Can I build an AR pistol?

[printcraft]

I have a AR lower with just the trigger group installed.
Can I make this into a pistol?
Are there kits for this setup?
Practical or not just something to have.

I know that it can't have a stock just the buffer tube or it would be a SBR.
or AOW, and no handguard to eliminate the 2 hand hold.

Olympic makes a few 6.5" and some kind of model without
the buffer tube recoil system. But is this a home build item?

Thanks

 

[Ohen Cepel]

As I understand it you can. However, the lower must have been sold and registered as a pistol in the beginning for it to be legal. If you bought it as a rifle which is likely then you can't.

I prefer to have the lower marked from the maker as a pistol so that it's clear and less issue in the future. Also, will always be clear if I ever have to sell it what it is.

 

[wdlsguy]

There is a ton of information at the AR Pistols forum at ar15.com.

 

[Top Gun Supply]

Be very careful and be sure before you proceed. It is my understanding that once a lower receiver is registered as a long gun, it cannot be made into a pistol without the proper SBR paperwork. I believe this registration must take place at the factory.

 

[printcraft]

I'll ask

I'll ask the FFL I purchased the lower from. I am going to
say it is probably the standard long gun.

I wonder if there is a price difference on the stripped lowers?

 

[Nikdfish]

I was picking up a stripped lower at a gun show a couple of weeks ago, as were a few other folks. One of the questions the vendor asked prior to filling out the NIC forms was whether the buyer wanted it to build up a pistol or long gun ... so I'm guessing a never-built-up stripped lower can go either - getting locked in when the FFL is doing his transfer paperwork. (As this was in NC, pistol builders would also need to have a single use pistol permit or show an NC CCL.)

Nick

 

[hotshotshoting]

you can do whatever you want if you don't get caught... however if you are going to convert a long gun receiver into registered a pistol receiver you need to have a manufacturing license..

on a side not a unlicensed person can submit a application to create and register a nfa gun.... will cost you 200$ for the tax stamp IF they approve it.. either way a regular pistol will not fall into the nfa weapons i don't believe but you would have to ask someone more knowledgeable on class 3

 

[RockyMtnTactical]

you can do whatever you want if you don't get caught...

:banghead: not very smart...

All you have to do is tell the FFL when you purchase it is if you want it as a rifle or a pistol.

 

[svtruth]

What about

the Kel-Tec PLR? Isn't that essentially an AR pistol?

 

[CYANIDEGENOCIDE]

An AR lower can be built either way and registered either way provided it left the factory as an unassembled lower. (stag arms will provide a certificate stating such I dont know about others) The AR pistol can have a handguard but cannot have a dedicated grip that means no foward pistol grip. It cannot have a butt stock, and I think there is a ruling on barrel length. (I could be wrong on this)
This info came from the ATF technology branch, they are very helpful. Before you build ask your questions and get the answers in writing from the ATF. Federal prison is pretty bad from what I hear, almost worse than Walmart in the character of its residents!

PLR isn't really an AR pistol even though it uses the same mages and ammo the architecture of the gas system and recoil mechanism is significantly different. Bushmaster makes a pistol based of the AR rifles but it uses carbon fiber, from personal experience its lacking

 

[hotshotshoting]

rocky i did not say it was smart i just said you have free will and can do what you want... either way every action has consequences...


as for cyan just so you know when checking with the atf i would also check with an attorney because you will not always get the correct answer... and alot of firearm law is what we call "grey area" or untried law.... which means until there is precedent it doesn't always apply...

 

[shooting4life]

Also, do not forget to check your state laws, here in California all auto pistols that have a detachable magazine outside of the pistol grip are illegal :banghead::banghead::banghead:

 

[kwelz]

In MOST states an AR is whatever it is first built into. So if it is a Rifle it is a Rifle and must always be a Rifle. If it is a Pistol it can be made into Rifle later but never back into a Pistol.