Quoted:
It can't have:
- handguards/heatshields/forward grips
- flash suppressor/threaded barrel
- bayo lug
- stock
and the complete pistol must weigh less than 50oz. Even with the Kevlar lower, this last requirement prevents you from using standard upper parts.
-Troy
View Quote
Troy, you're partially correct and partially incorrect.
The assault weapons ban, as it pertains to [b][u]pistols[/u][/b], does [i]not[/i] ban bayonet lugs, flash suppressors, or forward grips.
It does ban threading of the barrel. Thus, if you do want a flash suppressor, it must be permanently pinned and welded onto the barrel. Bayonet lugs aren't even mentioned; if you want one go right ahead. (With one caveat; it's USELESS and only adds to the 50oz. limit. So, I'd recommend milling it off anyway.) As to forward grips, it does [b]not[/b] ban them; however, it does ban heat shields that fully or partially encircle the barrel (ie. Normal AR-15 handguards).
A forward pistol grip turns the pistol into a two-gripped pistol. A pistol with no grips or more than one grip is an AOW; an "any other weapon." It's a NFA item and is subject to a $5 transfer tax.
AOW's are NOT subject to the assault weapons bill. Thus, if you register the lower as an AOW with the BATF and then add a forward grip, you can do whatever you want and forget the above restrictions.
An AOW only has two major restrictions; it can't ever be given a stock (then it's an unregistered short-barreled rifle) or made into a machinegun (then it's an unregistered machinegun) [i]unless[/i] you convert it to being a machinegun by using a registered drop-in-auto-sear or a registered lightning link. If you drop in either of those two conversion parts, then do whatever you want.
But, that's beyond the scope of an AR-15 pistol. [:D]
Oh, and for that 50 oz weight limit... That's UNLOADED and WITHOUT a mag inserted. My advice is to forget the bayonet lug (that's an ounce right there) and search for the lightest weight (but quality) internal parts you can find. If Hesse makes polymer/kevlar AR-15 internals, you may want to look into that.
Good luck!