Can I Build an AR-15 in Delaware?
Woody's answers are based on published federal and state law. Not legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney for your specific situation.
Yes, you can legally build an AR-15 in Delaware for personal use. Delaware does not prohibit home manufacturing of firearms that comply with federal and state regulations.
What This Means for You
Delaware allows residents to manufacture firearms for personal use without requiring state-level licensing or registration. However, you must comply with both federal regulations and Delaware's assault weapon restrictions. The completed rifle must meet Delaware's configuration requirements to avoid running afoul of state assault weapon laws.
The Detail
Delaware permits the home manufacture of firearms under both federal and state law. Federal law allows you to manufacture firearms for personal use without an FFL, provided you're legally allowed to possess firearms and don't intend to sell the completed gun. Delaware has not enacted additional restrictions on this federal right.
The key consideration in Delaware is ensuring your completed AR-15 complies with the state's assault weapon regulations. Delaware restricts certain configurations and features on semi-automatic rifles. You'll need to verify that your planned build configuration meets state requirements for things like barrel length, overall length, and specific feature combinations.
Your build process must follow standard federal guidelines. This means you're manufacturing for personal use only, you cannot be prohibited from owning firearms, and the completed rifle must meet federal requirements including minimum barrel and overall length standards. Delaware doesn't require additional permits or notifications for home builds.
Before starting your build, research Delaware's current assault weapon laws to understand which configurations are permissible. These laws can be complex and may affect your choice of features, stocks, grips, and other components. When in doubt, consult Delaware's official legal resources or speak with a local attorney familiar with firearms law.
Build Impact
You can proceed with an AR-15 build in Delaware, but you need to plan your configuration carefully to ensure state compliance. Focus on understanding Delaware's assault weapon restrictions before purchasing components to avoid building something you cannot legally possess.