AR Pistol vs SBR

[ShaulWolf]

Ok, so I've been looking at posts on various boards, and here's what I'm coming up with.

For an AR pistol:
-Barrel length shorter than 16" from tip of the threads to the receiver.
-Barrel length does not include muzzle device, unless muzzle device is permanently fixed.
-Overall length must be within 26", or it will fall under "firearm" instead of "pistol", but will NOT be subject to NFA.
-CANNOT have a stock fixed to the lower receiver.
-The Sig SB15 brace does NOT constitute a stock.
-CANNOT have a vertical foregrip or it will constitute a Any Other Weapon (AOW) and thus be subject to NFA.
-A Magpul Angled Forgrip (AFG) IS permissible and will not make the pistol an AOW.
-Classified as a pistol, doesn't require CLEO signoff, and not subject to NFA.

For an SBR:
-Barrel length shorter than 16", like above.
-Has a stock attached to the lower receiver.
-Must file Form 1 paperwork and pay the $200 tax stamp.
-CLEO signoff on paperwork.

So... if I wanted to build an AR pistol from the ground up, I get a stripped lower, get a pistol lower kit, and throw on an upper with a barrel that's less than 16". As long as the OAL is less than 26", I'm good. I can add an SB15 stock and an AFG if I wanted, and I'm good. Viola, AR pistol with a fair lengthed barrel and the compactness of an SBR, as well as the controlability of a rifle.

No CLEO signature, NFA paperwork, extra $200, or 9 month wait.

Did I get that right?

[buckengr]

That all looks right to me.

Added note, of course, is that the pistol doesn't require the approved 5320.20 form for interstate travel like the SBR. As long as you're legal in the destination state...

Happy building.

[ShaulWolf]

This isn't a project I'll be starting anytime soon; I'm just making sure I have an understanding of things before I do start. I'm also pricing things out to see what this'll cost me and what my options are.

It looks like I'll be going to Palmetto State Armory again, unless y'all know of better deals.

PSA blemished stripped lower: $49.99
PSA lower pistol kit: $99.99
PSA 14.7" CHF Mid-length Lightweight - Unpinned - Without BCG or Charging Handle: $279.99
PSA bolt carrier group and charging handle combo: $99.99
Sig SB15 brace: $129.99
Primary Arms Microdot: $119.99

Total estimated cost: $780

Now to get fancy, and totally unnecessary:
YHM 9.200" Smooth Forearm (A-frame cutout): $154.00

Total estimated cost: $934

Now there is a chance to get a PSA pistol lower with a SB15 brace for a little less, which shaves off about $10.

Factor in shipping and transfer fees, and it's likely going to be right under $1,000. All that without dealing with NFA laws, paperwork, or tax stamp.



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PSA AR-15 completed lower: $149.99
PSA 14.7" CHF Mid-length Lightweight - Unpinned - Without BCG or Charging Handle: $279.99
PSA bolt carrier group and charging handle combo: $99.99
Primary Arms Microdot: $119.99
Tax Stamp: $200

Estimated Total: $850

And, of course, I /would/ add a rail to it. So...
YHM Rail: $154.00

Estimated Total: $1,004

And that's before shipping and transfer fees and waiting.

I think I know what I'll be doing in the future.

[Emptymag]

I just saw that Primary Arms has complete pistols w/brace, minus sights for $599


Never heard of the brand though, so I dunno, but that's not bad for out of the box ready to go.

[ShaulWolf]

I just saw that Primary Arms has complete pistols w/brace, minus sights for $599


Never heard of the brand though, so I dunno, but that's not bad for out of the box ready to go.

0.0 Holy shit, epic win there. Must spread reputation before giving you some more to you. Awesome find, Emptymag!

[FLICK]

I'd definitely recommend a 10.5 inch barrel as opposed to the shorter 7.5 and 8.5 inch. Seem to run better, generally, and you have better control of the weapon.

Ar15.com has quite a few reviews of the radical firearms pistols, mostly positive. Their Facebook page will update when they ship to Primary Arms.

I'd also highly recommend the super buffer tube from KAK Industries. It's killer!

[NJCzbt]

this primary arms link was the EXACT thing i have been trying to find

[AirportFF]

The question I've been meaning to ask. Can you build a pistol or SBR from an 80% lower?

[ExFlyinguy]

Regarding barrel length, something that I've come to learn (after I bought my 7.5") is that if you ever intend to run a silencer- you need at least 10.3" barrel. I can't remember exactly which website I read that on but it reasoned that shorter barrel lengths will not properly stabilize the bullet and therefore a baffle strike is possible voiding the warranty.

[daschnoz]

The question I've been meaning to ask. Can you build a pistol or SBR from an 80% lower?

Yes. If it is legal for you to buy, it is legal for you to to make FOR YOUR OWN USE (state and local laws apply). For a pistol, finish the lower and build it up as a pistol. No paperwork required. Mark the gun (your name and some serial number) if/as required by law.

If you want to SBR it, you're still bound by fed laws - gun MUST have a serial number, NFA paperwork, LEO sign-off (or trust), $200 tribute to the alphabet boys, etc. IMHO, at that point, making it from an 80% is kind of pointless.

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I don't know about the legality of this next part, so someone please correct me if this is bad information.

I think the only benefit to making an SBR from an 80% would be if the lower was damage beyond repair. Being the manufacturer, you could destroy the original and make a replacement with the same serial number (in that order - destroy damaged then make new one).

Again, if this is bad information, someone pleased correct me. I would hate to see someone end up in a federal pound me in the ass prison because of bad information that I was responsible for.