85: 10 Parts Too Many: How a Simple Gun Build Could Break Federal Law | No Lowballer

In this episode of the No Lowballers podcast, Host Logan Metesh of High Caliber History and Allen Forkner of GunBroker dive headfirst into the deep, murky waters of U.S. gun importation law—specifically the infamous 922(r) and its lesser-known sibling 925(d)(3). These regulations are chock-full of arbitrary part counts, arcane restrictions, and enough bureaucratic nonsense to make anyone’s head spin.
You’ll hear how imported parts can turn your favorite rifle into a potential ATF nightmare, why “10” is the government’s favorite magic number, and how companies have had to play the compliance game just to get firearms into the hands of U.S. customers.

Key Topics Covered:

• 🤯 What is 922(r) and how does it affect imported rifles and shotguns?
• 🔧 The infamous list of 20 parts—and why only 10 of them can be foreign-made
• 🧨 Real-world challenges building AKs from parts kits
• 📏 Why a U.S.-made floor plate counts separately from a mag body and follower
• 🧠 How 925(d)(3) affects pistols and the ATF’s point system for importation
• 🔫 The bizarre saga of the Glock 25, 28, and Taurus revolvers with “bonus barrels”
• 🤦‍♂️ Government logic: “sporting purposes” and the assault on modern competitive shooting
• 📈 Why foreign manufacturers like Glock, SIG, and HK started making guns in the U.S.
• 🧱 Stories from the field: zeroing red dots with duct tape and tactical assault putty™

🧠 Key Takeaways:

• 922(r) only applies to rifles and shotguns, not handguns.
• The ATF’s point system under 925(d)(3) has led to bizarre modifications just to pass import rules.
• Most gun laws—especially older ones—are often out of date and not based on real-world safety concerns.
• Gun owners remain largely law-abiding, but staying compliant can be absurdly complicated.
• Education is key: Understanding these laws empowers the community and helps counter misinformation.

So, if you’ve got a buddy building an AK or tinkering with a parts kit—send them this episode!
Let’s help more people navigate the insanity of 922(r) and 925(d)(3).

🎧 Subscribe, Share, and Leave a Review!
Find No Lowballers wherever you get your podcasts and follow us on social media for more behind-the-scenes insights.

#podcast #nolowballerspodcast #nolowballers

Catch up on previous episodes of the No Lowballers Podcast here.

Hear the truth behind the trigger on this show that highlights the insanity, calamity and oddity of firearm history, collectibles and the crazy valuables. Every week historian Logan Metesh of High Caliber History joins the GunBroker team to discuss topics such as mobster favorites, collector pieces, war-time weapons, hunting gun history, competition firearms and more.