I think I know the answer, but where to look for written confirmation. Say, I have a PSA pistol lower that I want to use to make a long gun with 16-inch barrel with an actual stock on it. Since this is not a NFA item, no ATF application/permit is required, correct?
Q
Posts: 28021 | Location: TEXAS | Registered: September 04, 2008
Originally posted by hrcjon: The rule is a pistol can go to a rifle and back. A rifle is always a rifle and going to a pistol is creating an SBR and you have to form1 it.
I know about going from a pistol to a SBR (NFA item) requiring Form 1. That's the law all of us know.
My question about using a pistol lower to make 16-inch barreled rifle. It's obvious that, since it's a non-NFA item, no Form 1 is needed. But, is there any other form or application you have to fill out? I say no.
And, thanks James, for confirming with a written source.
Q
Posts: 28021 | Location: TEXAS | Registered: September 04, 2008
You do not require any federal form or paperwork (NFA or otherwise) to take a pistol to a rifle. And you can go back and forth, again without any paperwork. https://www.atf.gov/firearms/q...-registering-firearm which was noted above and there is in addition the referenced ATF guidance letter as well as numerous other letters on this subject, and the underlying legal case.
“So in war, the way is to avoid what is strong, and strike at what is weak.”
Not exactly sure why that bypasses the problem? A stripped receiver is an other initially. The advantages of starting its life as a pistol are many, which include the ability to go back and forth between rifle and pistol. So I can't see why anyone would take a stripped receiver and make it a long gun initially. It makes no sense if you ever contemplate having an AR pistol -ever-.
“So in war, the way is to avoid what is strong, and strike at what is weak.”
Legally a stripped lower is an "AOW" and if you assemble it yourself there is no way for anyone to know whether you initially built it as a rifle or a pistol. If it makes you feel better, slap a pistol extension on it for 30 seconds, then remove it and make a rifle out of it. You are now fully compliant with the law.
Posts: 2541 | Location: WI | Registered: December 29, 2012