2017 AR pistol thread (master)

[MolonLabe1]

[BRANCHER]

When Building not installing a Carrier Key on Carrier?
Yeah hot gases go directly into the action (and not thru carrier).
Guess it could be messy. But it would not be a semi auto.

[yrs]

MolonLabel1, thank you for the clear and concise explanation on what our options are for our AR pistols. It's the best one I've seen yet.

[blindsid73]

Hello all. I'm new to firearms and would like to build an AR pistol. I'm extremely unsure of all the laws after spending several hours of reading.

My plans:
80% lower
CMMG 4.5 or 9.2" 22lr barrel and bolt
Pistol buffer (if I use a stock is it a SBR?)

To be complaint I'll need an AR maglock and etch serial information to lower.
Does the serial info need to state "pistol" and does it need to be DROs'ed? A local San Diego store suggested.

Do I need to start the build as a single shot and document the build prior to converting to semi auto?

I'll be using it primarily for plinking and home defense. If I posted on the wrong thread or forum, I apologize in advance. Thank you in advance for all the help.


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[Oceanbob]

Hello all. I'm new to firearms and would like to build an AR pistol. I'm extremely unsure of all the laws after spending several hours of reading.

My plans:
80% lower
CMMG 4.5 or 9.2" 22lr barrel and bolt
Pistol buffer (if I use a stock is it a SBR?)

To be complaint I'll need an AR maglock and etch serial information to lower.
Does the serial info need to state "pistol" and does it need to be DROs'ed? A local San Diego store suggested.

Do I need to start the build as a single shot and document the build prior to converting to semi auto?

I'll be using it primarily for plinking and home defense. If I posted on the wrong thread or forum, I apologize in advance. Thank you in advance for all the help.


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Welcome to Cal Guns

You should probably start a new thread with these questions.

Be well
Bob

[blindsid73]

New to firearms and would like to build a compliant AR pistol

thanks, will start new thread

[Quiet]

Starting 01-01-2017...

First issue... (making a CA legal AR style pistol)

The handgun needs to be made into a dimensionally compliant bolt-action single-shot pistol or a dimensionally compliant break-top/open single-shot pistol.

Because the firearm can never had been semi-auto prior to creation, you will most likely need to build your own upper, instead of buying an existing upper and modifying it. This is because existing uppers are typically test fired by the manufacturer as a semi-auto.

In addition to installing a 0 round mag/sled that can not be removed without disassembling the firearm's action or a 0 round mag/sled that is permanently attached to the firearm or a solid magazine, the following must be done depending on the type of upper...

If the AR style pistol normally operates via direct impingement, then:
1. Do not install a gas tube.
2. Do not install a gas block or plug the gas block.
This makes it a straight pull bolt-action single-shot.

If the AR style pistol normally operates via gas-piston, then:
1. Do not install a gas piston.
2. Do not install a gas block or plug the gas block.
This makes it a straight pull bolt-action single-shot.

If the AR style pistol normally operates via blowback, then:
1. Install a dowel in the buffer tube, which prevents the buffer from moving.
^ For rimfire blowback... install a limiter/black behind the bolt carrier group, in order to prevent it from cycling.
This makes it a break-top/open single-shot.

The upper will also need a minimum 6" barrel length and the handgun will need a minimum 10.5" overall length.


Second issue... (conversion from exempt handgun to unsafe handgun)

Because of definition changes relating to CA's "home built firearm" laws, it may no longer be legal to convert a dimensionally compliant bolt-action single-shot pistol or dimensionally complaint break-top single-shot pistol into a semi-auto pistol.
{wait and see, while lawyers do battle}


Third issue... (required markings)

In order to register it or transfer it, it must be properly engraved/marked.

Markings must be to a minimum depth of .003 inch and in a print size no smaller than 1/16 inch.
Markings must use Roman letters (A, B, C, etc.) and Arabic numerals (1, 2, 3, etc).

Markings must include: [all this complies with Federal requirements]
1) Serial Numbers (can not be just a name, must contain numerals)*
2) Model
3) Caliber
4) Manufacturer's name*
5) City & State where the Manufacturer is located

Since you made the receiver, you are the manufacturer.
So, your name (first & last) and city/state needs to be engraved on it.

*The un-finalized CA DOJ regulations have described Firearm Manufactured By Unlicensed Subject (FMBUS) and what is needed for them to be registered.
FMBUS equates to any "home built (80%)" firearm and requires a CA DOJ issued serial number in order to be registered.
{wait and see, while lawyers do battle}

If you do not properly mark/engrave the firearm before 07-01-2018, then you must apply to CA DOJ BOF for the required markings for home built firearms. [PC 29180(b)]

Starting 01-01-2019, possession of a home built firearm without identifying information will be illegal. [PC 29180(f)]
In addition, it will also be illegal to transfer home built firearms, unless it is to surrender them to law enforcement. [PC 29180(d)]

[edgerly779]

MOLON LABE AND QUIET NAILED IT. FINISH AN 80% AR PISTOL MAKE IT SINGLE SHOT PER INFO.PRIOR TO 12/31/16 fIX THE MAG AND CONVERT TO SEMI AUTO AND GO SHOOT IT. SERIALIZE NOW BEFORE LAW KICKS IN AND THEY ASSIGN YOU A SERIAL NUMBER.

[Quiet]

Hello all. I'm new to firearms and would like to build an AR pistol. I'm extremely unsure of all the laws after spending several hours of reading.

My plans:
80% lower
CMMG 4.5 or 9.2" 22lr barrel and bolt
Pistol buffer (if I use a stock is it a SBR?)

To be complaint I'll need an AR maglock and etch serial information to lower.
Does the serial info need to state "pistol" and does it need to be DROs'ed? A local San Diego store suggested.

Do I need to start the build as a single shot and document the build prior to converting to semi auto?

I'll be using it primarily for plinking and home defense. If I posted on the wrong thread or forum, I apologize in advance. Thank you in advance for all the help.

Because it is a .22LR and operates via blowback, you will need to install a limiter behind the BCG in order to prevent it from cycling. This will cause it to be considered a break-top single-shot pistol. Barrel length needs to be 6" or greater (but less than 16").

Because it is a .22LR, a buffer tube is not required for it to operate. Therefore, you can just plug/block the rear extension of the receiver.
If you install a stock, it will be considered a SBR.

Markings do not have to state "pistol" on it.

As of 01-01-2017, due to changes in CA laws regarding "home built" firearms, it will need to stay a single-shot pistol. Until this issue is clarified.

[Quiet]

wait and see mode, while lawyers do battle

MOLON LABE AND QUIET NAILED IT. FINISH AN 80% AR PISTOL MAKE IT SINGLE SHOT PER INFO.PRIOR TO 12/31/16 fIX THE MAG AND CONVERT TO SEMI AUTO AND GO SHOOT IT. SERIALIZE NOW BEFORE LAW KICKS IN AND THEY ASSIGN YOU A SERIAL NUMBER.

It is not legal to make an unsafe pistol. [PC 32000(a)]
It is legal to make an exempt pistol. [PC 32100(b)]

That said, due to CA's "home built (80%)" firearm laws, starting 01-01-2017, it may no longer be legal to make an exempt pistol (dimensionally compliant bolt-action/break-top single-shot pistol) and convert it to semi-auto because it would be considered making an unsafe handgun.

Because "manufacturing" is now legally defined as: [PC 29180(a)]
A. Fabricating or constructing a firearm.
B. Fitting together parts to construct a firearm.

It can now be argued that converting the firearm from single-shot to semi-auto, is making a new firearm.

{wait and see mode, while lawyers do battle}



Penal Code 29180
(a) For purposes of this chapter, “manufacturing” or “assembling” a firearm means to fabricate or construct a firearm, or to fit together the component parts of a firearm to construct a firearm.

[edgerly779]

If mfg prior does the new law make my finished 80% now illegal as semi auto. I am not making a new one.

[Quiet]

If mfg prior does the new law make my finished 80% now illegal as semi auto. I am not making a new one.

If it was done under SSE (before 01-01-2015), it is fine.
If it was done under SSE2 (from 01-01-2015 to 12-31-2016), kinda gray depending on who you talk to.

The change happened when new Penal Codes went into effect on 01-01-2017.

It's murky and needs clarification. Wait and see, while lawyers do battle.

[edgerly779]

Thanks Quiet I finished it couple years ago and let my swat buddies play with it. It is 6.8 spc and I took it to alaska last year instead of my 44 smith as a bush pistol while fishing rivers. The usfw guy up there said what is it and I told him a .270 pistol. I shoot the bear 18 times then then fattest fisherman close to me and if bear still coming then myself. Got a good laugh on the Kenai.

[blindsid73]

Since I completed my lower before the new year I might be able to complete my AR pistol? Or is the requirement to complete the build before the new year? Thank you everyone for the info!

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[geoint]

I would venture that 80% of all AR pistols in CA were illegally configured last year and that thanks to our tireless protectors up in Sacramento its about 98% this year