Posted: 5/18/2010 11:46:51 AM EDT
| I want to buy a Pistol AR 15 stripped lower. Does the lower have to be stamped PISTOL? or can I just tell the dealer I want it to be registered as a pistol? |
|
There is no statutory requirement* for it to be marked "pistol," or even sold as a "pistol" for that matter (as long as it's never had a stock) –– but it sure couldn't hurt. Yes, I know the burden of proof is on the prosecution, but I don't like unnecessary chances so I had my stripped lower NICS-checked as a "handgun" (back before there was an option on the form for a stripped receiver) and I had it engraved "AR Pistol" before I ever assembled it. Necessary? Nope. But it made me feel better about it, so I did it. Now that there are manufacturers selling dedicated/marked AR pistol receivers, I would go that route if I did it again. YMMV. * THAT I KNOW OF! There may be some state-specific statute I've never heard of but, if such exists, I seriously doubt it would be in God's very own Texas!  |
| Hardshell is spot-on. No requirement to be stamped "pistol" (just to make mfgr's extra $$). However in some states it must be registered as a pistol (per state law). Otherwise if its transferred as "other" or "receiver" your GTG. If your FFL transfers it as a rifle your SOL :( (allthough they should know better - but some don't). Thats why is always better to by a NEW receiver - if someone sold you a used/new receiver you cant be sure what was done with it. The important thing is NEVER put a stock on it, NEVER take a PHOTO with a stock on it (just to see how it looks) and VFG is a No No (AOW). |
|
There IS a forum dedicated to the subject....
http://www.ar15.com/forums/forum.html?b=3&f=122 |