Simple question.....just wondered on an AR-15 where they measure from for legality.  

If the FH isn't attached "permanently" to the bbl, it isn't counted in the 16" minimum length, right?

I'm basically asking to find out if I could possibly shorten my bbl with an A2 FH and then "permanently" attach it by pinning and welding.....it would probably only shorten the barrel by an inch at most  (i'd guess) but might be worth it for what I've got in mind.

Thanks,
Sean

Quoted: If the FH isn't attached "permanently" to the bbl, it isn't counted in the 16" minimum length, right?

Right.

Quoted: I'm basically asking to find out if I could possibly shorten my bbl with an A2 FH and then "permanently" attach it by pinning and welding.....

Yes, you could do that.

Barrel length is measured from the bolt face to the end of the barrel. A dowel is placed down the barrel until it contacts the bolt's face and is marked right where it clears the barrel's muzzle.

Yes, a permanently-attached flash suppressor counts as barrel length. Minimum barrel length is 16". You should allow just a hair more length than that just to be safe.

Quoted: Barrel length is measured from the bolt face to the end of the barrel. A dowel is placed down the barrel until it contacts the bolt's face and is marked right where it clears the barrel's muzzle. Yes, a permanently-attached flash suppressor counts as barrel length. Minimum barrel length is 16". You should allow just a hair more length than that just to be safe.

Thanks guys....exactly what I needed to know.

'appreciate it.

Sean