C.G.S. § 53-206j — Unfinished Frames & Lower Receivers (“Ghost Gun” Parts)

Connecticut makes it a crime to buy, sell, deliver, transfer, or possess certain unfinished firearm frames or lower receivers unless strict rules are followed. In short: you can’t move these parts around the private market unless they’re serialized and transferred using the same procedures as a pistol sale. There’s also a built-in diversion track for eligible first-time offenders that can lead to dismissal.

Think of this as the skeleton of a firearm—already machined far enough that only a few more steps would turn it into a working frame/receiver. Connecticut’s definition covers blanks, castings, or machined bodies that are substantially complete toward becoming a frame/receiver, even if the fire-control cavity is still solid.

Depending on the subsection charged, prosecutors generally have to show:

• Transfer without compliance: You sold/delivered/transferred an unfinished frame/lower in Connecticut without (1) using pistol-transfer procedures and (2) a proper serial number/mark issued by ATF or DESPP and engraved to federal specs.
• Possession while ineligible: On/after Oct. 1, 2019, you possessed an unfinished frame/lower while not eligible to purchase a firearm under state/federal law.
• Aggravated transfer (stolen/defaced): You transferred an unfinished frame/lower knowing it was stolen or that the serial/mark was altered/removed.

Important exceptions: Transfers between FFLs or a manufacturer/importer to an FFL are carved out. You may also pre-arrange a surrender to a police department or DESPP.

• Baseline violation: Class C felony. Two years of any sentence are non-suspendable and $5,000 of any fine cannot be remitted unless the court states reasons on the record. Seized parts are forfeited.
• Aggravated transfer (stolen/defaced): Class B felony, with three years non-suspendable and $10,000 of any fine non-remittable unless the court states reasons on the record.

Separate from standard AR, § 53-206j has its own diversion mechanism. If the court finds the offense is not of a serious nature, you’ll probably not reoffend, you have no prior conviction under this section, and you haven’t used this suspension before, the court can suspend prosecution and place you under CSSD supervision for up to 2 years with conditions. On satisfactory completion, the charge can be dismissed and erased.

Related context: Connecticut separately regulates unserialized, finished firearms (see § 29-36a), including a January 1, 2024, cut-off for possessing guns without serial numbers unless properly declared/serialized. Most current cases involve both statutes.

• Definition fight: Is the item legally an “unfinished frame or lower receiver,” or still just a raw block that never crossed the line?
• Compliance proof: Was a valid ATF/DESPP serial properly engraved? Were pistol-transfer procedures followed?
• Eligibility angle (possession cases): The State must show you were ineligible to purchase a firearm when you possessed the part.
• Exceptions & surrender: FFL-only channels and pre-arranged surrender can defeat or narrow charges.
• Search & seizure: Consent, warrant scope, plain view, and chain-of-custody issues often decide these cases.

1. Parking-lot sale gone wrong
   A hobbyist sells an 80% Glock-style polymer lower to a friend in a lot. There’s no DESPP/ATF serial and no pistol-transfer paperwork. That private hand-off violates § 53-206j. Felony exposure.
2. Online shipment into Connecticut
   A seller ships two unmarked AR-15 lowers direct to a CT buyer after a DM. Because the parts lack required unique serials and didn’t go through pistol-transfer procedures, prosecutors charge § 53-206j.
3. Possession while ineligible
   A person prohibited from purchasing firearms is found with a partially milled receiver in a toolbox. Possession itself is criminal because the individual is not eligible to purchase firearms.
4. Pre-arranged surrender (Not a crime)
   You find an old unmarked lower in storage and schedule a surrender with your local PD/DESPP. You bring it in as arranged. The statute expressly allows pre-arranged surrender; that’s not a § 53-206j offense.

• § 29-36a — Unserialized Firearms (Finished Guns): Post-2024 ban on possessing finished firearms without serial numbers unless declared/serialized. Frequently paired with § 53-206j when both parts and completed PMFs are found.
• § 29-35 — Carrying a Pistol or Revolver Without a Permit: Separate offense if someone carries a handgun without a valid CT permit (even if the gun itself is serialized).
• § 29-38 — Weapons in a Motor Vehicle: Applies when prohibited weapons or unpermitted handguns are found in cars; often added after traffic stops.
• § 53a-217 — Criminal Possession of a Firearm/Ammo/Defense Weapon: Enhances exposure where the person is legally prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition.
• §§ 53-202a et seq. — Assault Weapons; § 53-202w — Large-Capacity Magazines: Additional felony exposure if seized firearms or mags fall into banned categories.
• § 29-38g — Handgun Left in an Unattended Motor Vehicle: Storage-specific offense that can accompany a ghost-gun or vehicle case.

These companion charges can significantly increase leverage, penalties, and negotiation dynamics.

• Don’t explain your build history to police—your timeline becomes their proof.
• Preserve receipts, emails, photos, and CAD files to show what the item is (or isn’t), when you obtained/machined it, and any steps toward compliance.
• If your situation also involves a finished, unserialized firearm, address § 29-36a exposure immediately.

Allan F. Friedman Criminal Lawyer defends § 53-206j cases statewide in Connecticut, from early investigation through negotiation, diversion, and trial. If your case involves unfinished frames/lowers or related “ghost gun” allegations, call (203) 357-5555 or visit my Contact Page. For a deeper overview of how we defend weapons and “ghost gun” matters, see my Criminal Defense page. The sooner you get tailored advice, the more options we can preserve.