Unanswered AR-15 Pistol question.

[Germz]

Hello,

I am fairly new to this site still. I am interested in the idea of building an AR15 pistol from an 80% lower receiver. I have been attempting to research how to complete this from start to finish but I don't seem to be finding the answers I need.

Q: If I am building the AR pistol (ARP) from an 80% lower receiver, is there any difference in the process than that of building an AR rifle from scratch?

Q: If I am building the ARP from an 80% lower receiver, do I need to make it "single shot exempt"?

Q: I have read the thread regarding single shot exemption (https://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/...d.php?t=383692), however it does not explain what modifications need to be done to the ARP. What needs to be done?

Q: Since I am building this for myself (obviously), is there any paperwork involved with an ARP versus building an AR rifle from an 80% lower?

Thank you in advance everyone for accurate and to the point responses!

[bigdawg86]

1.) No difference other than this...make sure your lower is 100% complete and functional BEFORE you order your shorty upper (including mag lock). Chances are slim for getting busted for constructive possession for an SBR, but why chance it? LOWER FIRST.

2.) Yes. For academic purposes... Build rifle with single shot sled. Remove said sled. Add ten rounder. Done.

3.) See above

4.) No paper work. Period. No requirement for markings, serial number unless you are going to eventually sell. No need for registration.

[Germz]

What is the single shot sled / mag lock?

[bigdawg86]

What is the single shot sled / mag lock?

Technically you need to have a magazine that holds zero rounds... so in order to be single shot you would have to manually drop a round into the upper. Once this is complete you can modify it to accept a ten round magazine (i.e. remove zero shot magazine and replace with ten round magazine).

A magazine lock is a required device that allows the magazine release only to be released with a tool such as the tip of a bullet. This is one of the stipulations that prevents an AR style rifle from being considered an "assault weapon" when equipped with evil features.

http://www.riflegear.com/p-58-ar15-bullet-button.aspx

Please be advised, California sucks.

[Germz]

Oh understood, I already have the magazine lock (only ever called it a bullet button, guess thats the slang).

How would I acquire a "zero shot magazine" and/or how would I modify the lower to have a "zero shot mag"

[Germz]

Could I possibly install a stripped magazine that doesnt have a spring or follower? Technically that wouldnt hold anything.

[bigdawg86]

Could I possibly install a stripped magazine that doesn't have a spring or follower? Technically that wouldn't hold anything.

It doesn't really matter... it just has to be something that fills the mag well and can't hold any rounds.

This aspect is truly a impossible to prove / prosecute technicality... but I will get flogged by the armchair lawyers if I give any misleading or illegal advice.

Buuuut if anyone asks. Yes it started as a single shot and I sold my zero round magazine to a fellow friend, etc. If they have any other problems the burden is on them (the fuzz) to prove otherwise. Just saying.

[chillincody]

Oh understood, I already have the magazine lock (only ever called it a bullet button, guess thats the slang).

How would I acquire a "zero shot magazine" and/or how would I modify the lower to have a "zero shot mag"

bullet button is just a brand name not slang

and for the 0 round sled I just took a cheap 10 round mag disassembled it removed the spring and replaced with 2 wood /steel rods to hold the follower up to the top so the mag wouldnt accept a round

I still have mine laying in my drawer only used it for that one time lol

[Germz]

Buuuut if anyone asks. Yes it started as a single shot and I sold my zero round magazine to a fellow friend, etc. If they have any other problems the burden is on them (the fuzz) to prove otherwise. Just saying.

Yea I understand the whole armchair lawyer thing, I seen it a lot on other posts. I'm more of a fan of common sense.

Thank you for answering my questions!

Actually one more:

Q: since I will have a pistol buffer tube on it, is there any restrictions to me "wrapping" the tube in say, 550 cord in such a way that it is shaped like a stock, and provides stability like a stock. In reality, it would all just be "padding in the shape of a stock"

[bigdawg86]

Q: since I will have a pistol buffer tube on it, is there any restrictions to me "wrapping" the tube in say, 550 cord in such a way that it is shaped like a stock, and provides stability like a stock. In reality, it would all just be "padding in the shape of a stock"

It cannot readily accept a stock. Paracord, styrofoam, etc would still meet that definition.

[Germz]

God Bless America, and Loopholes.

[bigdawg86]

God Bless America, and Loopholes.

It's not a loophole. If it's not illegal, then it is legal

[Germz]

It's not a loophole. If it's not illegal, then it is legal

True! i just apply the idea of "If it doesnt seem or feel right, its not".

This is mostly due to Military Service, where it doesnt have to be illegal for you to get burned the person burning you could have just had a bad day.


Seems like one of those things that if I had it (it being a stock-like shape constructed of 550 cord and fixed around a buffer tube) someone would find a reason to fuss about it and try to burn me for it.

[cgates]

if you do not already have a mag well vise block for assembling your AR lowers, you should spend a few dollars and get one. Makes life a little easier, and hey, wouldn't you know it pulls double duty as a zero round sled!

[unusedusername]

While there is no legal requirement to mark the lower with a manufacturer and a serial number, you may be able to save yourself a future headache by marking your lower.

Some LEOs do not know about this being legal and freak out when they see a gun without a serial number,