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AR-15 Pistol Legalities

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Discussion Starter · #1 ·
I'd like to hear some opinions on the legalities of a AR-15 pistol in 9mm or 223. Specifically, can you legally shoulder-fire an AR-15 pistol? I've seen foam covers for the extension tube, and there are products like the Endine hydraulic buffer that reduce felt recoil.

I know that adding a recoil pad or buttplate of any type would be completely illegal, but the recoil of an AR-15 isn't so bad that a foam-covered extension tube would be unmanageable, especially with an Endine installed. As long as there isn't a buttstock and it's a registered pistol, can use be regulated? Is there an overall lenght limit that keeps a full-length carbine or even A2 extension tube from being used?

As a disclaimer, this is a completely hypothetical question and in no way reflects a request for information on illegal actions. I take pride in following the letter of the law. I do not at this time own an AR-15 pistol of any type.

Thanks!
 
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Discussion Starter · #2 ·
OK - just found an ATF letter on ARFCOM that says you can use any buffer tube you want, but I'm still not clear about whether or not firing from the shoulder is legal or not.
 
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Discussion Starter · #3 ·
As far as the atf is concerned your ar pistol is no different than any other pistol. There are no regulations on useage. You cannot put on a shoulder stock or foreward vertical grip, I personally wouldn't even have either in the same house as an ar pistol. The short barrel length coupled with a few different parts than the rifles makes recoil very manageable, If you look to youtube for ar pistol vids you'll see several with very small people firing one handed, even fully auto and no muzzle flip or perceived recoil. Most people will rest the tube against their shoulder to steady it, but not to absorb recoil. There are no regulations on length, weight or parts size, some buffer tubes come considerably shorter than mine. If you're interested go to ar15.com and check out the pistols forum, you can read for days, all kinds of topics covered. Lots of fun, mine makes quite the ccw piece ;)

Here's the one I'm building next


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Discussion Starter · #6 ·
Chowza, seems like a lot of flash and flip. Those guys are using their cheek to stabilize the gun but it looks like the buffer is just too short to use on the shoulder. I guess I'm going to have to go the SBR route, or maybe make a lightweight 16" carbine and avoid the hassle. Thanks for the links!
 
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Discussion Starter · #7 ·
As long as the buffer tube on an AR15 pistol doesn't have a stock on it, it doesn't matter what you rest it against, be it your nose, knee shoulder or whatever.

My 11.5" bbl pistol pictured below is very useful fired from the shoulder and is completely legal.
 
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Discussion Starter · #8 ·
mr.squatch said:
As far as the atf is concerned your ar pistol is no different than any other pistol. There are no regulations on useage. You cannot put on a shoulder stock or foreward vertical grip, I personally wouldn't even have either in the same house as an ar pistol. The short barrel length coupled with a few different parts than the rifles makes recoil very manageable, If you look to youtube for ar pistol vids you'll see several with very small people firing one handed, even fully auto and no muzzle flip or perceived recoil. Most people will rest the tube against their shoulder to steady it, but not to absorb recoil. There are no regulations on length, weight or parts size, some buffer tubes come considerably shorter than mine. If you're interested go to ar15.com and check out the pistols forum, you can read for days, all kinds of topics covered. Lots of fun, mine makes quite the ccw piece ;)

Here's the one I'm building next


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Click to expand...
I could see that monorail working well with Picatinny front and rear iron sights. Would you happen to know the model of that handrail? And is that a 10" barrel?
 
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Discussion Starter · #9 ·
zipgun said:
As long as the buffer tube on an AR15 pistol doesn't have a stock on it, it doesn't matter what you rest it against, be it your nose, knee shoulder or whatever.

My 11.5" bbl pistol pictured below is very useful fired from the shoulder and is completely legal.
Click to expand...
Nice, thanks. What extension tube cover are you using?

As a side note, I can appreciate your sig link. I inherited my Nylon 66 from my Grandad, and it's my favorite rimfire.
 
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Discussion Starter · #10 ·
i have it written down at home, I forget. It's a 6.5" oly barrel with a 3" pig can on it so just the can sticks out. The most expensive part on the whole gun is the forend/rail it's about 350 bucks. I'll post up the parts list tomorrow when I get back home

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Discussion Starter · #11 ·
I weighed the AR pistol heavily before deciding to go w/ a short carbine...

As far as I was concerned, the only thing the AR pistol had over the Carbine was the "Coolness" factor...
 
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