AR pistol 80% receiver question

[Norm222]

So I'm looking to put together an AR pistol from an 80% receiver. I've read a lot of good info here, but I have to fill in some gaps of my knowledge. I know I need to get a single shot sled and bullet button. Is there any paper work I need to fill out before I start milling? Is voluntary registration a good idea? I don't understand the DROSing process, is that done after pistol is finished? Is there anything else I'm missing? Thanks for you input.

[dirtydeedsdoneinthedesert]

Damn, nobody even wants to touch this one! Lol. Bummer, I'd be interested in doing a similar project.

[armygunsmith]

There's a few threads about this one out there. From what I gather, some people build their 80% receivers as single shot first. After documenting the build as a single shot, then a 10 round magazine can be used.

[limitdown]

Two must-read threads for this topic
"ATF: Complete lower receivers with buttstocks can be utilized for pistol builds."

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=271019

"Can you get AR Pistol lower sent to CA"

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=284291

As you'll see in the threads, there are major differences between creating a pistol from an 80% and from a 100% lower

I'm linking two images that member:bdsmchs posted in the other thread of a letter from the ATF

[ke6guj]

So I'm looking to put together an AR pistol from an 80% receiver. I've read a lot of good info here, but I have to fill in some gaps of my knowledge. I know I need to get a single shot sled and bullet button. Is there any paper work I need to fill out before I start milling? Is voluntary registration a good idea? I don't understand the DROSing process, is that done after pistol is finished? Is there anything else I'm missing? Thanks for you input.

If you are building a pisto from an 80% lower, there is no paperwork that you have to fill out. There is no DROS, since you aren't buying a firearm from a dealer. You can, if you want to, voluntarily register the handgun.

Here, read this thread, http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/s...d.php?t=115364

Damn, nobody even wants to touch this one! Lol. Bummer, I'd be interested in doing a similar project.

I never saw it come up in my 'new posts' until just now.

There's a few threads about this one out there. From what I gather, some people build their 80% receivers as single shot first. After documenting the build as a single shot, then a 10 round magazine can be used.

all people should manufacture their pistol as a single-shot pistol initialy. That is done so that they can use the single-shot handgun exemption to the roster. Once it is a legal handgun, it can be modified into another handgun type.

Two must-read threads for this topic
"ATF: Complete lower receivers with buttstocks can be utilized for pistol builds."

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=271019

"Can you get AR Pistol lower sent to CA"

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=284291

As you'll see in the threads, there are major differences between creating a pistol from an 80% and from a 100% lower

Dispite that ATF letter, it is not recommended that you use a long gun DROSed stripped receiver to make a pistol. Either start with an 80% lower or find an existing pistol DROSed receiver that you can PPT, and then use either of them to make a handgun.

[Norm222]

Thanks for the links to those threads. I'm reading the through them now. I'm sure I'll have a few more questions coming up.

[45_acp]

what is an 80% lower? what does that mean?

[Ultimate]

what is an 80% lower? what does that mean?

It is an lower receiver that is normally missing pin and detent holes, safety lever hole, as well as buttstock tube threading. It is also in the raw aluminum color.

Here is a pic

[limitdown]

The ATF recently made a new determination that the fire control area must be solid and cannot be milled out.
Almost all of the new 80%'s out in the market now have solid fire control areas, but they have the buffer tube tapped, front and rear pivot holes drilled, mag-catch hole drilled.
Check out tacticalmachining.com. They've also posted a determination letter they got from the ATF.

[45_acp]

So what is the general purpose of buying an 80% lower?

[tlillard23]

So what is the general purpose of buying an 80% lower?

you get to enjoy all of the aspects of building something that is functional. Machining, woodwork (maybe), gunsmithing and LOTS OF CUSSING!

Otherwise you just buy something and then say "hmmmmmm, what do I want next"

it'll take a couple of weeks to build instead of 2 mouse clicks to buy.