2017 AR pistol thread (master)

[LeadFarmer74]

Can I do a featureless build with a:
1. Fin on the grip
2. Proper Comp
3. Blade butt stock

Is the bullet button or fixed mag required?

and would that allow me to avoid:

1. Fixed Mag
2. Breaking lower and upper

On my way to the recommended thread now.

1) hell no
2) sure
3) not a stock

You cannot make an AR pistol featureless because a feature is "magwell outside of pistol grip". Your only options are fixed mag or breaking the upper open.

[tocino]

I think a fixed mag and an MA loader will be the way to go if you want to build an AR pistol. I finished mine last year but I might go that route rather than registering

[bruss01]

Wasn't the caveat that you can't buy a stripped lower for a pistol build - because the lower must be dros'd as a pistol, and with the various requirements it can't be a single shot and it can't be on the roster. So you would need to start out with an 80% blank, finish it, apply to the state of CA for a serial number, engrave that, then (optionally? advisedly?) register it with the state as a pistol and as an assault weapon if applicable.

This game we play in this state is getting to be like the "12 Days of Christmas" song... the longer it goes on, the more complicated it all gets, except for us, the song never ends and they keep making up new verses constantly.

Now, it should be easy enough to BUY a completed AR-Pistol that comes from the mfr as a single-shot. And then do whatever you want to it.

[Quiet]

Wasn't the caveat that you can't buy a stripped lower for a pistol build - because the lower must be dros'd as a pistol, and with the various requirements it can't be a single shot and it can't be on the roster. So you would need to start out with an 80% blank, finish it, apply to the state of CA for a serial number, engrave that, then (optionally? advisedly?) register it with the state as a pistol and as an assault weapon if applicable.

Because of long gun registration going into affect on 01-01-2014...

Starting 01-01-2014, unless an exemption is used, a receiver is typically DROS'd as a (category) long gun (subcategory) rifle (subcategory) receiver.

Making a firearm from a "rifle" with a less than 16" barrel length or a less than 26" overall length is a SBR under CA laws.


Currently, there are two AR style pistols listed on the Roster of Handguns Certified for Sale.


In order to make a "handgun", you would need to use a receiver that was DROS'd as a "handgun" or that is made from an "80% receiver".

[wdnguyen428]

I was looking to do a light weight home defense build.


I was thinking about using the Daniel defense 10.3 upper..

How do you guys feel about polymer 80 lowers ?

Pros / cons , thoughts and suggestions on other lowers , etc.

Your input would be greatly appreciated.

Thx





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[edgerly779]

you will have to embed 3.7 ounces of stainless in your 80% polymer by 2018 so use search before you buy. must be fixed mag also. according to some must build your own upper as factory pistol uppers have been test fired as semi autos with sse first.

[wdnguyen428]

you will have to embed 3.7 ounces of stainless in your 80% polymer by 2018 so use search before you buy. must be fixed mag also. according to some must build your own upper as factory pistol uppers have been test fired as semi autos with sse first.

Do you recommend I just stay away from the polymer lower?

I will do the research on how to embed the steel, but if it's too difficult , I will just go another route..

Thanks for your response
....


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[meanrock]

Do you recommend I just stay away from the polymer lower?

If you intend to serialize it, or shoot it often, or make it bb 2.0 break top- definately avoid polymer.

[wdnguyen428]

If you intend to serialize it, or shoot it often, or make it bb 2.0 break top- definately avoid polymer.

Sorry , I'm a bit new to this...

Bb 2.0 break top, I'm assuming it's bullet button 2.0 , where the upper has to be removed in order to reload the mag?

If my assumption is correct , I plan on using a mag lock along with the cross armory quick pins to make reloading some what faster...

I do plan on taking it to the range to get a feel and understand how it works, only to be ready in the event that I need to defend myself in my home ...

But I can also see myself taking this up as a sport/hobby....

I do enjoy building things so I can see this as a hobby in foreseeable future...

Thanks for your input ...

Any input would be appreciated..




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[wdnguyen428]

I'll stick to aluminum.. thx


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[wdnguyen428]

If you intend to serialize it, or shoot it often, or make it bb 2.0 break top- definately avoid polymer.

Is it recommended to serialize ?

If I use a mag lock system and 80 lower build, am I go to go with out putting on a serial number...

I've done a lot of research but some of the wording can we a bit extensive.


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[Quiet]

no necrothread something that has out-of-date info

Is it recommended to serialize ?

If I use a mag lock system and 80 lower build, am I go to go with out putting on a serial number...

I've done a lot of research but some of the wording can we a bit extensive.

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)]

[Nor*Cal]

I was looking to do a light weight home defense build.

Great info as always from Quiet.

A 223/5.56 AR pistol for home defense is a terrible choice. You better have emergency earmuffs for the entire family in case you ever have to fire it in your home. And don't forget the penetrating factor of that round, it will easily go through a wall or 2.

I don't want to deter you from building one, I did so myself. But you need to give the home defense use some more thought.

And good choice on going with an aluminum lower.

[wdnguyen428]

Great info as always from Quiet.

A 223/5.56 AR pistol for home defense is a terrible choice. You better have emergency earmuffs for the entire family in case you ever have to fire it in your home. And don't forget the penetrating factor of that round, it will easily go through a wall or 2.

I don't want to deter you from building one, I did so myself. But you need to give the home defense use some more thought.

And good choice on going with an aluminum lower.

Thx for your input , I appreciate the advice , and don't worry you won't deter me from building one at all.


I have been home invaded as a child and it's not something I would want anyone to experience. So for me , guns and self defense/ home defense only comes naturally to me.

A shot gun or hand gun maybe a better option for home defense but these ar15 pistols are cool. I can see myself building several of ar15 pistols and rifles for different purposes.

There is so much info out there and I'm just looking for a little bit of guidance or push in the rt direction.







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[Quiet]

There is so much info out there and I'm just looking for a little bit of guidance or push in the rt direction.

Read post #72, in order to see what you need to do in order to legally make an AR style pistol in CA.