DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY
             Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms
                     Washington, D.C. 20226

                           MAR 15 1999
                                             903050:GKD
                                             3311

Dear Mr. Bardwell:

This refers to your letter of September 14, 1998, asking, in
reference to the semiautomatic Fabrique Nationale manufactured FNC
rifles, whether the upper or lower receiver has been determined to
be the frame or receiver as defined in Title 18 United States Code
(U.S.C.), Chapter 44, section 921(a)(3)(B).

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms has previously
determined that the lower receiver of the FNC rifles is the frame
or receiver and, as such, the lower receiver is the proper location
of the unique serial number for each firearm of this model.

We trust that the foregoing has been responsive to your inquiry. 
If we can be of any further assistance, please contact us.


                       Sincerely yours,


                            [signed]
                       Edward M. Owen, Jr.
                Chief, Firearms Technology Branch