I get playing it safe with regard to firearms and federal law, however I really don't think selling the gun in its current configuration would be an issue. Let me cite the somewhat recent situation Benelli had with the first run of M4 H2Os. A few thousand people bought those before the ATF said 'nope, not compliant' and Benelli had to change their production to include Yankee parts. The lucky ones who got the non-compliant guns didn't have to switch out parts or trade in for a slightly different model. This is because 922r is about assembly, not possession. A notarized affidavit starting the exact condition of the gun (all Italian except the full length tube) at the time of the sale would be enough for a buyer to prove he didn't assemble the gun into a non-compliant configuration. I don't think your idea of selling is bad, and like i said earlier, better safe than sorry. You could always ask ATF, they are actually pretty good about answering questions so long as you're willing to wait for the response. Sorry for the loss of your buddy, and good luck with your sales.