srjdsmith 459 Posted December 15, 2018 I need some general info on AR pistols. To be honest, I was never interested in a pistol, but the itch to build again... What about the ATF? I can’t take the stock off my rifle and call it a pistol, right? So, what about building a pistol lower and using the same upper I use on my rifle lower? Is that a legal pistol? Does the 18” barrel make it NOT a pistol? (Didn’t rules change about ‘short-barreled rifles”?) If you build a, 11.5” or 14” upper, that has to have a pistol lower? Is a 10.5” barrel any good for 450B? What about barrel length for .223/5.56/Wilde? A pistol lower buffer tube is “normally” rounded and sort of “padded”? (Yeah, I know. Newbie questions.) If you’re using an arm brace, does that require a normal buffer tube, or the rounded one? Does using an 80% lower change anything? Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Blacktree 218 Posted December 15, 2018 AFAIK, to build a pistol AR you'll need an assembled lower that's been designated as a pistol, or a stripped lower designated as "other" on the Form 4473. You cannot turn a rifle lower into a pistol lower. Federal law doesn't restrict barrel length on a pistol, but does have a stipulation about VFGs. I think some state laws add more restrictions regarding what qualifies as a pistol upper. Make sure to check on that. I'm not sure how 80% lowers factor into that equation. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
flashback 0 Posted December 15, 2018 Following to learn more about this myself. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ozarkpugs 233 Posted December 16, 2018 As earlier stated Feds don't regulate pistol barrel length but some states do for instance Ark doesn't recognize anything over 10" as a pistol . Of course the shorter the barrel the more noise so I would definitely use a linear comp if not suppressor . My favorite AR is a 12.5" 6.8 with a JAL linear comp . I prefer the KAK blade but several companies make good braces . If you start with a pistol tube and or brace on a lower marked other you can change it to a rifle and back to pistol as often as you please so every time you get a lower put a brace on it first . Best Caliber depends on intended purpose . Sent from my Moto E (4) using Tapatalk Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Derk_digler24 566 Posted December 16, 2018 I have this lower https://palmettostatearmory.com/psa-ar15-complete-classic-lower-with-sb-tactiacl-adjustable-brace-5165448119.html And I swap my 10.3 upper (Ddmk18) onto it. I wouldn't go below 10 inches on the barrel length. That's my preference for reliability. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bamashooter 2,798 Posted December 16, 2018 (edited) Tubes are all over the place. Some braces use proprietary extensions and others are compatible with mil-spec carbine extensions. With the availability of ammunition specified as "varmint" and those designed for short barrels, there's no issues with .223 / 5.56 being used at short range to disable / dust a bad guy. If you don't roll your own (me), ammunition can be a little pricey. Something's amiss; my sig line is showing. Edited December 16, 2018 by bamashooter Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites