AR Pistol Question-Pistol to Rifle to Pistol?

spockrock

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Just got my first AR pistol with an SBA3 brace. Now I see why these are so popular. I think I already now the answer to this question, but wanted some more opinions:

So with my pistol lower, the SBA3 is on a standard mil spec tube. Were I to remove the brace, attach an upper with a 16” or longer barrel and attach a stock to configure them “firearm” into a rifle, it’s my understanding that is OK, right? Also, we’re I to then, using the same lower, take off the stock, reattach the brace and add back an upper 16” or shorter, that is also legal, since my original configuration of the gun is and will always be considered a “pistol”?

My thoughts are yes to both, since my lower with SBA3 was originally transferred to me as “other.” I then added a pistol upper to make it into a complete “pistol.” Because I have made it into a pistol originally, as long as I do not attach a stock while an upper less than 16” is attached, I’m legal, but if I wanted to, I am able to add a stock IF I am using the lower with a non-NFA upper.

Everyone agree? Thoughts?
 
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Yes. Just make sure you don’t have the stock and short upper on at the same time while reconfiguring.

(Or if you do it in the wrong order, don’t take a pic and post it) :cool:


...and it doesn’t matter what it transferred as. It matters how it was configured when it was transferred. The difference being if the FFL marked “handgun” or “long gun” because they didn’t know any better (maybe because it had an SBA3 or a stock), and you didn’t catch it, that doesn’t change the fact it was an “other firearm” at the time of transfer.
 
If you do post photos with it configured in the wrong way, be sure to have lots of $100 bills and zip bags of confectionery sugar near it.
 
...and it doesn’t matter what it transferred as. It matters how it was configured when it was transferred. The difference being if the FFL marked “handgun” or “long gun” because they didn’t know any better (maybe because it had an SBA3 or a stock), and you didn’t catch it, that doesn’t change the fact it was an “other firearm” at the time of transfer.

I always wonder about this one. How does this work for stripped lowers? Can it be configured any way I choose (not including NFA items)? If I first configure it as a rifle is it always a rifle or can I change it to a pistol and back again if I choose? Thanks.
 
I always wonder about this one. How does this work for stripped lowers? Can it be configured any way I choose (not including NFA items)? If I first configure it as a rifle is it always a rifle or can I change it to a pistol and back again if I choose? Thanks.
It doesn’t matter if it’s stripped or complete. They’re all “other firearms”. Doesn’t matter if there’s a stock or brace when it’s transferred...it’s still an “other”. (This will be different in some states, but not ours)

You must build it as a pistol first.

Pistol->Rifle->Pistol is bueno.
Rifle->Pistol is no bueno.
 
Meant to add/clarify...

If you buy a complete lower with a stock, whether it’s advertised as a “complete lower” or “complete rifle lower”, it’s not a rifle until there’s a barreled upper on it.

So you can order it, it should be transferred as an “other firearm” (again, it is one no matter what box is checked), and you could remove the stock, attach an upper, and you’ve initially built a pistol...which can then change to a rifle and back to a pistol.
 
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