Quick question on AR pistol length

[Damn_Yankee]

How is the overall length measurement supposed to be taken? From the end of the muzzle device or the end of the barrel not considering the muzzle device?

 

[Pinky787]

I believe it is not considering muzzle device unless it's pinned and welded to the barrel

 

[BigWaylon]

The current way to do it is to not include any muzzle device that’s not permanently attached, and to remove any brace and measure to the end of the buffer tube…or if there’s a folding adapter you have to fold it.

That’s the same way an SBR is measured in regards to the muzzle device, but the opposite when it comes to the other end of the firearm. SBRs are measured with stocks fully extended and any folding adapter deployed in the firing position.

If you were just asking about barrel length, then it’s the “only if perm attached” method.

 

[DrScaryGuy]

But what if your rifle has a different buffer system like an AR18 and doesn't actually need a stock to fire?
that one has always bothered me. I don't wanna say that the current method is arbitrary, bur...

 

[BigWaylon]

But what if your rifle has a different buffer system like an AR18 and doesn't actually need a stock to fire?
that one has always bothered me. I don't wanna say that the current method is arbitrary, bur...

That’s because a rifle, by definition, is designed to be fired from the shoulder…so the stock is part of the design. Has nothing to do with the functionality.

For example, even if an AR pistol can’t fire when folded (I think some can, some can’t), it’s measured folded because it can be concealed.

 

[DrScaryGuy]

That’s because a rifle, by definition, is designed to be fired from the shoulder…so the stock is part of the design. Has nothing to do with the functionality.

For example, even if an AR pistol can’t fire when folded (I think some can, some can’t), it’s measured folded because it can be concealed.

and yet, the exact same setup with a stock instead of a brace is measured wit the stock extended, and will likely be SBR.
arbitrary.

 

[Damn_Yankee]

The current way to do it is to not include any muzzle device that’s not permanently attached, and to remove any brace and measure to the end of the buffer tube…or if there’s a folding adapter you have to fold it.

That’s the same way an SBR is measured in regards to the muzzle device, but the opposite when it comes to the other end of the firearm. SBRs are measured with stocks fully extended and any folding adapter deployed in the firing position.

If you were just asking about barrel length, then it’s the “only if perm attached” method.

So if my shockwave is attached and extended and the measured length, including the brace is 28", that's good to go?

 

[BigWaylon]

So if my shockwave is attached and extended and the measured length, including the brace is 28", that's good to go?

Not at all. This is what I said:

The current way to do it is to not include any muzzle device that’s not permanently attached, and to remove any brace and measure to the end of the buffer tube…or if there’s a folding adapter you have to fold it.

And what exactly are you trying to be GTG for?

 

[Damn_Yankee]

Not at all. This is what I said:

The current way to do it is to not include any muzzle device that’s not permanently attached, and to remove any brace and measure to the end of the buffer tube…or if there’s a folding adapter you have to fold it.

And what exactly are you trying to be GTG for?

I guess I'm trying to wrap my head around the whole measurement thing and I'm just too dense to get it. My pistol pictured measures just at 25” from where I believe the threads end on the barrel to the end of the buffer tube. Once I install the brace and set it where it feels comfortable the measurement becomes 27”-28” to the end of the brace. My question is which measurement is .gov concerned with?

 

[BigWaylon]

I guess I'm trying to wrap my head around the whole measurement thing and I'm just too dense to get it. My pistol pictured measures just at 25” from where I believe the threads end on the barrel to the end of the buffer tube. Once I install the brace and set it where it feels comfortable the measurement becomes 27”-28” to the end of the brace. My question is which measurement is .gov concerned with?

View attachment 499036

Why do you think the .gov is concerned with the length? There’s is no federal law regarding max/min length of a pistol. The only area to avoid is adding a VFG if the pistol’s OAL is <26”.

But I’ll go ahead and say it for the 3rd time…the brace has to be removed before measuring OAL on a pistol. 😝

So based on your info, that one is 25”.

 

[Damn_Yankee]

Why do you think the .gov is concerned with the length? There’s is no federal law regarding max/min length of a pistol. The only area to avoid is adding a VFG if the pistol’s OAL is <26”.

But I’ll go ahead and say it for the 3rd time…the brace has to be removed before measuring OAL on a pistol. 😝

So based on your info, that one is 25”.

Told you I am dense, lol. I appreciate your response and patience. Thanks.

 

[BigWaylon]

Told you I am dense, lol. I appreciate your response and patience. Thanks.

Don’t worry too much. That was a semi-recent change from a couple years ago. Just wait it out, and it’ll be different. 🤣🤣

 

[Damn_Yankee]

Don’t worry too much. That was a semi-recent change from a couple years ago. Just wait it out, and it’ll be different. 🤣🤣

Of course it will. Probably easier just to stick with a rifle, lol.

 

[DrScaryGuy]

Of course it will. Probably easier just to stick with a rifle, lol.

but remember to build it as a pistol first, so that you can convert to a rifle and then back to a pistol if you want.
don't build as a rifle first because then you're stuck with a rifle forever according to the NFA.