NFA Modification falls under "manufacturing" as defined by my ATF agent.To clarify…
There’s nothing special about working on NFA firearms. You need specific credentials to manufacturer and/or sell…but any gunsmith can take possession of an NFA item for things like a pin & weld. They just can’t make new parts that would be considered NFA items (like baffles).
Now, I do think the ATF changed their opinion of “being in the business” in the last several years which would require an FFL…even if the person having the work done was present.
Pinning and welding a flash hider is just drilling and welding parts.. Barrels and flash hiders are just parts... Not controlled items.
Pinning & welding ( modifying) a NFA controlled item falls under manufacturing.
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