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Suppressors AR SBR/ pistol buffer question

TenZero

Sergeant
Full Member
Minuteman
Oct 26, 2011
324
3
59
Texas
Can a short barrel AR upper be legally used on a lower that has either an A2 or carbine buffer tube, but without a stock? Or is there a legal requirement for the specific pistol buffers that I see for sale. I'd like to pick up an SBR upper fairly soon, and my Form 1 on my lower is gonna take a while.
 
Re: AR SBR/ pistol buffer question

its the tube that's the important part. if you can easily or readily slide a stock on the end, that's supposed to be a no-no.

i have seen people use regular tubes and "permanently" modify them so they are unable to accept a stock, either by using JB weld or other such things to prevent a stock from going on.

i wouldn't risk it, that's why i have a pistol tube on mine while i wait for my Form 1
 
Re: AR SBR/ pistol buffer question

Also, as others on the Hide have pointed out, if that lower has been a rifle, you can not use it in a pistol configuration.
 
Re: AR SBR/ pistol buffer question

So the key is the inability to mount a stock, not just the lack of a stock. Understood. I have some unbuilt lowers, and parts for both carbine and A2 tubes. I don't have any pistol buffer parts, and they of course, are like finding chicken lips right now.
 
Re: AR SBR/ pistol buffer question

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: WRH51</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Also, as others on the Hide have pointed out, if that lower has been a rifle, you can not use it in a pistol configuration. </div></div>
If this is the case, then how can one legally switch a T/C receiver from rifle to pistol and back?
It is possible that someone needs to read up on the regs. While ATF's site is a bit confusing, the laws and regulations are available with a minimum of fuss.
 
Re: AR SBR/ pistol buffer question

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Ben in WY</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: WRH51</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Also, as others on the Hide have pointed out, if that lower has been a rifle, you can not use it in a pistol configuration. </div></div>
If this is the case, then how can one legally switch a T/C receiver from rifle to pistol and back?
It is possible that someone needs to read up on the regs. While ATF's site is a bit confusing, the laws and regulations are available with a minimum of fuss. </div></div>


According to atf regs, you cant make a thompson contender/encore into a pistol once it has been assembled into a rifle. Once it is assembled into a rifle, it is considered a rifle. According to atf regs you that rifle can never again have a barrel less than 16" or a total length less than 25?" without filing the paperwork with the NFA and a $200 tax stamp. What it boils down to is if you want pistol and rifle thompsons, to be legal you must have a pistol receiver and a rifle receiver. Stupid-- YES, but it is like most other government regulations regarding firearms.

see page 7 of the nfa handbook.

http://www.atf.gov/publications/download/p/atf-p-5320-8/atf-p-5320-8.pdf
 
Re: AR SBR/ pistol buffer question

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ddd oo7</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Ben in WY</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: WRH51</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Also, as others on the Hide have pointed out, if that lower has been a rifle, you can not use it in a pistol configuration. </div></div>
If this is the case, then how can one legally switch a T/C receiver from rifle to pistol and back?
It is possible that someone needs to read up on the regs. While ATF's site is a bit confusing, the laws and regulations are available with a minimum of fuss. </div></div>


According to atf regs, you cant make a thompson contender/encore into a pistol once it has been assembled into a rifle. Once it is assembled into a rifle, it is considered a rifle. According to atf regs you that rifle can never again have a barrel less than 16" or a total length less than 25?" without filing the paperwork with the NFA and a $200 tax stamp. What it boils down to is if you want pistol and rifle thompsons, to be legal you must have a pistol receiver and a rifle receiver. Stupid-- YES, but it is like most other government regulations regarding firearms.

see page 7 of the nfa handbook.

http://www.atf.gov/publications/download/p/atf-p-5320-8/atf-p-5320-8.pdf </div></div>

Incorrect. ATF ruling 2011-4 states that a firearm originally manufactured as a pistol may be converted into a rifle, then back to a pistol again, without falling under ATF regs. A firearm originally manufactured as a rifle, may NOT be converted without the proper form 1 paperwork. With AR type lower receiver, sold as "other" when they are purchased stripped, it would depend whether or not it was originally assembled as a pistol or rifle.