I believe that the story may have been reported wrongly,or there may have been an error in communication. While it is legal to manufacture a fire arm, it is illegal for an ex felon to do so or possess one. It could also be that the homemade shotgun did not conform to barrel length requirements which would make it illegal. Possibly these things could or should be addressed so that folks have accurate info.

It is 100% legal for a citizen to manufacture firearms for private use both under Federal law and Oregon law. I know Roseburg is somewhat of a backwater podunk town but that does not absolve Roseburg PD from becoming well versed in the Oregon Revised Statutes. The people of Roseburg deserve more than a substandard Barney Fife level of police professionalism if for no better reason than to save taxpayers dollars from litigation due to false arrest lawsuits.

Directly from the BATF website: http://www.atf.gov/firearms/faq/firearms-technology.html#commercial-parts-assembly "For your information, per provisions of the Gun Control Act (GCA) of 1968, 18 U.S.C. Chapter 44, an unlicensed individual may make a “firearm” as defined in the GCA for his own personal use, but not for sale or distribution." "Individuals manufacturing sporting-type firearms for their own use need not hold Federal Firearms Licenses (FFLs). However, we suggest that the manufacturer at least identify the firearm with a serial number as a safeguard in the event that the firearm is lost or stolen. Also, the firearm should be identified as required in 27 CFR 478.92 if it is sold or otherwise lawfully transferred in the future."

ONLY PROBLEM IS, IT IS *NOT* ILLEGAL TO MANUFACTURE YOUR OWN FIREARM. I REPEAT IT IS *NOT* ILLEGAL. IT IS *NOT* ILLEGAL. You can contact the BATF yourself. You only need a license if you intend to sell the firearm, and the firearm you manufacture must be LEGAL to own and assembled according to 922r.