Sidearms & Scatterguns AR pistol question.

[Anchor Zero Six]

Fairly certain I know the correct anwer to be YES but wanted to check my facts and ask for links to any relavant information.

My understanding is that you may have a virgin AR lower transfered from the dealer as a Pistol without the need for special engraving or the need to buy a factory built pistol lower (such as RRA).

Was at a local shop and saw a good deal on a cheaper AR lower (LRB) thought it would be fun to make a .22LR AR pistol. Asked to write it up as a pistol/handgun and was told that it must be mfg as such and have applicable engraving. Didnt want to argue just said I'll pass and left.

 

[Geronimo]

Re: AR pistol question.

Yeah I was wondering on a 300blk pistol build so there would be no paper wait on a sbr, thought it would be sorta goofy with a can but still wondered about the lower.

 

[jbgleason]

Re: AR pistol question.

It's the ATF and their opinion may vary from day to day but... I researched this when I built my AR pistol and was told (more importantly I couldn't find anything in the Fed Statutes that said otherwise) that a "virgin" receiver that has NEVER (repeating that NEVER) been assembled as anything else can be listed on the 4473 as a "Pistol" (handgun? can't remember what form says now) and sold as such. To make the water muddier, the new 4473's have a choice of "Receiver" as well. Your build out after the transfer then determining the classification of the receiver.

But if it has ever had a stock on it then it is a "Rifle" forever. Pretty ridiculous but that's the way it is.

So I would say your gun shop was A. Wrong or B. just being careful and not wanting to invite scrutiny from the ATF.

I know there are receivers out there with "PISTOL" markings but I never found anything in the statutes that said it was required.

Lastly, if you build a pistol be very (VERY!) careful about your extension and anything you hang off the front end. If your extension can accept a slide on stock, you are entering SBR territory and if your handguard has anything resembling a Vertical Fore Grip you are looking at an AOW.

It may be A-OK to run hundreds of guns to the cartel but it is a jailable offense to do either of those other things. Hope that helps some.