AR Pistol Build/Assembly?

[dave_in_delaware]

Hello everyone. It's been a long time since I've logged on here, but I wanted to ask a big question. If this post is in the wrong place, my apologies (and mods please move). And this question may have already been answered countless times, so again my apologies...

I've briefly read the definitions of a pistol and rifle and short barrel and pistol brace on some website late last night and I'm not sure if it's all meant to be confusing or if I'm just dense or overthinking everything (please don't answer that). Of course I want to be well within the law and not do anything wrong....

I have a stripped lower receiver and a lower parts kit for an AR-15. I want to assemble an AR pistol (<15" barrel length). If I buy a complete upper (10.5" carbine-length 5.56 barrel w/ M-LOK slant 12" rail w/ bolt carrier group and changing handle) as well as a SB Tactical pistol brace (SBA3) and have them shipped to my home, and then assemble the components into an AR pistol, am I good-to-go?

From what I read I think I am. Now if I use a "regular" stock with the shorter barrel then it's a "SBR" which needs to go through the ATF? But by using a pistol brace it's OK? And there's nothing wrong with assembling it myself using a stripped lower?

Anything else I need to worry about before taking the plunge?

Thanks for any input.

[Emptymag]

You are good. Build away!

No stock on a pistol. (pistol brace A-OK)
No vertical grip on a pistol. (angled for grips are OK)

Midway has been running their braces at sale prices.
I think the SBA3 is gone but they do have the Tailhook Mod 2 for $117.75 which is a very good price.
https://www.midwayusa.com/pistol-braces/br?cid=23888

Here's a good explanation of the differences.
I've always wanted a Tailhook Mod 2, but the price has always been like $160, and I wasn't willing to pay that much.

[dave_in_delaware]

You are good. Build away!

No stock on a pistol. (pistol brace A-OK)
No vertical grip on a pistol. (angled for grips are OK)

Thanks Emptymag for that thorough answer and video! I appreciate it. I will gladly build away! I like the SBA3

As a follow-up question: Last night I also saw a video which showed many AR pistols and other short barrel firearms and how people carry/use them.... I saw a few of the guns had a folding stock adapter so the gun could fit into a backpack. Can an AR pistol have a folding stock? Any other restrictions with an AR pistol's accessories?

[jthrelf]

Thanks Emptymag for that thorough answer and video! I appreciate it. I will gladly build away! I like the SBA3

As a follow-up question: Last night I also saw a video which showed many AR pistols and other short barrel firearms and how people carry/use them.... I saw a few of the guns had a folding stock adapter so the gun could fit into a backpack. Can an AR pistol have a folding stock? Any other restrictions with an AR pistol's accessories?

Sure can. The Law Tactical folding adapter is a popular one.

[rkrcpa]

Sure can. The Law Tactical folding adapter is a popular one.

I thought ATF had a problem with AR pistols with folding braces due to the length when folded. Something about the folded minimum OAL being another relevant dimension.

[JDA58]

I don't think the gun can fire when folded ?

[Emptymag]

I don't think the gun can fire when folded ?

Not that I'm aware of since the buffer/buffer tube isn't in position.
I think there may be a way using a specially designed short tube, but I'm not 100% sure - I may be thinking of telescopic PDW stocks.

[JDA58]

" I thought ATF had a problem with AR pistols with folding braces "


I think my point was more along the lines of, if it can't fire folded, what the fucks it matter.. but then again it is the atf

[McSull]

I don't think the gun can fire when folded ?

Itll fire when folded if it's an AK

[JDA58]

Itll fire when folded if it's an AK

an AR-15 might even fire ONCE ...... ????