Attention Law Experts

[carlson1]

I have an AR 15 "pistol." It has a 10 inch barrel. I want to know if I change the stock to a regular stock does this put the "pistol" into a "rifle" category, thus it becomes too short and illegal? (It is stamped "RRA PISTOL ONLY.")

[Delta]

If you put a regular stock on that weapon, then it becomes an SBR
(Short Barreled Rifle)

That would negate a 200.00 tax stamp for NFA.


Seeing as how it is stamped RRA Pistol. You will be in violation and that will make it a NO NO. You are pretty much limited to what you have

[carlson1]

If you put a regular stock on that weapon, then it becomes an SBR
(Short Barreled Rifle)

That would negate a 200.00 tax stamp for NFA.


Seeing as how it is stamped RRA Pistol. You will be in violation and that will make it a NO NO. You are pretty much limited to what you have

Makes sense to me - Thank you for your help. I do NOT want a $200.00 stamp.

[bigdook]

what would a folding type stock do to it, in regards to the law?

by the way nice gun.( i wonder if you could carry it concealed)

[rspeir]

Adding a folding stock would still make it a SBR.

[Rex B]

Change the barrel while you are at it, and you should be good, no?

[Delta]

OK

1. Once the AR15 pistol configuration has been registered on a 4473 with the ATF. It will have to stay a pistol. If you were pulled over and they found the RRA pistol lower with a rifle stock, there would be a pretty good chance you are going to jail. Just the same as having a rifle with a short barrel and pistol grip and no stock... jail.
Most LEO's do not really know the different configurations unless they are really into the law and the AR15, BATF rules Ect....

This not a slam on LEO's either, I have quite a few friends that are LEO.

2. The one way to get around that legally is to pay the $200.00 and fill out a Form 4. Then essentially it is an SBR then you can do whatever.

To rebarrel that upper would be at least 125-175 anyway, add a stock and your at another 75.

3. You cannot add a stock to this weapon without the form 4, because that would construe intent for manufacturing or altering the registered receiver. The only part of the AR that is tracked and registered.

4. You could sell it to a dealer or someone else, then just buy your ar15 of choice. Less headache that way.

There is a bunch of case law and actual cases out there on the internet but this will give you an idea what to expect

[HankB]

1. Once the AR15 pistol configuration has been registered on a 4473 with the ATF. It will have to stay a pistol.

I agree with the previous postings that simply putting a stock on it would make it an SBR, which could have seriously bad legal consequences if done without completion of the proper paperwork in advance.

BUT . . . if you put on at least a 16" barrel first, there should be no problem, as then you've got a rifle, rather than a pistol.

Consider that Thompson Center's "Contender" pistols are available with both shoulder stocks AND 16" barrels. The rule there is that you CAN convert a Contender pistol into a rifle if you first put on a 16" or longer barrel, and THEN add the shoulder stock. (Adding the stock first would put you, at least for a short time, in possession of an SBR.)

IANAL, so if there's some law that allows rifle conversions of Contenders and disallows rifle conversions of ARs, please cite.

[casselthief]

if it's a pistol, why does it need a stock?

and, what caliber does that thing shoot?

what's that foam thing on the back of it? looks like a handle, or something...

[KinnyLee]

if it's a pistol, why does it need a stock?

and, what caliber does that thing shoot?

what's that foam thing on the back of it? looks like a handle, or something...

It's a 5.56mm and the foam thing is the buffer tube.

[Mike1951]

And though you didn't mention it, you are also prohibited from adding any kind of horizontal or vertical (perpendicular to barrel) foregrip to what you have.

[casselthief]

what does a buffer tube do? help reduce muzzle rise during fire?

[Mithras61]

what does a buffer tube do? help reduce muzzle rise during fire?

A buffer tube houses the buffer spring & buffer that allows the bolt to move back to eject a spent cartridge and pushes the bolt forward to load a fresh round from the magazine. It helps reduce the percieved recoil from the firearm as well.

It is normally concealed inside the stock of an M4/M16/AR15 series rifle. Since the pistol does not have a stock, it is exposed.

[casselthief]

ahthankyou!

[hi-power]

Quartermaster Clerk: One buffer tube with buffer spring.
Austin Powers: [to Vanessa] That's not mine.
Quartermaster Clerk: One credit card receipt for buffer tube and spring signed by Austin Powers.
Austin Powers: I'm telling ya baby, that's not mine.
Quartermaster Clerk: One warranty card for buffer tube and spring, filled out by Austin Powers.
Austin Powers: I don't even know what this is! This sort of thing ain't my bag, baby.
Quartermaster Clerk: One book, "Buffer tubes, Springs And Me: This Sort of Thing Is My Bag Baby", by Austin Powers.