AR Pistol in 5.56 and 300 BLK

[Mason James]

I'd like an AR-15 rifle. Many reasons, but I like the performance of 5.56 out a 14-16 inch barrel, and 300 BLK out of a 7-11 inch barrel.
Would it be viable to build a AR-15 as a pistol in 300 BLK with a 10.5 inch barrel and pistol brace, and also run a 14.5 inch threaded barrel with a removable cage? As far as I know, having a pistol with a barrel length greater than 16" does not create any legal issues. If anything, the additional length from the 5.56 barrel would take the firearm out of NFA range, and able to be equipped with a forward grip. Just looking for input. Any and all is welcome.

 

[beeenbag]

Yes, you are in good shape with what are explaining.

But a 14.5" barrel is not "out of NFA range" if you put this on a rifle lower. 14.5" is still either a SBR or pistol length barrel. Adding a can or other muzzle device does not change the length of the barrel unless it is "fixed" to the barrel.

 

[pdsmith505]

I'd like a an AR-15 rifle. Many reasons, but I like the performance of 5.56 out a 14-16 inch barrel, and 300 BLK out of a 7-11 inch barrel.
Would it be viable to build a AR-15 as a pistol in 300 BLK with a 10.5 inch barrel and pistol brace, and also run a 14.5 inch threaded barrel with a removable cage? As far as I know, having a pistol with a barrel length greater than 16" does not create any legal issues. If anything, the additional length from the 5.56 barrel would take the firearm out of NFA range, and able to be equipped with a forward grip. Just looking for input. Any and all is welcome.

Yes, you are in good shape with what are explaining.

But a 14.5" barrel is not "out of NFA range" if you put this on a rifle lower. 14.5" is still either a SBR or pistol length barrel. Adding a can or other muzzle device does not change the length of the barrel unless it is "fixed" to the barrel.

I believe that the OP is talking about a Title 1 "Other" firearm when he says "out of NFA range," as opposed to a Title 2 SBR or Title 1 Handgun

Franklin Armory produces the XO-26 "firearm": an AR-15 with an arm brace, forward vertical grip, 11.5" barrel, and OAL >26".

It is neither a pistol nor an AOW (as long as you don't actually conceal it). The forward vertical grip means it falls outside of the federal definition of a handgun, no longer being designed to fire when held in one hand. The length being greater than 26" puts it outside the realm of AOW NFA status, since it is not capable of being concealed... unless you actually conceal it.

The letter from the ATF explaining this to Franklin Armory, which references the Auto Ordinance Thompson pistols with vertical forward grip, can be found on the first post on this thread at Calguns: https://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=429106

IF you did attach a forward grip to your proposed 14.5" barreled pistol, you would not be running afoul of Federal NFA laws, unless you concealed it. As soon as you conceal it, it becomes a Title 2 AOW, subject to NFA laws.

 

[Everready73]

You are correct one the upper legality. Just make sure to never put the 14.5 on a rifle lower if not pin/welded.

I would also consider a 6.5 grendal pistol 12 inches if you only want one gun/upper. Good ballistics and it will reach out further than 300/556 easily. Also better for hunting if you plan on any of that.

I am not a big fan of the 300 BO as i dont shoot suppressed and ammo can be expensive. For me, the 6.5 makes more sense, but everyone is different. Just another option

PSA currently offers the 12 inch 6.5g uppers and they have good deals on pistol lowers with the SBA3 brace which is the best one IMO

 

[Mason James]

Thank you for the input. And yes, I was referring to the 14.5 inch barrel making the overall more than 26 inches. Sorry I didn't clarify.

 

[pdsmith505]

I am not a big fan of the 300 BO as i dont shoot suppressed and ammo can be expensive. For me, the 6.5 makes more sense, but everyone is different.

I'm in the opposite boat. I reload and hardly ever shoot without a can these days. 300 blackout is pretty fun for me. It helps that it makes for a legal VA deer-hunting AR.