Thomas Gallatin Joe Biden is expected to reveal his planned executive actions on firearms today. According to reports ahead of his announcement, Biden will specifically take aim at requiring background checks for the sale of a new bogeyman â so-called âghost guns,â or firearms without serial numbers that are often homemade. Is this just tinkering around the edges, or is he getting a foot in the door for something bigger? The so-called âghost gunsâ category is intentionally vague terminology that creates an impression of illegality, similar to the erroneous âassault rifleâ designation. Bidenâs order would classify 80% lowers, components sold separately without serial numbers, as firearms. By classifying them as such, a buyer would be subject to a background check. But Biden hopes for an essential ban on the sale of these âghost guns.â