I just went through registration "Hell" last week. hear our my letters to the county commissioners etc.
I do not think the pictures will load on here so sorry in advance for the formatting:
Hello Elected Officials, and Firearms Coalition personnel.
I enjoyed the gun show over the weekend, and did my part for the economy and purchased some items, I took a firearm frame, and complete firearm to the W. Cheyenne Area command for METRO and attempted to comply with Clark County Registration. I was quickly dismissed, and told to come back with a complete firearm. I tried to negotiate with the Clerk at the window, Stating that the frame is the firearm, as I had to obtain a background check to possess it, and if I were prohibited, I would be jailed for possessing the frame. One firearm I was attempting to register was a FNH FNP Serial number 61CZZXXXXX, It is a polymer based pistol, very similar to this one listed for sale on the internet, I highlighted some of the points I would like to make:
Source of this example:
http://www.gunbroker.com/All/BI.aspx?Keywords=frame
Description for Item # 362136282
This is a BRAND NEW complete lower receiver/frame with all parts from a Gen 3 Glock 19/23, which shares the same frame as models G19, G23, G32. (COMPACT 9MM .40 .357) It will accept the Glock slides from the Gen 1, Gen 2 and Gen 3 series of the before listed models. Or purchase an Advantage arms 22lr conversion kit for a dedicated 22lr.(see my other listings for those). This is a serialized part and is considered a firearm so it has to be shipped to a FFL for transfer. Be sure you can receive this to your state before bidding. Shipping is $15 to your FFL. NO frame sales to CA,MA, or elsewhere prohibited ( unless you are an FFL holder). Cashier's check, money order, CREDIT / DEBIT USERS ADD 3.75% TO TOTAL PRICE
Pictures for Item # 362136282
1:GLOCK 19 23 32 COMPLETE FRAME NEW GEN 3 9 40 357
As you can see this is not your grandfathers .38 revolver, firearms have been transforming, Changing drastically since registration was instituted in Clark County. I was informed at the area command that my pistol has to have a barrel, as they have to measure it. The problem is this, barrels come in many different configurations, And Calibers. If I were to register, in one configuration, would I risk arrest, and confiscation,by simply switching barrels slides Etc. Why else would these parts need to be registered?
The amount of interchangeable parts available for firearms have exploded, and having one serial numbered frame capable of performing many functions, has been the newest thing. Firearm companys market this fact relentlessly. Look at the available parts here that fit on theframe above:
http://www.gunbroker.com/Gun-Parts/BI.aspx?Keywords=barrel+Glock
I am not aware of any law prohibiting me from changing my stainless slide for a blue steel slide, or changing my .40 caliber barrel for a 9 mm. one. The number of the firearm is the only part that is illegal to tamper with, and in my thinking should be the only item registered. Anything else is subjective and could lead to problems as it did for me today.
I read the Clark County Ordinance that governs registration, I will provide it here:
12.04.110 Registration of pistols within seventy-two hours.permanent link to this piece of content
Any resident of the county receiving title to a pistol, whether by purchase, gift, or any other transfer, and whether from a dealer or from any other person, shall, within seventy-two hours of such receipt, personally appear at the county sheriff's office, together with the pistol, for the purpose of registering the same with the sheriff. It shall be the duty of the sheriff to register the pistol, and he may, and is hereby authorized to cooperate in any manner he sees fit with other law enforcement agencies, and with licensed dealers, relative to registration of pistols, so that efficient registration shall be secured at minimum cost and duplication.
I Bolded the area that I consider to be my responsibility, and highlighted what I believe to be the Sheriff's part. In my numerous conversations with METRO today, one consistancy that rang true through the ranks was that 'they don't consider the frame to be the handgun" My direct question was what law or court decision are you citing, and the answer consistantly was "it is what we beleive." I asked for there determination in writing and was told "no" (all the way up the ladder.)
When I was turned away from the Area Command, I promtly got on the phone to Jolie in the firearms detail, I then was transfered to her supervisor who's name I did not get. In an attempt to be in accordance with registration, I persisted and spoke with Sgt. Brown who said he was with firearms detail as well. After that I spoke with Deputy Chief Salinas, and Was told that if has time, that he would contact me mid week. None of the folks at METRO could, or would point out how I could WITH CERTANTY comply with the provisions in the Ordanance. I ask you the Legislative (lawmaking branch) to write/ clarify the law. Allowing METRO officers to decide what a firearm is, or is not is a violation of the Nevada Constitution. Article 3 Section 1 reads :
Section 1. Three separate departments; separation of powers; legislative review of administrative regulations.
1. The powers of the Government of the State of Nevada shall be divided into three separate departments,—the Legislative,—the Executive and the Judicial; and no persons charged with the exercise of powers properly belonging to one of these departments shall exercise any functions, appertaining to either of the others, except in the cases expressly directed or permitted in this constitution.
It is also my understanding from Deputy Chief Salinas that mETRO is no longer registering AR style pistols such as this:
This pistol gets the lower reciever designated a pistol when it is sold. The ATF considers it a pistol. I asked METRO once again what law they were enforcing, they cited none. I asked them if they would send me a letter stating this fact, I was told no.
I am asking the Legislature/ County Commissioners the following:
Who Makes the regulations / definitions I mentioned above, METRO, The County, Or State Legislature?
What is the legal Definition of a firearm requiring registration, and does it cease to be a firearm when it is not "put together?"
If I purchase a frame, and start building a firearm, at what point must I register with the Sheriff?
Does the sheriff have the power to superceed my constitutional right to own a firearm, by refusing to register a firearm to me? (See Clark County Ordinance Provided.)
12.04.200 Registration of firearms capable of being concealed.permanent link to this piece of content
It is unlawful for any person with at least sixty days of residency in the county to own or have in his possession, within the unincorporated area of Clark County, a pistol or other firearm capable of being concealed, unless the same has first been registered with the sheriff or with a police department of any of the incorporated cities of Clark County.
In Liberty,
DTOM