I didn't know manufacturers would do that. Are the markings or serial numbers generally any different?
By bound book he's referring to the form 4473.
No.
I am referring to the "bound book" all 07 FFLs(manufactures) are required to keep. I have 2 of them and every firearm we manufacture is listed in these "bound book" along with the disposition of said firearm.
When we manufacture a lower it is recorded as a receiver. If we later sell it as a completed rifle it is recorded as a rifle.
if you buy a lower that is new and has never been built on they call it in as "undefined" vs. handgun or long gun.
so, buy a lower and build.
if you ever sell it and it goes through a dealer as one or the other, then that might be a problem, but I still can't see how ATF would know...
Simple back trace.
If the 07 FFL (the manufacturer) logged that gun into his "bound book" as a rifle and you install a Sig Brace and a 12 inch barrel you are in trouble. Has nothing to do with the 4473s.
Your rifle has been recorded as a rifle.
Simple back trace just like when a gun is found at a crime scene.
If you buy a brand new unbuilt stripped lower and build it as a pistol! It. Has to be marked other on the 4473.
The 4473 is not the controlling document. If the firearm has ever been logged into any FFLs bound book as a rifle you will have an issue if the ATF does a back trace.
Just saying be careful as this is a very easy check for the ATF and the Sig Brace is sure to draw scrutiny.