BREAKING: Polymer80 Raided By ATF In An Apparent Move Against "Ghost Guns"

Nevada-based firearm company Polymer80 was raided by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (BATFE or ATF) yesterday in an apparent move against so-called “Ghost Guns”. Polymer 80 builds kits, with tools and a bit of skill, can be turned into a firearm receiver. Traditionally termed 80% receivers because they are missing a critical 20% of the features needed to be a working firearm, media outlets and others unfamiliar with guns and manufacturing technology have given these kits the name “Ghost Guns”. The headline Polymer80 Raided by ATF is not really a surprise at the end of 2020 – the incoming administration has signaled a crackdown on “Ghost Guns” as part of new policy changes

Unlike a commercially manufactured firearm, guns made by individuals for personal use do not require an ATF Form 4473 – Firearms Transaction Record – or background check. As a reminder, it is already illegal for a prohibited person to own a firearm, whether it is an 80% build or bought from a licensed dealer.

Ghost-Gun Company Raided by Federal Agents – WSJ.com

https://www.wsj.com/articles/ghost-gun-company-raided-by-federal-agents-11607670296

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.

Polymer80 chief executive David Borges didn’t return phone calls or texts seeking comment Thursday evening.

Agents seized records and other evidence in Thursday’s raid in Dayton, close to Carson City, a law-enforcement official with knowledge of the investigation said. No Polymer80 employees were arrested and no charges have been filed.

The raid by agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives comes after ghost guns have been used more frequently in high-profile attacks. In September, two Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department deputies were shot while sitting in their patrol vehicle by a man using a handgun built from Polymer80 parts, according to the documents. Last year, a 16-year-old killed two fellow students and wounded three others at Saugus High School in Southern California with a homemade handgun. Read more at WSJ.com.