So quick question for y'all lovely people. Why does HPD require you to register a receiver when you buy it from a gun store, and then again when you build it out?

So quick question for y'all lovely people. Why does HPD require you to register a receiver when you buy it from a gun store, and then again when you build it out?

You don't have to re-register it after the build unless it needs to be inspected for "special" legal compliance, such as an AR-15 pistol -- so they can "approve" the job you did permanently gluing the mag to the receiver or installing a barrel without a gas tube.

I've bought several AR-15 receivers registered as "receiver only".  The only way HPD ever sees the completed rifle is if I transfer it to another owner.

Ah, I see. I asked because that's what the lady at the counter told me when i brought my receiver in. Whatever 

Ah, I see. I asked because that's what the lady at the counter told me when i brought my receiver in. Whatever 

They like to tell people that.

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk

They like to tell people that.

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk

Yep.  HPD "would like" to keep their registration information close to accurate, so if you add a 16" barrel, they will note that on the new registration.

There's no law that says changes in the configuration (or completion of a build) requires another visit for inspection.

If you're building an AR pistol, they do require that you demonstrate you've mitigated it being classified an "assault pistol".  Making the mag non-detachable or eliminating the semi-auto function completely (have to cycle the action manually) are the most common mitigation steps.

Yep.  HPD "would like" to keep their registration information close to accurate, so if you add a 16" barrel, they will note that on the new registration.

There's no law that says changes in the configuration (or completion of a build) requires another visit for inspection.

If you're building an AR pistol, they do require that you demonstrate you've mitigated it being classified an "assault pistol".  Making the mag non-detachable or eliminating the semi-auto function completely (have to cycle the action manually) are the most common mitigation steps.

Can you ship the already registered receiver via USPS registered insured mail to a licensed FFL gunsmith on the mainland, and then have the completed rifle shipped back to your house or does it need to be shipped FFL to Hawaii FFL?  Also, it sounds like the completed build (complete rifle) does not have to be re-registered at HPD?

Can you ship the already registered receiver via USPS registered insured mail to a licensed FFL gunsmith on the mainland, and then have the completed rifle shipped back to your house or does it need to be shipped FFL to Hawaii FFL?  Also, it sounds like the completed build (complete rifle) does not have to be re-registered at HPD?

(B9) May a nonlicensee ship a firearm by carrier?
A nonlicensee may ship a firearm by carrier to a resident of his or her own state or to a licensee [FFL] in any state.
A common or contract carrier must be used to ship a handgun.
In addition, Federal law requires that the carrier be notified that the shipment contains a firearm and prohibits common
or contract carriers from requiring or causing any label to be placed on any package indicating that it contains a firearm.

[18 U.S.C. 922(a)(2)(A), 922(a) (3), 922(a)(5) and 922(e), 27 CFR 178.31, 27 CFR 478.31 and 478.30]


(B8) May a nonlicensee ship a firearm through the U. S. Postal Service?
A nonlicensee may mail a shotgun or rifle to a resident of his or her own state or to a licensee in any state.
Handguns are not mailable. A common or contract carrier must be used to ship a handgun.
A nonlicensee may not transfer any firearm to a nonlicensed resident of another state.
The Postal Service recommends that longguns be sent by registered mail and that no marking of any kind which would
indicate the nature of the contents be placed on the outside of any parcel containing firearms.

[18 U.S.C. 1715, 922(a)(3), 922(a)(5) and 922 (a)(2)(A)]

Additionally, you should contact the carrier you wish to use for their latest policies, as they tend to change. 

When I mailed my Sig into the company for recall upgrades, I remember the FedEx policy said they only accepted shipments of firearms at customer service centers, not places like Kinkos or Mailboxes,Etc.  I dropped it off at the Lagoon Drive Main FedEx location, and it was returned to my home address.

No re-registration needed.  The receiver was already registered.  That's all that's required.

If the firearm was defective and the place you sent it for repairs replaces it with a different firearm/receiver, the serial number will no longer match the HPD registration.  Not only does it have to be registered, but if you don't have a current permit for long guns, or if it is a handgun, you will have to do the permit to acquire + 2 week wait.  Chances are, the gun will have to be sent to a local FFL before you can pick it up using your permit.

Additionally, you should contact the carrier you wish to use for their latest policies, as they tend to change. 

When I mailed my Sig into the company for recall upgrades, I remember the FedEx policy said they only accepted shipments of firearms at customer service centers, not places like Kinkos or Mailboxes,Etc.  I dropped it off at the Lagoon Drive Main FedEx location, and it was returned to my home address.

No re-registration needed.  The receiver was already registered.  That's all that's required.

Thanks!