View Full Version : "LEGAL" AR Pistol accessory usage
bigdlebowski22
09-14-2021, 12:28
Hey all!! Thanks to ask for your help thus far AR pistol laws, info, and advice. Now I have some additional questions about accessories. For example, I know if you replace the stabilizing brace with a stock you are effectively redesigning the firearm to an SBR. Adding a foregrip redesigns it to an SBR...or is it an AOW? Either way, this can be confusing a bit as we already established due to the ATF's "this is how we feel about it at this current moment interpretation" of any gun and/or gun products. With that being said, I wanted to ensure I'm staying on track with the legal interpretation of AR pistols. First off, the buffer tube. I have seen ppl remove the stabilizing brace and go just bare tube. While I doubt this is illegal or not allowed, what I'm curious about is, are you allowed to replace the buffer tube itself with a different buffer tube choice? For example, if I had an AR pistol with a 6 position buffer tube can I change it to a symmetrical pistol buffer tube that's the same length. I am not sure if changing it wouldn't be allowed or if the length changes aren't allowed etc. That's why that's my first question as I don't think I would utilize a stabilizing brace or a 6 position buffer tube if I had a AR pistol that came in that style. Next, I wanted to verify that RDS & handstops/AFGs are usable without "effectively redesigning" the firearm as the ATF would put it. I know you cannot use vertical foregrips but I'm curious is there is like a list of acceptable accessories for AR pistols. I don't want to go crazy or anything. I just want to be able to explore my options and make a great white buffalo for myself and have fun doing it. Again all, thanks in advance for any & all information, advice, comments, and/or suggestions. I appreciate ya'lls help tremendously!!
-Big D
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Foregrip on a pistol= AOW
Angled grip and handstops on pistols are fine.
Bare buffer tube is fine.
Any optic is fine
I will add that my post is under current rules. If the ATF gets their way with their new rule, all that shit goes out the window.
bigdlebowski22
09-14-2021, 13:20
What about a sling? Oh! And the buffer tube... I'll provide an example.
Is there issues with removing the AR 6 position buffer tube for just a straight/bare buffer tube like in the photo?
I want to make sure changing minor items for some "extra" pizzazz like this is okay. Trying to make a nice personal build [emoji2][emoji2] just wanna make sure anything I do is within the correct laws.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210914/7d9d9c832a8a0a74c7610c9ab92c3269.jpg
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What if you add an NFA troll to it. ��
What about a sling? Oh! And the buffer tube... I'll provide an example.
Is there issues with removing the AR 6 position buffer tube for just a straight/bare buffer tube like in the photo?
I want to make sure changing minor items for some "extra" pizzazz like this is okay. Trying to make a nice personal build [emoji2][emoji2] just wanna make sure anything I do is within the correct laws.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210914/7d9d9c832a8a0a74c7610c9ab92c3269.jpg
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No issue with a sling on a pistol. MP5 types come to mind.
Buffer tube is fine.
Before the arm braces came out, it was common to see those bare tubes with a foam sleeve on them.
Just SBR the thing and stop worrying.
bigdlebowski22
09-14-2021, 19:32
Just SBR the thing and stop worrying.Honestly, I want to stick to a pistol build. I don't need the headache of all the things needed to SBR said pistol build. Now that I am getting a better grip on ar pistol laws and such, I feel it is quite an exciting adventure. I was nervous at first but I'm enjoying working out some builds. I have always wanted to plan builds and actually complete one for myself personally. That's why I'm grateful for ya'lls advice, info, etc on the matter. Helps out A TONNN!!
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bigdlebowski22
09-14-2021, 19:38
No issue with a sling on a pistol. MP5 types come to mind.
Buffer tube is fine.
Before the arm braces came out, it was common to see those bare tubes with a foam sleeve on them.I figured as much but I wanted to double check.
Ya I had seen that. I thought it was interesting that's why I was asking if it is okay to switch out buffer tubes without getting into trouble by possibly "redesigning" the firearm. I thought if I ditched the brace and replaced the stock 6 position tube with a bare pistol buffer tube it would be in that style basically. I don't need the brace and I have no intent to shoulder any firearms so I'm exploring other options that could make it more specialized to fit me and not others. A truly personal build.
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bigdlebowski22
09-14-2021, 19:38
What if you add an NFA troll to it. ��Where they sell em? [emoji2955][emoji848][emoji848][emoji38][emoji38]
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Honestly, I want to stick to a pistol build. I don't need the headache of all the things needed to SBR said pistol build.
One form and two fingerprint cards is too much? The form is pretty much just a dupe of what you filled out to buy it in the first place.
After that is pretty much anything is legal to put on that lower. No grey area.
bigdlebowski22
09-14-2021, 20:50
One form and two fingerprint cards is too much? The form is pretty much just a dupe of what you filled out to buy it in the first place.
After that is pretty much anything is legal to put on that lower. No grey area.But you also restrict the firearm further and it cannot be remodified after (rifle back to ar pistol that is). As well as having to deal with SBR laws and notifying the ATF if I want to travel across state lines. Honestly, I'm interested in AR pistol builds right now and from the amount of researching along with all the tidbits accrued on Tapatalk I am starting to feel comfortable about the details & decisions of my build. I do appreciate your advice and information as well. It has given me things to think about. Thank you.
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bigdlebowski22
09-14-2021, 20:51
Agreed
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I don't know if you're just trying to be careful with what you post online, but don't worry about shouldering your pistol. You'll find very quickly that trying to hold it out like a Glock isn't going to be sustainable, or even fun. I predict you'll shoulder it, "just to try it," on your first range trip out, and will never go back.
bigdlebowski22
09-14-2021, 21:01
I have no intention of shouldering it as I am NOT looking for trouble but instead more of a new form or style if you will to personal/self defense. That's another part of my research I have been looking into and I have already accounted for it as such. No intention of holding it like a glock either as the length and one handing just seem highly improbable and severely problematic. Hence why I was asking about slings & handstops as well as other allowable attachments. Merely to explore my options before I commit to said "form and/or style". I know this may sound odd but hey I'ma do what I feel is right (and within the confines of the law) for myself.
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Sure, I get it. That will change as you become more comfortable with gun laws and the realities of being a gun owner. Have fun and enjoy the journey.
bigdlebowski22
09-14-2021, 21:16
Now that right there, to an extent I think you are right. I have been a gun owner a long time, I have just been out of the game a while as well as the fact that now I'm able to start doing my own builds when I wasn't able to in the past due to budget constraints. The reason I'm asking questions is for better direction since I have been out of the game a while (trying to make friends along the way also). Pistol builds was a gun owner's list item I have wanted a while and now I have the chance to do it so I'm defs up for the adventure.
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