What "Readily Converted" Means for 80% Frames and Kits

Last updated 24 October 2026. General information from a public legal summary, not legal advice.

The short answer

Under the 2022 ATF rule, a weapon parts kit that is "designed to or may readily be completed, assembled, restored, or otherwise converted" can count as a firearm. So can a partially complete, disassembled or nonfunctional frame or receiver, including a frame or receiver parts kit. Items clearly identifiable as unfinished component parts, such as a raw metal block, are excluded. This follows the Congressional Research Service summary.

What "readily" means

The rule defines "readily" as a process that is "fairly or reasonably efficient, quick, and easy." ATF looks at factors such as the expertise and equipment needed, the parts needed and how easy they are to get, and the scope, feasibility and expense of the work. The word "80%" is a trade term. It is not a legal test, and a percentage of completion does not decide the question.

Records and serial numbers

Licensed dealers must mark privately made firearms they acquire within seven days of acquisition, or before further transfer, whichever comes first.
Dealer records must now be kept indefinitely for tracing, instead of the earlier 20 years.

Court status

The Supreme Court upheld the rule in Bondi v. VanDerStok on 26 March 2025. Justice Gorsuch wrote for a seven-Justice majority, and Justices Thomas and Alito dissented. The ruling was a facial challenge only. For the later Texas decision and what is still being argued, read our explainer.

Before you buy

Ask the seller how the item is classed and whether a transfer through a licensed dealer is required.
Check your state's law. Several states set their own rules.