Ghost guns are privately made firearms, often assembled from kits or unfinished parts. Whether a particular firearm, frame, receiver, or parts kit is lawful depends on federal and state law, how it was made or transferred, and who possesses it.
What Is a Ghost Gun?
A “ghost gun” commonly refers to a privately made firearm that does not have a serial number applied by a licensed manufacturer or importer. Federal law generally allows a person who is not prohibited from possessing firearms to make a non-NFA firearm for personal use. That does not mean every unserialized kit or unfinished component falls outside federal firearms law.
What Are Arizona’s Laws Related to Ghost Guns?
Arizona does not have a separate criminal statute that categorically prohibits privately made firearms. Federal law still applies. ATF’s Frame or Receiver Rule treats certain weapon-parts kits and partially complete frames or receivers as firearms when they are designed to—or may readily be—completed, assembled, restored, or converted to function as a firearm. In Bondi v. VanDerStok (2025), the U.S. Supreme Court upheld the rule’s application to at least some covered kits and unfinished frames or receivers.
Can You Get Arrested for Having a Ghost Gun in Arizona?
Federal licensing, marking, recordkeeping, background-check, prohibited-person, and regulated-weapon requirements may apply depending on how the firearm was made, transferred, acquired, or possessed. An undetectable firearm is not lawful. A person can also face charges for possessing a firearm while prohibited, manufacturing firearms for sale without the required license, or possessing a separately regulated weapon.
What to Do if You’re in Legal Trouble for Owning a Ghost Gun
If you have been arrested or are facing legal trouble for owning a ghost gun, contact a Phoenix gun crimes attorney right away. An attorney can explain your rights based on the specific circumstances of your arrest and the alleged crime committed. Then, your Arizona defense attorney can create a strong defense on your behalf to protect you from the worst possible consequences associated with your charges. Working with an attorney who has the education, experience and training in firearm criminal defense law can make a difficult time easier for you and your family and protect your future.
