post 2013 lower build options

The #1 community for Gun Owners of the Northeast

Member Benefits:

  • No ad networks!
  • Discuss all aspects of firearm ownership
  • Discuss anti-gun legislation
  • Buy, sell, and trade in the classified section
  • Chat with Local gun shops, ranges, trainers & other businesses
  • Discover free outdoor shooting areas
  • View up to date on firearm-related events
  • Share photos & video with other members
  • ...and so much more!
  • Dave

    Ultimate Member
    Jul 10, 2008
    4,296
    Gamber, Marylanistan
    asking for a friend. no really :p

    he's getting his first firearm, and I'm going to help him build out an AR. I know he has to 77r a stripped lower. What's the current legality with what he can build with it? have to be a HBAR? Should assemble as pistol first to keep options open down the road to convert back? Obviously has to conform to OAL requirements in both cases. My memory on the topic is a little hazy as all of mine are pre-2013.

    thanks!
    Dave
     

    DutchV

    Ultimate Member
    Jul 8, 2012
    4,703
    HBAR for rifles (16" barrel length or longer) if they are 5.56 caliber. Other AR calibers have no HBAR requirement. There's no barrel profile requirement for AR pistols.

    Yes, you should consider building it as a pistol first, so you could switch back and forth later. Can't change a rifle to a pistol once it's built.
     

    outrider58

    Eats Bacon Raw
    MDS Supporter
    Jul 29, 2014
    49,818
    Isn’t the reality of it, after you do your 77r, the state will never know what you build it into?
    The reality of it is, when you castle nut the buffer tube on the lower, without a butt stock attached, it IS a pistol lower. Worry no more.
     

    DutchV

    Ultimate Member
    Jul 8, 2012
    4,703
    if you want to use an AFG there is I believe

    Pretty sure you meant VFG - vertical fore grip - which is not allowed on pistols. It would be okay if you went for the AOW stamp. The angled fore grip - AFG - is not vertical so it's okay to use on a pistol.

    And if you get past 26" OAL, it's not considered a pistol any more, just a firearm, so the VFG is good again. Or so I'm told. I'm not a lawyer but that's what I've read.

    Personally I never used a foregrip, but I think a handstop is useful.
     

    RoadDawg

    Nos nostraque Deo
    Dec 6, 2010
    94,187
    HBAR for rifles (16" barrel length or longer) if they are 5.56 caliber. Other AR calibers have no HBAR requirement. There's no barrel profile requirement for AR pistols.

    Yes, you should consider building it as a pistol first, so you could switch back and forth later. Can't change a rifle to a pistol once it's built.

    You may want to add .223 to that 5.56. It will matter.
     

    Pinecone

    Ultimate Member
    MDS Supporter
    Feb 4, 2013
    28,175
    And to be clear, the non-5.56/.223 exemption from HBAR is an MSP interpretation.

    The law does not mention caliber for the AR line. It DOES mention caliber for other firearms, such as the Mine-14 with folding stock.
     

    Users who are viewing this thread

    Latest posts

    Forum statistics

    Threads
    274,934
    Messages
    7,259,571
    Members
    33,350
    Latest member
    Rotorboater

    Latest threads

    Top Bottom