Why rifles in pistol configuration?

[nwilliams]

Maybe it's just me but I often wonder what's the point of owning an SBR if you can't legally put a stock on it?

For example there is the Sig 556 pistol, AR pistols and AK pistols. So maybe those of you who own these can explain to me what made you decide to go with that configuration over an actual rifle with a stock.

I can understand getting a rifle in pistol configuration if you are planing to make an SBR out of it. However obviously not everyone who buys these plans to do that. It seems to me that trying to accurately hit something with a Sig 556, AR or AK pistol would be awkward and managing the recoil would be difficult.

I don't have a problem with people wanting to own these kinds of guns, I'm sure they are fun. However it's my perspective that they seem kind of impractical without a stock. I've owned plenty of rifles with folding stocks including AK's and a Sig 556. However shooting them with the stocks folded never appealed to me so I always extended the stock before shooting.

 

[kanook]

I hunt in some places that will not allow a rifle but will allow a pistol. I slap my 6.8 upper on my pistol lower and go at it. There is no barrel length restriction. They always seem to question it. That is the main reason I sought out a lower that had "PISTOL" on it.

 

[WoofersInc]

Also, there is the consideration that some areas don't allow SBR's or the local Sheriff will not sign off, etc.
Some people also don't want to go through the paperwork process and pay the $200 tax stamp.

 

[HexHead]

Also, there is the consideration that some areas don't allow SBR's or the local Sheriff will not sign off, etc.
Some people also don't want to go through the paperwork process and pay the $200 tax stamp.

I'd rather have a bullpup under those circumstances.

 

[oneounceload]

There is no barrel length restriction

IIRC, over 16 inches and it is not considered a pistol length barrel anymore.

I have a Remington XP-100 bolt action target pistol. Barrel is 15 3/4" for that very reason

 

[kanook]

(29) The term "handgun" means—
(A) a firearm which has a short
stock and is designed to be held and
fired by the use of a single hand; and

from the ATF website. There is nothing about barrel length.

 

[NG VI]

I'd rather have a bullpup under those circumstances.

And how many bullpup choices are there? I like that style of rifle as well, but I've never seen one in person and there aren't many competitors in that category.

 

[-eaux-]

Kel-Tec's new RFB bullpup in 7.62x51mm (.308win) is an interesting critter. beyond my price range right now, but neat nonetheless. doozy of brush gun for spot and stalk whitetail hunting. never owned a Kel-Tec product, but have heard mostly good things. there's a write-up on it in the Nov09 issue of American Rifleman.
despite the bullpup configuration, it does sport an 18"barrel i think. not sure how that would play into your local regulations.

 

[MrCleanOK]

IIRC, over 16 inches and it is not considered a pistol length barrel anymore.

Oneounceload, not true. The 16" limit is for rifle barrels to not be conisdered "SBR" material. For a pistol, the barrel can be any length. The distinction is that it is intended to be fired with one hand (don't see many people doing this with AR pistols, but I suppose you could) and can't be shouldered (no stock).


To the OP, some people just do it for fun, imagine that If you live in an area that is not NFA friendly, it can be a good way to get your hands on a short AR. With the buffer tube, you still have something to get a cheek weld on, you just don't have quite the control you would have with a shoulder stock. If you own and AR with a collapsing stock, you can take the stock off next time you go to the range and see how it feels. It's not like smoking crack or jumping off bridges. Trying it once to see what it's like won't hurt ya.

 

[kanook]

If you own and AR with a collapsing stock, you can take the stock off next time you go to the range and see how it feels.

Nope. You now have created a "PISTOL". If you remove the buttstock it is now designed to be shot by the hand and not shouldered which means you just created a pistol from a rifle and thats a NO GO. Remember no case has been done, so who wants to be the first.

Chances are you'll never get caught, but it's ILLEGAL so i wouldn't chance it, that's why I went the pistol marked lower even though they were virgin to begin with.

 

[MrCleanOK]

Nope. You now have created a "PISTOL".

Actually, you may be right. I was thinking of shotguns and being able to switch between PGO and shoulder stocks. I will admit I just worked 30+ hours with no sleep, and am not operating at the highest cognitive function level right now.

In that case, just shoot it with a cheek weld without putting the stock in your shoulder and you will get the idea.

 

[memphisjim]

i can think of another reason
my permit in tennessee only allows handgun carry
im not legally allowed to even have a loaded rifle in my car
so i could have those things at the ready and not a rifle

 

[Quiet]

I own an AK pistol.
Because, I can legally carry it loaded and concealed with my CCW permit.
Can't do that with a SBR.

With a few mods to the AK pistol, I can make it CA legal and can take it to CA when going back and forth from NV. Can't do that with a SBR.

AR/AK pistol = closest thing to legally owning a SBR in places where you can't own/possess a SBR due to local laws.

 

[Girodin]

For me the only reason is a platform for a SBR.

About as many as "rifle pistols"

Pistols
AK
AR
PLR
Sig


Bullpups
AK (but I'd pass on most)
FS2000
Aug/Various Clones
RFB
Bushmaster M17S (I'd also likely pass on this one)
FN PS 90
I might be skipping some of each. The rifle pistols are difficult to shoot (although a red dot helps A LOT, a sling helps some too) well and don't do much for me.

I do like Bullpups generally. They are still not as small a package as a folding stock SBR though.

 

[oneounceload]

Oneounceload, not true. The 16" limit is for rifle barrels to not be conisdered "SBR" material. For a pistol, the barrel can be any length. The distinction is that it is intended to be fired with one hand (don't see many people doing this with AR pistols, but I suppose you could) and can't be shouldered (no stock).

Thanks for the correction!

I'd love to make my XP a rifle to really take advantage of it accuracy potential........

 

[kanook]

You can't unless you SBR it. As you stated it's 1/4" short of the legal 16".

If you thread the barrel and perminately attach a device to make it 16" you could add the stock and make it a rifle BUT you shouldn't return it back to a pistol again,,,,, ever.

 

[Bugflipper]

I am not a fan of the rifle pistols. But I could see a need for someone else wanting one. I'm a leo. We carry a g35k auto sbr and ump40 smg. The bigger g35 is a good duty rifle and shorter barrel is great for working off of walls and such where you are not trying to relay your position while stacked up. It is not the best for entry, moving around cubicles and things of that nature.

That is where the little smg comes in. A great little weapon for tight quarters with a good bit more umph, firepower and accuracy than a duty pistol.

The rifle/pistol would give tremendous firepower and energy in tight quarters. Mount a laser, maybe even accuracy out a little ways. With the forward tactical grips today I imagine they could be controllable as well. My 16" AK with underfolder is very manageable without a forward grip. In a pinch it could be used as an entry weapon much better than an AR with collapsible stock due to it's overall length. This is where I can see someone wanting an ar or ak pistol. Don't need one personally, but wont knock anyone who thinks they need one. Also under a jacket I imagine they are somewhat concealable and legal as a ccw in a lot of places. Not very practical. But I wouldn't want to mess with the fellow toting one.

 

[M2 Carbine]

Why rifles in pistol configuration?

It's just another gun.
Like most guns it has advantages like being a very powerful "pistol" and disadvantages like being VERY LOUD.

Personally I have a five, if you consider the Challenger and GSG-5 are short rifles.

Ruger Charger 22LR.


GSG-5 pistol 22LR.


AK pistol. This is the heavy artillery.


Kel Tec PLR .223


Kel Tec PLR .223


Bushmaster Carbon 15 .223.

For example there is the Sig 556 pistol, AR pistols and AK pistols. So maybe those of you who own these can explain to me what made you decide to go with that configuration over an actual rifle with a stock.

It wasn't a choice of one or the other. The rifle caliber pistols are an addition to the "conventional" pistols and rifles I already had
I bought these guns because I thought they would be interesting, should have some use, should be fun and should be challenging. And they are.


But make no mistake, inside about 100 yards, a person armed with something like the Kel Tec PLR and knows how to use it, would be a dangerous adversary.
Would I rather have a rifle, yes, but I know that might not make that much of a difference against someone that's good with those short guns.


For their size these guns are very accurate and easy to shoot, with practice.

Standing. From the hip. Laser.






Just standing and blasting away at 100 yards, using Red Dot.
The Red pasters are some light loads I was trying out.




.

 

[Clipper]

Michigan doesn't allow SBRs, but a short enough rifle must be registered as a pistol...Now it's legal to carry loaded in the passenger compartment under a CPL...