Vertical Foregrips on AR-15's

[Phil13338]

Hello all. I was recently at a gun show shopping for vertical foregrips. One of the guys said that if I planned to mount it on my AR-15, I would need to get special registration or do some extra paperwork because according to the ATF, the foregrip would modify it to whats called an "AOW" (all other weapon). I've done some Googling on this topic and it seems all confusing. The actual AFT law says its illegal to mount it on a 'handgun' and 'pistol' that is designed for on handed use. Correct me if im wrong but an AR-15 is a rifle. yes? It is designed to be held up and fired with 2 hands. So why do I keep seeing posts about foregrips being illegal on a AR pistol? Is there a difference between AR pistol & AR Rifle?

Anyone who can explain it in lamens terms would be greatly appreciate it. Thanks!

 

[Derek Zeanah]

Yeah, ummm, I'm pretty sure you can ignore that guy. Assuming your AR has a shoulder stock on it.

 

[ny32182]

If you are planning to mount it on an AR rifle, that came from the factory with a stock and a barrel of 16" or more, then you are fine.

If you are planning to mount it to an AR pistol that came from the factory with no stock, and likely a very short barrel of ~7.5" or so, then I believe you are in the "AOW" territory, but will let someone else comment on that.

 

[M-Cameron]

So why do I keep seeing posts about foregrips being illegal on a AR pistol? Is there a difference between AR pistol & AR Rifle?

physically...no

legally.....yes.

you can put all the VFGs you want on an AR-15 that is registered as a rifle...

however, an AR lower that is registered as a pistol is legally no different than a Beretta 92 or a Colt Python.

if you were to put a VFG on a AR-15 pistol, that would convert it into an AOW.

 

[mljdeckard]

You can build an AR as a rifle or a pistol. The lower receiver to do this is exactly the same. But there is a legal distinction between those that were made INTENDED to be built as pistols, and those made to be rifles. (The vast majority of them are rifles.) If you take a rifle lower and build in a way that makes it a pistol, then yes you have to register it with BATFE.

 

[jim243]

The long and short of it is:

A rifle MUST have at least a 16 inch barrel and have the lower receiver registered as a rifle, and yes you can put a vertical grip in it.

A AR pistol, MUST NOT have a stock or vertical grip. If you do so it then it becames a SBR (short barrel rifle) and a NFA item that requires a tax stamp and application to ATF (3 to 6 month wait) BEFORE any such work is done on the gun. The same applies to a rifle that you want to put a shorter than 16 inch barrel on. (It then requires a tax stamp and application, SBR)

Jim

 

[dprice3844444]

if you have an ar lower that on the 4473 says pistol or other if you bought it as a stripped receiver,you could make it a pistol with bbl under 16 inches,no forward hand grip,or a rifle over 16 inches with buttstock and foregrip.you could also revert back to the pistol configuration,less foregrip.this ruling was a result of the thompson center contender setup.
http://www.atf.gov/regulations-rulings/rulings/atf-rulings/atf-ruling-2011-4.pdf

 

[Phil13338]

Ok..so I think i'm in the clear. Both of my AR-15's were bought from the store and came out of the box with butt stocks on them.

 

[nwilliams]

Ok..so I think i'm in the clear. Both of my AR-15's were bought from the store and came out of the box with butt stocks on them.

Yes, you are OK. If you bought the guns as rifles then vertical grips are perfectly legal.

The problem with vertical foregrips on pistols is that it instantly make your firearm sub-moa at 500 yards and you no longer really even need to aim. Simple truth is that vertical foregrips on pistols are just way too dangerous for most people to handle responsibly, at least until you pay the governement $200 and fill out some paperwork, then you're fine