Pistol Overall Length

[Squib Joe]

But with rulings, court decisions and the other definitions. It's not an area I'd care to suggest anyone would want to be a test case for.

Because doing so, puts you within the realm of dealing with the complex world of NFA weapons

I deal in this complex world every day, and while it seems confusing, it can be understood! No restriction at the federal level is placed on the maximum barrel length of a pistol. No paperwork is needed to make a pistol from an AR lower provided none of the components was every used in rifle configuration, but it should be emphasized that that this includes the upper if it was shipped on a rifle or ever used in rifle configuration with butt stock.

As of July 25th of this year, the BATF has issued a detailed ruling on what constitutes manufacture of a SBR or intent to manufacture by proximity. This also addresses the earlier question about the T/C rifles and pistols in particular.

http://www.atf.gov/regulations-rulings/ ... 2011-4.pdf

[farmerj]

nice link....

You posted the same information I did.

I will stand by my statement.

If you are going to do something with this stuff, you had best know what you are doing or your could be looking at 10 years/$10,000.

You may have the benefit of dealing in this world daily, but does the OP? or some other joe reading this forum.

Directly from that ruling...

However, the Court also explained that an NFA firearm is made if aggregated parts are in close proximity such that they:
(a) serve no useful purpose other than to make an NFA firearm (e.g., a receiver, an attachable shoulder stock, and a short barrel); or
(b) convert a complete weapon into an NFA firearm (e.g., a pistol and attachable shoulder stock, or a long-barreled rifle and attachable short barrel). Id. at 511-13.

It could hang you just having all the components to make an NFA.

I know it's perfectly legal to hunt a deer with an AR pistol. But I sure as hell wouldn't even consider it in Meeker county considering the legal environment here.

[photogpat]

Nope. Guy has an AR platform pistol and has an AR platform rifle...I see nothing illegal about that and neither does the ATF.

If you had a complete, stocked lower sitting next to a short barrelled upper, then I think you'd have an "issue".

[farmerj]

Nope. Guy has an AR platform pistol and has an AR platform rifle...I see nothing illegal about that and neither does the ATF.

If you had a complete, stocked lower sitting next to a short barrelled upper, then I think you'd have an "issue".

Agree whole heartily.

But troop F has already displayed that they will make the rules up as they go. Enough so, to step back far enough to not create one of those major grey area.
http://www.democraticunderground.com/di ... 118x154322

[JJ]

Interesting conversations thus far. I have read a ton here and elsewhere and I cannot actually find any length restriction. There is plenty of grey area, especially with the the myriad of rulings out there. The most interesting part, is you not only have to consider Pistol, Rifle, SBR, AOW, ect its mind boggling. Look at Franklin Armory, they are manufacturing a pistol, over 26" with a verticle fore-grip. Since it is over 26" ATF is saying it is not a pistol or SBR, but instead a AOW. Up until a year or two ago a foregrip on ANY pistol was a big no-no

I think my real plan is to stick with a barrel around 11". But even in that configuration, I fully expect that somewhere along the line I will find myself with an un-informed CO or local Sheriff, and with a court date.

[Holland&Holland]

And thus is the great thing about goverment just there to protect you from yourself. We all know if you have a thompson center rifle and pistol in your possesion you are at a high risk of turning to a life a crime.

[gyrfalcon]

And thus is the great thing about goverment just there to protect you from yourself. We all know if you have a thompson center rifle and pistol in your possesion you are at a high risk of turning to a life a crime.

Thompson Contenders are the choice of Gangsters and Bank robbers everywhere... Only criminals own them, just like the Saturday night specials.