Sirs,

I am thinking of purchasing a plain (no Sig-brace on the buffer) AR-15 pistol (I am a CCW Holder) and needed some answers or just simple clarification(s).

First, in trying to read through some of NC's firearms laws, are a pistol and handgun referring to one and the same?  I know that this seems minor, but misunderstanding legal jargon will not hold any weight for a citizen standing tall in front of the man.  Ignorance of the law is a poor excuse or worse yet, none at all.

Second, if a handgun and pistol are the same, then an AR-15 pistol should be good to go in being concealed in your vehicle (with a CCW) , just like a standard Springfield XDS handgun/pistol, correct?

Third, I would like to purchase an AR-15 pistol lower that is already built for that purpose.  Are there any restrictions on the upper receiver's barrel length?  Is a 7.5 better than an 8.5 or so forth or is this just a manner of taste?  What is recommended or does this matter?  

Thank you for your time and for any information that can be provided.

AR pistol counts as a pistol, and follows laws as a handgun

You can find a ton more info in the AR pistol variant section HERE

And the Shockwave brace combined with the Law Folding adapter is the tit's. I am running a 10.3 inch with the above mentioned and carry it in a small day pack.

I just put a pistol together this week with a shockwave. I've been going back and forth on the law fodder.  How bout some pics

Been planning on building a 10.3" AR pistol for just that reason only since I can't keep a rifle loaded and concealed in a vehicle.  A 10.3" will still be using a carbine length gas system where anything shorter is going to require a pistol length.  Added to that I've got lots experience with the 10.3" from Uncle.


CD

HA!  Thanks.

Are y'all using a muzzle device like the claymore or STD?

If so does it significantly help the blast and pain of the short barrel AR?

Does anyone know the legal difference between a "handgun" and ar "pistol?" I have heard both sides of the story on legality of an ar pistol being concealed in a vehicle or in a bag/pack, and don't know where the law stands.

The argument, from what I understand, is that an ar "pistol" is a rifle platform that was arranged as a pistol to skirt around it being classified as a rifle. This changes the intent of the weapon, as the rifle wasn't "designed" to be configured or fired in such manner. Any clarification? Or is that too much legal jargon for anyone but a legit attorney?

For the purpose of firearms laws and carry in North Carolina handgun and pistol are the same thing. It's pretty cut and dry.

Article 53B  Firearm Regulation

While this correct and how things "should be", I did buy a lower that the FFL listed as a "handgun", not an "other firearm", on the 4473. Not what I would have preferred, but that's what the FFL did, presumably because I told him it was for a pistol build. Next time I'll just keep my mouth shut.

The true difference in the definition is a handgun is a weapon designed to be fired one-handed, or without support on the shoulder.

A pistol is a sub-category of handgun, which is semi-automatic.

A revolver is another sub-category of handgun.

Again, for legal references in NC there is no difference.  All of the  revolver, semi-auto etc monikers aren't standard definitions otherwise how would you explain dueling pistols? Don't think many were semi-auto.

Thanks, that is pretty much the clarification I was looking for.

Sorry that I muddied the waters. I thought you were looking for legal definitions as in NC statues.

My bad.