AR Pistol/Rifle Configuration-NFA Laws

[Smokin]

Does an AR lower have to be manufactured as a "pistol" in order to be classified as a pistol if a short barreled upper is attached? Or can I simply buy any lower, configure it as a pistol lower and attach a 7" upper without going through NFA paperwork? This system will be in Texas, if it makes a difference.

 

[Strangedays]

Re: AR Pistol/Rifle Configuration-NFA Laws

From what I understood is it has to be marked pistol lower but I might be wrong.

 

[DP425]

Re: AR Pistol/Rifle Configuration-NFA Laws

Must be pistol or type unclassified.

If it is rifle classified, you cannot build a pistol out of it- well, that is... as a pistol. You might still be able to do some sort of SBR/AOW minus buttstock plus front vertical foregrip. Not sure how those specifics go.

 

[AK10mm]

Re: AR Pistol/Rifle Configuration-NFA Laws

Just to cover my ass,I purchased a stripped lower from my FFL Dealer and registered it as a Handgun at the time of purchase.If anybody ever checks the registration on it,it is a pistol and not a rifle according to the SN.

 

[Smokin]

Re: AR Pistol/Rifle Configuration-NFA Laws

I was told by the dealer that since weapons are not registered in TX, that I could configure that weapon as either a long gun or a pistol. I was just hoping that someone here would know the truth.

 

[acidone]

Re: AR Pistol/Rifle Configuration-NFA Laws

I'm going to agree with sandrat. My ffl tells me that if at the time of delivery the federal 4473 says it's a pistol and not a rifle you should be in the clear!!! Just to be extra safe though it's not a bad idea to have a rock river, lauer, or any other manuf. receiver that's says pistol only. Just to be safe I usually always have my 4473's say pistol. It's always ok to make a pistol a rifle, but not the other way around!!! You can't just decide later to take a stock off a rifle receiver and put a sbr upper on it. That'll get you 10 years in prison and loss of your firearm right forever, even in Texas :-(((

Hope that helps,

John

 

[sable]

Re: AR Pistol/Rifle Configuration-NFA Laws

Just to clarify, firearms are not registered in texas, so if I buy a RRA or similar lower, marked "pistol" and build a 7" upper on it with no stock, I have a perfectly legal AR pistol?

 

[Smokin]

Re: AR Pistol/Rifle Configuration-NFA Laws

Sako, thanks, but firearms are not registered in tx, so how will they een access my 4473 if the Feds supposedly dont keep that info? Moreover my 4473 was never even called in since I have a CHL

 

[acidone]

Re: AR Pistol/Rifle Configuration-NFA Laws

I'm not sure what you guys mean when you say that your firearms aren't registered in Texas. I live in Illinois and we don't register our firearms here either. I don't know of a state that can legally register firearms...something about privacy rights. That's one of the biggest reasons that this countries government really has no idea how many firearms are actually out there )) I do know that a federal 4473 is filled out and stays at the place of buisness and doesn't go anywhere unless the company goes out of business or the cops find the firearm at the scene of a crime. That being said the only person/people that are aware of you recent purchase are the dealers themselves. Now if a federal/state/local officer wanted to check the registration of your particular firearm I don't think they can, unless of course a crime has been committed. That's how things work according to my buddy who has his ffl. Hope that help. To answer your original question... If your receiver says "pistol" on it, you can make a pistol or a rifle!!!

 

[shoepop]

Re: AR Pistol/Rifle Configuration-NFA Laws

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: DP425</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Must be pistol or type unclassified.

If it is rifle classified, you cannot build a pistol out of it- well, that is... as a pistol. You might still be able to do some sort of SBR/AOW minus buttstock plus front vertical foregrip. Not sure how those specifics go. </div></div>

If you purchase a bare receiver from your FFL he should have it logged in as a 'bare receiver' When you purchase the FFL should check 'other firearm' box on the yellow form 4473 since it is only marked and never built it is still neither but as an FFL if marked I will note in box 30C what marked and since you have to be 21+ to purchase that covers it 'with my ATF investigator anyway'. If you get a proceed when he calls it in you can build it into either a rifle or pistol. If you are under 21 years then rifle only and the FFL should not have sold you the bare receiver if you were not 21+. If you choose to build a rifle it can never go be configured pistol, legally anyway but if you built a pistol you can go rifle down the line but if you do it will always be considered a rifle, legaly anyway again. If you want to CYA have the FFL make a note in box 30C that customer (you) told him you are planning to build a pistol. If unmarked and is legal in your local you can build what you want.

 

[AK10mm]

Re: AR Pistol/Rifle Configuration-NFA Laws

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Rtgfi</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> Just to clarify, firearms are not registered in texas, so if I buy a RRA or similar lower, marked "pistol" and build a 7" upper on it with no stock, I have a perfectly legal AR pistol?</div></div>

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Smokin</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Sako, thanks, but firearms are not registered in tx, so how will they een access my 4473 if the Feds supposedly dont keep that info? Moreover my 4473 was never even called in since I have a CHL</div></div>

Firearms are not registered in WA either,but your FFL has to keep records of transfers at a local level.I have a real problem with paying an extra $50 or so for a "Pistol" stamping.This is why my 4473 is filled out as a handgun on a stripped lower I am using for an AR pistol.You can use any length BBL legally on a pistol configuration.It will become an NFA Weapon if you add a forward grip or a stock of any kind.