help with AR pistol

Tenn870 · May 28, 2014

hey guys I know this may have been covered a few times but I cannot find the exact information I am looking for so I am going to start a new thread.

I want to build an AR pistol and dont know any legal specifications that I need to follow.

1- is there a certain length I have to have the barrel or is it just anything under 16'

2- what lower can I use and do I have to register it as a pistol, I have 2 lowers that were purchased per 10/1 as stripped lowers

3- whats the shortest buffer tube on the market?

thanks for any info I really appreciate it!

tc617 · May 28, 2014

Checkout tis thread. It covers just about everything you asked.

http://www.mdshooters.com/showthread.php?t=116795&highlight=build+pistol

JoshA · May 28, 2014

Tenn870 said:
3- whats the shortest buffer tube on the market?

http://gunsmokeenterprises.net/product.sc?productId=5&categoryId=2

Wfilardo · May 29, 2014

If your going to build an AR pistol does the lower have to be on the MD Handgun Roster?

precisionfire · May 29, 2014

No, There is no provision for AR lowers to be registered as pistols in MD and the MD roster has no AR lower listed as AR lowers are not classed as pistols or rifles, but as receivers. It is my understanding that you may build your own pistol in MD but it may be sticky if you sell it someone else in MD.

To answer first post:

1- is there a certain length I have to have the barrel or is it just anything under 16'

Barrel length is not a legal consideration in a pistol. It just cannot have a stock or Forward Pistol Grip. Due to my experience, 7.5 inches is about as short as works well. 10.5 if you going to suppress it now or later due to warranty issues with suppressors when used with shorter barrels

3- whats the shortest buffer tube on the market?

Dont fall for the shortest. The shortest ones use odd buffers and springs that rarely work or are very finicky about barrel length, gas ports, gas lengths, and ammo. PWS has a very good buffer tube and works well with the SIG Arm Brace.

Hawkeye · May 30, 2014

Tenn870 said:
1- is there a certain length I have to have the barrel or is it just anything under 16'

It's been covered, but the length of the barrel has no bearing on it being a pistol or not. The defining features of it being a pistol are lack of a shoulder stock and lack of a vertical foregrip.

2- what lower can I use and do I have to register it as a pistol, I have 2 lowers that were purchased per 10/1 as stripped lowers

You can use any legally owned pre-Oct 1st lower that was transferred to you as "Other" on the 4473 and has never been assembled as a rifle.

Wfilardo said:
If your going to build an AR pistol does the lower have to be on the MD Handgun Roster?

No. The Handgun Roster only defines handguns that may legally be transferred (sold, given, etc) within the state of MD. If you build it for personal use it is never sold or transferred so the roster does not come in to play. You're only legally allowed to manufacture firearms for personal use without becoming a licensed manufacturer anyhow. Federal law defines this, and while it doesn't say that you can't later sell a gun that you made for personal use, if they decide that you're doing it as a business they can charge you.

Wfilardo · Jun 1, 2014

Does anyone know which AR pistols are on the MD handgun roster and can legally be purchased in MD?

OrbitalEllipses · Jun 1, 2014

Wfilardo said:
Does anyone know which AR pistols are on the MD handgun roster and can legally be purchased in MD?

Engage E4, among others.

duck2621 · Jun 3, 2014

Finally got my lower done. Now just trying to get my upper parts list together.

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help with AR pistol

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