What are "ghost guns"?

"Ghost guns" refer to firearms that can be assembled from kits or parts and do not have a serial number. This characteristic is a key aspect of ghost guns, as the absence of serial numbers makes them difficult to trace, which is of significant concern for law enforcement and public safety. Ghost guns can often be made using readily available parts and are sometimes marketed in ways that bypass traditional regulations that apply to commercially produced firearms.

The distinction of ghost guns being built from kits or parts also highlights the increased accessibility these types of firearms offer compared to fully assembled, commercially produced guns that are subject to more stringent regulations. This has led to various legislative efforts to address the proliferation of ghost guns, particularly due to their ability to be assembled without background checks or registration.