effect

5D Tactical - 12th Oct 2022

Legal Disclaimer: While we do our best to keep these policies updated in accordance with local, state and federal laws - we recognize these legal changes happen often and many times without much news coverage or public reporting. As a result, you must do your own research to ensure you are closely monitoring the evolving legal landscape and not relying on the information contained on this site to make your decisions.

We are aware that there are some states which only have a partial ban in which some counties and perhaps not the complete state have banned products we manufacture/sell. Nevertheless, in many cases we have taken the more conservative approach to restrict shipping to whole states altogether. We apologize for any inconvenience that this may cause for our customers. 


Since August 24th, 2022, when the new ATF’s ‘Final Rule’ went into effect, there have been several updates in the courts with the multiple lawsuits against the ATF for their unconstitutional and illegal actions against the firearm industry, namely, the 80% community.

Our last comment on the issue was back in April of this year and we sincerely apologize for not keeping in touch with you better. Today, we have a major update for 5D customers to have a better understanding of the current situation.

Out of three lawsuits against the government regarding 2021R-05F, the remaining one still standing against the ATF is the VanDerStok v. Garland case — where a number of plaintiffs are being represented by FPC (The Firearms Policy Coalition). Below, is a simplified order of key events that happened in this case, but you can see the detailed court documents of each event here.

FPC v. ATF Case Timeline:

10/1/22 - The Preliminary Injunction was expanded to cover all plaintiffs in the case including Tactical Machining’s customers. However, the injunction was not issued for anyone else nationwide.

*9/27/22* - The ATF published an Open Letter to all FFL’s advising when they would and would not consider an 80% lower receiver as a firearm. 9/23/22 - 80 Percent Arms, maker of the GST-9 MOD1, filed a motion to be legally included in this lawsuit. 9/2/22 - A Preliminary Injunction was partially granted to only one of the plaintiffs in the case: Tactical Machining.

8/17/22 - Plaintiffs (Jennifer VanDerStok, Michael Andren, Tactical machining and Firearms Policy Coalition) file for a Preliminary Injunction.

8/11/22 - Lawsuit against the ATF is filed.

Can you still buy an 80 lower?

Yes! As long as you live in a non-restricted state, per the ATF’s Open Letter, you can still legally buy 80 lowers online as usual which is why we’re still shipping them straight to your front door along with tooling!

Can you still buy an 80% lower jig?

The ATF is currently restricting this item because when paired with an 80 lower in a purchase it is considered as “readily convertible” and thereby, to be regulated as a firearm. However, as soon as a nationwide preliminary injunction is issued we will be able to sell and ship them again! We are hopeful in the 80% Community.

How you can help!

Now, more than ever before it is time for you to do your part as the 2022 Midterm elections are coming up. Are you registered to vote? Will you show up to the polls? Will you be voting by mail-in ballot (not recommended)? Every seat in the House will be up for grabs and it’s up to us to take it back from the Democrats. Additionally, write to your officials that currently represent you - if they don’t represent your best interests tell them, “close the door on your way out!”