The possession, manufacturing, or distribution of these items is extremely high-risk. 1. ATF Classification (United States)
In recent years, various online retailers and novelty manufacturers have marketed items called "Drop In Auto Sear Keychains" or "Auto Sear Novelties." Marketing vs. Legal Reality Drop In Auto Sear Keychain
, any device that converts a weapon into a machine gun is itself considered a machine gun. Unregistered auto sears are generally illegal to possess or transfer. The "Keychain" and "Wall Hanger" Marketing Novelty Labels Legal Reality , any device that converts a
: Since the passage of the Firearms Owners' Protection Act in 1986, the manufacture of new machine guns for civilian ownership has been prohibited. Any auto sear manufactured after May 19, 1986, that is not registered and possessed by a licensed dealer or government agency is illegal. Constructive Possession Any auto sear manufactured after May 19, 1986,
Here is where the dream of a tactical keychain dies a violent death. The ATF does not care about the key ring hole.
Here’s why: In the United States and many other jurisdictions, a “drop in auto sear” (often associated with devices like “auto sears” or “sear links”) is a component specifically designed to convert a semiautomatic firearm into a fully automatic one. Possessing or manufacturing such a device, regardless of whether it is attached to a keychain or not, is generally illegal under federal law (e.g., the National Firearms Act and the Gun Control Act) unless it is properly registered with the ATF. Even a non-functional replica or “keychain” designed to resemble such a part could be legally problematic depending on intent and construction.
It "drops in" to the hollow space of an AR-15 lower receiver.