[mattd]

Is the Mech Tech Carbine a pistol or a rifle? I'm 18 and can't buy a handgun from a ffl unless you are 21+ I was going to build one but I'd like something like a springfield.

[AK103K]

I'm not sure how your state laws are, but in PA you can "possess" a hangun at 18 even though you cant buy it. If you parents or grandparents "give" you the handgun as a present, which is legal under federal law, you can have the handgun at 18. You just cant "purchase" the handgun yourself until you are 21. Your states laws may be different though. My sons each have their own handguns and are not yet 21 and may possess them without a problem.

[jercamp45]

until you attach the frame of your handgun...then it is a carbine, defined as a rifle.
I got to shoot one at an indoor range recently and it was pretty cool.
Problems: No fixed sight, though they do make a sight/sling rail that looks rathr funky. You have to dedicate a frame of a handgun(Glocks and 1911's) to it. Seemed to be hard to field strip, according to the owner...I did not get a chance to find out.
Pros: If you have two of the same handgun...you have interchangable mags for handgun and carbine. Relatively inexpensive. More range, accuracy and velocity than your handgun. Shootable at an inddor range, without special ammo. Cheaper to feed than a rifle.
The also make alot of caliber's.......from 9m/m up to .460 Rowland!
You'd have to sweet talk a relative to get you a handgun, it sounds like. My Dad was quite understanding when i was younger than yourself...but then again, we lived in Moosecreek, Alaska and bear country started when you opened the door!! And it was a different world than that which we now reside....thanks to lawyers, politicians and liberal's.
Also, it will be difficult to buy handgun ammo under 21...some ask.
Ideas to ponder,
Jercamp45

[mattd]

Its rifle ammo ;) I'd rather buy this extra and resell if it then bother with a permit.