To BB or not BB, that is the question

[VRobb]

So I'm finally going to finish my AR15 build I started many years ago. Bought a Spikes lower, put in a decent trigger and it came with the BB. Forward to today and I see lots of buzz regarding the type of maglock that has you split the upper and lower slightly to get the mag to release.
I have already ordered the JT version, but I wanted to ask the forum members what their view is on one or the other. Has the BB lost favor due to needing a 'tool'? Searches didn't give much in the way of an A/B comparison.
Thoughts??
TIA,
Rob

[P5Ret]

The BB no longer works for mag locked. Unless you previously registered it as an AW a few years ago, you have to put a current mag locking device on it.

Keep in mind that DOJ has not approved any device as far as I know, and probably won't. Everything is best guess to meet the requirement of separating the action to remove the mag or reload.

[VRobb]

I see, I couldn't get a clear picture of that. Thanks. The AW flowchart needs to be updated then, I believe, since I got "Legal" after following it.
Such fun living in Commiefornia, eh?
Thanks again, and as soon as the JT comes in I'll 'fix' it.
Cheers,
Rob

[kcheung2]

You're way late. The two compliance options available for you are either

fixed mag/maglock (what you're talking about, break open gun to drop mag)
featureless (no features, i.e. no pistol grip, no flash hider, no collapsible stock)

Each have pros and cons. Fixed mag setups look identical to free state guns, but functionally are slightly different. Featureless guns clearly look different, but functionally they are identical to free state guns. There's endless debates about which is better, but at least you now have your search terms to read it all yourself.

[DrewTheBrave]

You're way late. The two compliance options available for you are either

fixed mag/maglock (what you're talking about, break open gun to drop mag)
featureless (no features, i.e. no pistol grip, no flash hider, no collapsible stock)

Each have pros and cons. Fixed mag setups look identical to free state guns, but functionally are slightly different. Featureless guns clearly look different, but functionally they are identical to free state guns. There's endless debates about which is better, but at least you now have your search terms to read it all yourself.

Quoted because kcheung2 nailed it.

I prefer featureless, but many do not. You'll probably need to try a few options before you find what works best for you. I do worry that many people who bought firearms years or decades ago have no clue about any of these new regulations and could inadvertently become felons.

Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk

[sonofeugene]

I much prefer featureless. I use the Thordsen Gen III stock. Yea, it looks a bit different but so what? It works and works well. Plus, I can use a regular mag release AND 30 round mags, which I do have legally.

[VRobb]

I have missed all the changes over the years, and becoming an unwitting felon really isnt my bag. Thanks all, probably go featureless. Now if only buying ammo wasn't equally as fubar'ed...

[oktavist]

Ya, I'm not sure why the flowchart hasn't been updated yet.

Maybe better to take it down, instead of leave it up with incorrect information...

Edit: Ah, and welcome to calguns.

[AbeVigoda]

Hogue Freedom fighter president AR Maglock plus kingpin. Juggernaut sucks.

[Sparrow Dynamics]

I see, I couldn't get a clear picture of that. Thanks. The AW flowchart needs to be updated then, I believe, since I got "Legal" after following it.
Such fun living in Commiefornia, eh?
Thanks again, and as soon as the JT comes in I'll 'fix' it.
Cheers,
Rob

https://www.sparrowdynamics.com/Featureless-Build-Info-s/110.htm

[ar15barrels]

Fixed mag setups look identical to free state guns, but functionally are slightly different.
Featureless guns clearly look different, but functionally they are identical to free state guns.

This is the single best explanation I have seen to boil down the fixed-mag vs featureless argument.

I have always said that fixed mag is for the people that value cosmetics over function and featureless is for people who value function over cosmetics.

[sonofeugene]

This is the single best explanation I have seen to boil down the fixed-mag vs featureless argument.

I have always said that fixed mag is for the people that value cosmetics over function and featureless is for people who value function over cosmetics.

Yep.

I prefer function over cosmetics.

[jimbo74]

BB isn't a thing anymore. Unless you have a BB RAW...


I tried fins. I couldn't grab the gun at all. I use an AR Maglock Gen4 and a King Pin.

I can drop mags just as fast as standard. Yes, I am limited to 10 round mags, but eh.

I have my BB RAW if I want to use >10 rd mags

[Ki6vsm]

You're way late. The two compliance options available for you are either

fixed mag/maglock (what you're talking about, break open gun to drop mag)
featureless (no features, i.e. no pistol grip, no flash hider, no collapsible stock)

Each have pros and cons. Fixed mag setups look identical to free state guns, but functionally are slightly different. Featureless guns clearly look different, but functionally they are identical to free state guns. There's endless debates about which is better, but at least you now have your search terms to read it all yourself.

Yep. Good explanation. And it's hard to talk about this without renewing that debate. I'd modify that statement about featureless to say that while they "function" slightly different than standard ARs in terms of mag changes, they FEEL the same; it's more than just how the rifle looks, IMO. I don't think anyone here would say they prefer the shouldering and hold of their featureless rifle over one that has the standard pistol grip. But for various valid reasons we've learned to get used to and live with a little awkwardness in the hold.

For background, I own several ARs. Most are registered. I have one non-registered to play around with. I've gone back and forth with that last one. Currently it's featureless.

[angrybell]