jhud10
Active Member
title says it all... is it legal to buy short length upper, pistol buffer tube and smack it all on a lower ar receiver? thanks for the help cant really get a clear answer.
title says it all... is it legal to buy short length upper, pistol buffer tube and smack it all on a lower ar receiver? thanks for the help cant really get a clear answer.
Any info on what or how to install a denial pin? Is it a modification to the takedown/pivot pin? Or an additional pin that prevents an unmodified upper from being installed?
Any info on what or how to install a denial pin? Is it a modification to the takedown/pivot pin? Or an additional pin that prevents an unmodified upper from being installed?
Thanks, figured I'd ask before doing something boneheaded trying to figure it out
Yes, it is legal... so what are the tricks to doing it in Maryland.
1. First you need an AR lower receiver that has NEVER been assembled as a rifle. If it has, stop, do not pass go, do not build it into a pistol with a barrel under 16". If you do, you will have violated federal law and created a short barreled rifle which requires a tax stamp.
2. You need to get that receiver in Maryland. This can be tricky as well.
Option A:
Most FFL's will sell the bare receiver new, but you MUST make sure that it is NOT transferred as a rifle on the 4473. You also should make sure that it NEVER has been transferred as a rifle to the best of your ability. Then on the FORM 77R, you must make sure that it is transferred as O for other or A as an assault weapon. 5-101(p) only bans the Colt AR-15 and copies, but the receiver isn't an assault weapon... however it's not worth arguing with your FFL with since it doesn't specifically state rifle. So who cares. I would prefer to get it transferred as O for other on a form 77R. No FFL (even though it would be legal) in MD will transfer an AR receiver without doing a 77R, that's just the way it is.
Option B:
Is to buy an 80% receiver and finish it at home. This is easier than you might think and involves NO FFL, NO MDSP paperwork, and no serial number requirement on the weapon itself. It's pure beauty is that you can guarantee that it has never been a rifle since you brought it into being.
Option C:
You live somewhere free, purchased a receiver elsewhere and brought it with you when you came here.
3. So now you have a receiver, now you need to order your upper. If you have other AR style weapons, you might want to make a denial pin for the upper that fits nicely into your lower... this will eliminate any confusion should law enforcement decide that you are in constructive possession of a short barreled rifle and prevent you from making the mistake of putting the wrong upper and lower together.
4. Now you've assembled your lower, you've put a buffer tube on it, please pin it so that a stock cannot be easily attached to the stock... another small denial pin here is good thinking... once again preventing law enforcement from making shit up and pretending you were gonna do something you never intended. It also prevents you from coming down with a case of the stupids as well.
5. You've finally got it all together... it's totally legal, totally badass, and now you want to go shoot it. So you grab all your gear and you head out to XXXXXX Shooting range... only to find out that they don't allow rifle rounds on the pistol range and you can't shoot your pistol on the rifle range. That's the way it is at some ranges... some won't or can't let you shoot your cool new toy, others will let you bump fire a damn beta mag if you want. Make sure you find out before you roll on out. Better to be banned for asking the question than making the drive and having to go home.
6. Now you've gotten tired of your toy... you want to sell it. Hold on sparky. You can't sell it as a pistol in Maryland, you have 3 choices.
A. Break it down.
B. Make it a SBR or AOW
C. Put a rifle length upper and rifle stock on it.
Remember a person may not sell or offer for sale in the State a handgun manufactured after January 1, 1985, that is not included on the handgun roster, nor can you manufacture for distribution or sale a handgun that is not included on the handgun roster in the State.
SO DON'T SELL IT. DON'T. You can transfer it with appropriate paperwork although most FFL's would refuse and I think MSP wouldn't know what to do because they haven't read the law it appears either. You can also loan it, unlike an NFA weapon.
I think that about covers everything I know about building an AR pistol in Maryland.
Mark
Great info Mark,
Just to sort of tag on to what I asked in the other thread. Let's say I have a few "virgin" lowers, but I bought them years ago and I honestly can't remember how they were registered. Would it be Ok to build a pistol on one, oris that "do not pass go" shituation?
On a slightly related note. Where can I get info on finishing an 80% receiver?
Be sure to share your intentions with your FFL before you purchase. Some local FFLs insist AR pistols are a no-no.
BUSHMASTER PISTOL ALREADY APPROVED