How to build and register an AR pistol.

[ers1978]

I would like to build an AR pistol from an 80% lower and then register it in my name. Is this possible? From what I understand it needs to be built as a single shot break barrel, bullet button and magwell blocked, no gas tube and a plug where the buffer tube would go just to make sure the bolt can't be cycled. Once the 80% is completed I would stamp it with all the correct information and serial number (marked pistol) and I would then like to register it in my name. After it is registered I would then be able to convert it to a semi auto with bullet button and 10 rd. mag and sig brace, correct? Where would I go to register this firearm? I was told by one source that I could go do a voluntary registration at my local sheriff station, fill out some forms? Is this all possible or necessary? Again the main reason I want to register said firearm is so it comes up as a legitimate pistol if the number is run and I don't have to explain to law enforcement that I built this myself and why it is not illegal. If it is registered I won't have to worry about documenting that it was built as a single shot first, correct? It should also be legal for carry with a CCW if I am able to get that one day. Not holding my breath on that one, but would like the option of carrying this in a vehicle if it does someday happen. Any advise is welcome and very appreciated.

[IVC]

You pretty much have the correct steps, but you should really know at each step what particular law applies and what the potential legal pitfall is.

You can build a firearm from an 80% lower, but this is under attack. You can voluntarily register an 80% build, soon to become mandatory registration. You cannot build a non-rostered semi-automatic pistol, so it must be a single shot or bolt action. However, Franklin Armory got attacked by the DOJ when they created "single shot" from scratch - the DOJ classified it as a "semi auto." They have a new offering where the magazine well is solid and they managed to get it on the roster. Probably best if you followed their lead and created one with solid magazine well and registered it as such. Then you'll have the pending "AW registration" - it *will* be an AW (rifles can go featureless, pistols that accept magazines outside the grip cannot.)

Registration as AW is different from your DROS record. They are two separate registrations. DROS shows whether firearm was "roster exempt," but (I believe) doesn't list the specific exemption.

CCW will come with a list of handguns you can carry. I can guarantee that your AR pistol will not make it on the list. Don't try to play an Embody. Learn about *transportation* laws as well as carry laws for any firearm in the vehicle, especially when it's an AW.

Knowledge is your friend here. Don't play with fire unless you know what you're doing.

[foxtrotuniformlima]

This was the original thread on the topic -

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=115364

[Freedom101]

Just joined today but have been reading for awhile and finally decided to jump in. I have found a lot of info that has helped me in the past. I am also interested in building an 80% lower into a pistol and registering it. I found a lot of info but am concerned it's a little old and that something more up to date is available , so any and all current info would be much appreciated on this process. Anybody recently gone through this process ? My questions and concerns are exactly what ERS1978 is asking. Thanks

[RickD427]

I would like to build an AR pistol from an 80% lower and then register it in my name. Is this possible? From what I understand it needs to be built as a single shot break barrel, bullet button and magwell blocked, no gas tube and a plug where the buffer tube would go just to make sure the bolt can't be cycled. Once the 80% is completed I would stamp it with all the correct information and serial number (marked pistol) and I would then like to register it in my name. After it is registered I would then be able to convert it to a semi auto with bullet button and 10 rd. mag and sig brace, correct? Where would I go to register this firearm? I was told by one source that I could go do a voluntary registration at my local sheriff station, fill out some forms? Is this all possible or necessary? Again the main reason I want to register said firearm is so it comes up as a legitimate pistol if the number is run and I don't have to explain to law enforcement that I built this myself and why it is not illegal. If it is registered I won't have to worry about documenting that it was built as a single shot first, correct? It should also be legal for carry with a CCW if I am able to get that one day. Not holding my breath on that one, but would like the option of carrying this in a vehicle if it does someday happen. Any advise is welcome and very appreciated.

You're kinda close.

The law is quite clear that you can build the single-shot pistol in the manner that you described. Please refer to Penal Code section 32100(b) for the specifics governing your build. You also have the option to make your build as a "Bolt-Action". The AR platform is adaptable to both legal design styles.

You're stepping into a dangerous area when you make the single-shot into a semi-auto. The argument for believing that to be legal is that you complete the "manufacture" of the single-shot and then later "convert" to semi-auto. That logic only works if the "manufacturing" and "conversion" are legally separate from each other. There have been no prosecutions that I am aware of, but the Fourth Circuit has published a decision that would indicate the "conversion" is the same as "manufacturing." If a California court were to adopt that same view, then the conversion to semi-auto would be clearly illegal.