AR 15 Pistol

[WinThePennant]

Thinking about building an AR 15 pistol.

Here is my dilemma. When it comes to firearms, I prefer to be two, if not three, steps inside the law.

Sooooo..... Starting from step 1. What do I need to do to make sure that I'm 110% legal for my AR pistol build?


THANK YOU

 

[Sam1911]

Start with a new bare receiver transferred to you as an "other firearm."

Don't put a stock on it, except for the SIG brace which is fine. You can use the rifle buffer tube but some folks do alter it so it can't accept a rifle buttstock.

 

[Jason248]

As said above but, I would go with a pistol buffer tube. They are cheap and leave no question. I have an ar pistol on my future build list too.

Post pics when finished!

 

[wally]

I have an ar pistol on my future build list too.

You'll not regret adding a SIG SB-15 to the parts list.

 

[Strahley]

Have the lower marked as "other" on the 4473

Don't add a stock or vertical foregrip unless you register it as an SBR (stock) or AOW (VFG). SIG brace and angled foregrips/handstops should be fine

Avoid "constructive intent" - as in, don't have all the parts sitting around that you could construct an SBR/AOW without having a tax stamp first (unless you have another gun in which you could readily install said items). For example, don't build an AR pistol and put a stock in the safe, unless you have another AR or "rifle" lower that you can place the stock on

Non-legal suggestion...go with 300 Blackout, it enjoys a short barrel

 

[WinThePennant]

I agree with you about the 300 Blackout. But, I'm not sure if I want yet another cartridge to stock up on.

 

[Sam1911]

but, I would go with a pistol buffer tube. They are cheap and leave no question

True, but the rifle tube will get you a bit more length of pull with the SIG brace, which is nice for most shooters.

 

[wally]

True, but the rifle tube will get you a bit more length of pull with the SIG brace, which is nice for most shooters.

There are also "spacers" being made that stop the SB-15 short on the buffer tube to in effect get more length of pull, in fact I've seen one on what appeared to be a factory SIG AR-15 pistol with SB-15 at the last gun show.

9mm is also fun in a short barrel and relatively cheap to shoot

If you go with a rifle tube, there is supposedly an ATF "letter" floating around that says you need to drill the threads so the A1/A2 stock can't be attached. I like a squared up stance and nose the charging handle on my SBR so the SB-15 comes out about right for me fully on a pistol tube

 

[justice06rr]

Also a side suggestion, I recommend going with a 10.5" barrel instead of the shorter ones (7.5" etc) for better ballistics and less muzzle flash.

I considered building a short 7.5" pistol but went with a 10.5" barrel instead. Having a 10.5" will also allow you to use the longer carbine gas system vs the short pistol gas system.

Also Use a pistol buffer tube that has the castle nut as some pistol receiver extensions do not have a castle nut.

 

[Strahley]

If you go with a rifle tube, there is supposedly an ATF "letter" floating around that says you need to drill the threads so the A1/A2 stock can't be attached. I like a squared up stance and nose the charging handle on my SBR so the SB-15 comes out about right for me fully on a pistol tube

I've seen a letter that states they do not care what kind of buffer tube is used on the pistol. I have a rifle buffer on my AR pistol that I am making into an SBR