At what length is a rifle considered a pistol?

A firearm, as defined by 26 U.S.C. 5845(a)(4), is made when a handgun or other weapon with an overall length of less than 26 inches, or a barrel or barrels of less than 16 inches in length, is assembled or produced from a weapon originally assembled or produced only as a rifle.

How does the ATF measure barrel length?

The ATF procedure for measuring barrel length is to measure from the closed bolt (or breech-face) to the furthermost end of the barrel or permanently attached muzzle device. Barrels are measured by inserting a dowel rod into the barrel until the rod stops against the bolt or breech-face.

Is a 10.5 inch barrel a pistol?

Pistol barrel sizes are usually 7 inches or 10.5 inches, which gives the shooter a vast amount of flexibility in close-quarters shooting, making this a great home defense firearm. It also saves on storage and transportation due to its small size. Keep in mind, this is how federal law applies to AR pistols.

What makes an AR pistol not a rifle?

To qualify as a rifle, a firearm must have a barrel length of at least 16” and an overall length of at least 26”. If either of these dimensions falls short, you have a short-barreled rifle. In practical terms, that shoulder stock is the only thing that differentiates an AR-15 pistol from a short-barreled rifle.

How long does a barrel have to be to be considered a rifle?

16-inch
According to the NFA of 1934, barrel length dictates what firearm is considered a rifle, pistol, or “Any Other Weapon.” To satisfy the legal definition of a rifle, a 16-inch barrel is required. When paired with a stock, all-in-all, your rifle should be 26 inches.

What length is considered a rifle?

A rifle is subject to the NFA only if the rifle has a barrel or barrels of less than 16 inches in length. A weapon made from a rifle is also a firearm subject to the NFA if the weapon as modified has an overall length of less than 26 inches or a barrel or barrels of less than 16 inches in length.

What is Max length for AR pistol?

Per ATF guidelines, AR pistols equipped with braces may not have a length of pull longer than 13.5 inches — in other words, at full extension, the distance between the trigger and the rear edge of the brace cannot exceed 13.5 inches.

What is a good AR pistol length?

The 16″ length is the most common AR-15 barrel length sold today. It doesn’t do anything particularly better than other options, but it has good all-around performance.

What is the maximum length a pistol can be?

“An OAL greater than 26 inches [has the potential to change] the classification of pistol to firearm. Firearms in excess of 26 inches OAL may have vertical grips installed and remain non-NFA. Pistols with vertical grips installed sub-26 inches OAL [can be] considered AOW and are subject to the NFA,” Jeff said.

Can you turn a pistol into a SBR?

With approval and engraving requirements met, you can now legally convert your AR pistol into an SBR rifle by installing your stock, or otherwise completing your build if you haven’t already. You can even just keep your existing AR pistol brace installed if you want to since you’re legal either way at this point.