WHAT CALIFORNIA GUN OWNERS NEED TO KNOW ABOUT ATF’S FINAL RULE REGARDING FRAMES AND RECEIVERS

By Matthew D. Cuberio, Attorney at Law - Michel & Associates, P.C. 
Mr. Cubeiro’s primary practice areas include firearm regulatory compliance and litigation. He also assists with local ordinance issues, legislative analysis, civil rights advocacy, and general civil litigation. More information about Mr. Cuberio can be found here.

On April 26, 2022, the United States Department of Justice, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (“ATF”) released its final rule amending the definition of a firearm “frame or receiver” and other related federal regulations. As a federal rulemaking action, this change affects how firearms are regulated nationwide.

nationwide. California already imposes strict requirements on what are commonly known as unfinished frames or receivers (or “80% receivers”). Beginning July 1, the sale or transfer of a “firearm precursor part” in California will require a background check like that used for the sale or transfer of ammunition. Unsurprisingly, CA DOJ’s regulations on the subject relied heavily on ATF’s now finalized rule. See © 2026 Legal Updates, LLC.
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