AR15 rifle VS pistol

[TheReverend]

Can someone please help me understand the differences between the two?
other then length and the fact that the pistol don't have a stock what else is different? can i put a stock on the pistol?
what's the legal differences?

[Target1911]

NO you cannot put a stock on a pistol......that makes it a SBR

Other than the length of bbl and no stock, there is not much difference

[Mike1951]

You also can't install any type of forearm or forearm grip that extends 90 degrees from the barrel.

[TheReverend]

all the other parts are the same?
can i buy a SBR upper put it on an AR15 lower and "make it" a pistol by removing the stock?! cause i think i read here somewhere that you can't even buy SBR upper w/o the right license.

[Ed4032]

You cannot convert a rifle into a pistol. Once a rifle always a rifle. To be a pistol it must have never been a rifle.

[marksiwel]

So um...Isnt the whole point of the AR Pistol, other than its neat, is that its basically a short barreled Rifle but "Legal"

[marksiwel]

http://www.quarterbore.com/nfa/sbr-aow-pistol.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Mike1951]

Only looking at the pistol, I have reason to doubt their info.

A Semi-Auto pistol with an ability to accept a detachable magazine can not have two (2) or more of the following features:

1. an ammunition magazine that attaches to the pistol outside of the pistol grip.
2. a threaded barrel capable of accepting a barrel extender, flash suppressor, forward handgrip or silencer.
3. a shroud that is attached to, or partially or completely encircles the barrel and that permits the shooter to hold the firearm with the non-trigger hand without being burned.
4. a manufactured weight of 50 ounces or more when the pistol is unloaded. a semiautomatic version of an automatic firearm.

My Kel-tec PLR-16 as shipped, has 1,2, and 4 (51+ oz). They sell the forearm, adding 3 to the list.

http://www.kel-tec-cnc.com/plr16.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Mike1951]

I found the source of the information shown at: http://www.quarterbore.com/nfa/sbr-aow-pistol.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Either the information predates the expiration of the AWB or they incorrectly believe it is still in effect.

Editor’s Note:
The following provisions of the GCA
were repealed when the semiautomatic
assault weapon and large capacity ammunition
feeding device bans sunset on
September 13, 2004.
18 U.S.C. § 921 (30): The term "semiautomatic
assault weapon" means -

.....
(C) a semiautomatic pistol that
has an ability to accept a detachable
magazine and has at least 2 of -
i) an ammunition magazine that
attaches to the pistol outside of the
pistol grip;
(ii) a threaded barrel capable of
accepting a barrel extender, flash
suppressor, forward handgrip, or
silencer;
(iii) a shroud that is attached to,
or partially or completely encircles,
the barrel and that permits the
shooter to hold the firearm with the
nontrigger hand without being
burned;
(iv) a manufactured weight of 50
ounces or more when the pistol is
unloaded; and
(v) a semiautomatic version of an
automatic firearm; and

[Ashlar]

They're awesome range toys, but not really very practical..

Never, ever, ever put a stock or vertical foregrip on it. The first makes it a short barreled rifle (unless you also add a longer barrel- then it is and forevermore shall be, a rifle), the second makes it an AOW (any other weapon).

Same parts all around, except that the buffer tubes don't have the locking slot for a collapsible stock (a2/a3), or a tapped hole for the buttplate screw (a1). Some folks use a standard buffer tube for their pistol builds, but that can be dangerous.. if you happen to have a spare stock laying around, you can be charged with constructive intent for an SBR. You can fill in the slot with epoxy to make dang sure that no stock you have laying around will fit on the buffer tube. (I cover mine with a piece of foam as well. Means that a) I _can not_ install a stock, and b) easier on your cheek, and you don't get that TWANG from the buffer spring up your jaw.)

I've made three of these pistols, two in 223, one as a 22 plinker. Mucho mucho fun.

[The Annoyed Man]

Other than the "wow, that's an interesting toy" factor, I've never been able to get the attraction for an AR based pistol. Sure, it's concealable... ...sorta... ....but it's got to be a ton heavier than a regular pistol. Plus, a rifle caliber in a dinky little barrel like that has got to be LOUD, make a huge flash, and also neuter the round's potency quite a bit since it loses a lot of velocity.

...or am I missing something?

[Ashlar]

Other than the "wow, that's an interesting toy" factor, I've never been able to get the attraction for an AR based pistol. Sure, it's concealable... ...sorta... ....but it's got to be a ton heavier than a regular pistol. Plus, a rifle caliber in a dinky little barrel like that has got to be LOUD, make a huge flash, and also neuter the round's potency quite a bit since it loses a lot of velocity.

...or am I missing something?

Nope, spot on.. fun range toys, fun to shoot at night. Some argue they make great home defense guns since the decrease in velocity coupled with JHPs make them somewhat less likely to overpenetrate your walls, but dang, any home defense gun that leaves both you and your attacker deaf and blind is a mixed bag.

[Mike1951]

The Yankee Hills flash hider I put on my PLR-16 diminished the flash greatly, probably 80%.

Still loud, though, with a 10" barrel.

[HankB]

An SBR on the AR platform would be a neat toy, especially with a suppressor.

At "only" $200 for the SBR and $200 for the suppressor (Federal tax stamps - good to get these in advance if you want to avoid a lengthy stay at Club Fed. ) it's something I just might do in the future. Make a dandy home defense weapon.

[TheReverend]

An SBR on the AR platform would be a neat toy, especially with a suppressor.

At "only" $200 for the SBR and $200 for the suppressor (Federal tax stamps - good to get these in advance if you want to avoid a lengthy stay at Club Fed. ) it's something I just might do in the future. Make a dandy home defense weapon.

while we are on the subject, what do you need in order to buy a SBR? just pay the tax stamps? do you need a special license or it's just filling out forms while buying?
do you need to pay the taxes every year?
is it like FFL that you have to consent to a search at anytime?