AR pistol question ?

[hk91666]

How are AR receivers noted that are built as pistols?

Is there any difference when you buy or is it a part of the DROS process?

I have built two rifles and am considering a pistol in 7.62x25mm.

I hope I put this in the appropriate forum.

Help me folks.
Thanks

[JagerTroop]

If you are LEO, you can purchase(from a dealer) a stripped lower as a registered pistol.

If not, you must buy the registered pistol lower via a PPT, buy the complete pistol PPT, or buy the complete single shot pistol from a dealer.

You CAN NOT build a pistol from a rifle receiver.

[nicoroshi]

I was under the impression that all stripped AR receivers are DROSed as 'long gun', and since a rifle cannot be made into a pistol your options for obtaining a pistol AR receiver are:
PPT one already designated as a pistol receiver,
By a complete AR pistol (if you can find one) in a single shot mag locked configuration to bypass the 'Approved handgun list' or
Mill out an 80% AR receiver.

I also believe that the AR receiver for a pistol needs to marked as 'Pistol'.

I'm not a professional on this so please correct me if I am mistaken.

[bohoki]

If you are LEO, you can purchase(from a dealer) a stripped lower as a registered pistol.

If not, you must buy the registered pistol lower via a PPT, buy the complete pistol PPT, or buy the complete single shot pistol from a dealer.

You CAN NOT build a pistol from a rifle receiver.

correct but if it has never been a rifle is it a rifle receiver?

[ke6guj]

correct but if it has never been a rifle is it a rifle receiver?

probably not. But at this point in time, with the ease that an AR-pistol can be acquired in CA, it is felt that it is not worth the risk to find out.

[Cokebottle]

I also believe that the AR receiver for a pistol needs to marked as 'Pistol'.

Negative.

The DOJ has no marking requirements beyond the BATFE requirements.
BATFE requirements, if you ever actually transfer your AR lower, are your name, city, state, caliber, model, and serial number.

A completed 80% lower, completely devoid of any markings, is perfectly legal when assembled into a pistol.

[JagerTroop]

correct but if it has never been a rifle is it a rifle receiver?

Technically, no. But as Jack has said, they're not too tough to come by, so why risk it.

[hk91666]

Thanks guys, not what I wanted to hear but to be safe I'll just go with another carbine.

Another quick question, if a SBR 10.5 inch upper is purchased I understand it is too short <16 inches. But if a fake suppressor can is tack welded on to make > than 16 inches that should fill the bill correct or is it better to stay with 16.5 inch barrels?

Again thanks on the pistol question.
hk

[Cokebottle]

Another quick question, if a SBR 10.5 inch upper is purchased I understand it is too short <16 inches. But if a fake suppressor can is tack welded on to make > than 16 inches that should fill the bill correct or is it better to stay with 16.5 inch barrels?

Yes and no.

There are a few ways to do it.
1 - Have the can attached to the barrel prior to taking delivery
2 - Obtain a stripped lower that has never been DROSd as a "long gun"
3 - Sell all of your current AR receivers.

If you do not own a lower that can be used to build a legal pistol, then it is illegal for you to even take possession of an AR barrel that is shorter than 16" due to NFA Constructive Possession laws.
We're talking a Federal violation here, in addition to California charges.

The problem with having the can attached to the barrel prior to taking delivery is that you have to decide exactly what kind of handguard you want to use and purchase that, the barrel, gas block, and can all at the same time, since once the can is pinned, you aren't getting anything on or off of the barrel.

And honestly... Why?

A 10.5" barrel with a pinned fake can has all of the disadvantages of a 16" barrel and none of the (few) advantages of the 10.5" barrel.
It still has the inherent (in)accuracy of the 10.5" barrel.
It still has the gas system reliability issues of the 10.5" barrel.
It still has the length of the 16".
It still has the weight (or even more) of the 16".

This isn't Airsoft... a 10.5 with a pinned fake can and a carbine buttstock is nothing more than a mall ninja toy. It's "tacticool" and that's all it has going for it.

[nicoroshi]

Negative.

The DOJ has no marking requirements beyond the BATFE requirements.
BATFE requirements, if you ever actually transfer your AR lower, are your name, city, state, caliber, model, and serial number.

A completed 80% lower, completely devoid of any markings, is perfectly legal when assembled into a pistol.

Thanks for the clarification on that one Cokebottle.

[golden]

If you do not own a lower that can be used to build a legal pistol, then it is illegal for you to even take possession of an AR barrel that is shorter than 16" due to NFA Constructive Possession laws.
We're talking a Federal violation here, in addition to California charges.

Sorry for the complete newbie question but do the NFA constructive possession laws apply to any barrel under 16'' for a rifle or does this solely apply to AR15 barrels under 16''?

[Cokebottle]

Sorry for the complete newbie question but do the NFA constructive possession laws apply to any barrel under 16'' for a rifle or does this solely apply to AR15 barrels under 16''?

Any barrel under 16" if you possess the receiver to do with it.

Same goes for shotgun barrels under 18".

[hk91666]

Cokebottle thanks I thought it maybe like a receiver & bullet button. only illegal if assembled. But I got it now, I thought the 10.5 barrel might handle the 7.62x25mm round better than the 16 inch one but I guess re-thinking about it one may get slightly more velocity out of the longer tube and as you so aptly put it better accuracy.

Well this has been very informative and educational for me and probably others. Project gun = carbine and 16.5 barrel.

Just wanted something in cheap, powerful, pistol cartridge, small and handy.

My others are shARps/stag model 3L in 5.56 and stag/stag model 7L in 6.8spc I have rifle cartridges covered. I now just need another upper saved myself $250-$400.

Again thanks