In order to participate in the GunBroker Member forums, you must be logged in with your GunBroker.com account. Click the sign-in button at the top right of the forums page to get connected.

ar lower

44mutley44mutley Member Posts: 108 ✭✭
edited July 2014 in Ask the Experts
bought a new in box sereal numbered ar stripped lower at a garage sale
would it be legal to make a pistol out of it, thanks

Comments

  • 44mutley44mutley Member Posts: 108 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    I'm looking to buy an AR 15. Don't know allot about this type of rifle so here is the question.
    When advertising lowers for sale, some times sellers will say "multi caliber" Does this mean that all lowers are capable of shooting all calibers offered in to rifle? Will all upper calibers work on the same lower?


    nube [:o)]
  • MobuckMobuck Member Posts: 14,124 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Considering the "gotcha" mentality of current enforcement folks, I wouldn't.
    First, you've already skirted the paper trail proving it had never been a rifle(or sold AS a rifle part on 4473).
    Second, is the potential risk worth $100(the cost of a new lower that you know is legal).
  • GeriGeri Member Posts: 2,100 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Isn't a lower considered as a "other" on the 4473 form?
  • beantownshootahbeantownshootah Member Posts: 12,776 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by 44mutley
    bought a new in box sereal numbered ar stripped lower at a garage sale
    would it be legal to make a pistol out of it, thanks

    I think it depends on how the receiver was classified at the time of its original sale/manufacture. Don't know if there is a way for you to check that, but it was likely called a "rifle".

    Realistically, the chance of you ever actually being called out for building a pistol on a rifle receiver is extremely small, but if you do the potential penalty is HIGH.

    As Mobuck says, new AR-15 receivers can be had for under $100 all day long, and sometimes on sale for less ($85-90). Perfectly functional but cosmetically challenged "blem" ones can sometimes be had for as little as $50.

    So, IMO, with the cost of a receiver so low, there is no reason to take a chance on something like this.

    Don't know what you paid for this one, but for another few bucks you can build a pistol AR the "right" way and avoid any worry or possible future hassle.


    Kevd18:
    quote:i agree with beantown. a hundred dollars is super cheap insurance against violation of the nfa. I wouldn't even consider making a pistol out of an unknown ar receiver.

    FWIW, blem AR-15 receivers are on sale right now at Palmetto State Armory for $50 each. Even with shipping and FFL transfer cost, you still may be able to get one in your hands for under $100 total.

    Also, depending on whom you know or who want to find, you may well be able to swap your yard-sale AR receiver it for a different pistol-proper at little cost. If your receiver is a desirable make, you might even make a swap like this at no cost at all, or even possibly be AHEAD of the game.

    Of course if you don't want to do a trade, you could always sell this AR receiver and put the money towards a "clean" one.

    Bottom line, $100 is probably a realistic MAXIMUM you'd need to spend to get into a proper pistol-registered receiver, and I think you can probably do it for quite a bit less.
  • Horse Plains DrifterHorse Plains Drifter Forums Admins, Member, Moderator Posts: 40,161 ***** Forums Admin
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by Geri
    Isn't a lower considered as a "other" on the 4473 form?
    Yes, I recently purchased two, and that's how they were listed.
  • mango tangomango tango Member Posts: 3,833 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    I believe the lower must have "PISTOL" engraved into it.
  • MobuckMobuck Member Posts: 14,124 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    "I believe the lower must have "PISTOL" engraved into it."
    Not anymore. I have one that is stamped "pistol" that's set up as my "bedside" AR with 11.5" barrel and other goodies-AimPoint, light, laser, but no EVIL vertical fore grip.
    I don't remember when the change was made but the current 4473 has section for "other". If your lower was originally purchased several years ago and was not specifically listed as "handgun", it is a rifle.
  • TxsTxs Member Posts: 17,809 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    If an FFL buys a virgin, bare lower from an individual how does he know what to classify it as when he sells it?
  • KEVD18KEVD18 Member Posts: 15,037
    edited November -1
    it is all going to come down to the ORIGINAL transfer. if it is papered as a pistol or other, its fine. if its papered as a rifle, then no you cant make a pistol from it. ever.

    i agree with beantown. a hundred dollars is super cheap insurance against violation of the nfa. I wouldn't even consider making a pistol out of an unknown ar receiver.
  • buffdawg69buffdawg69 Member Posts: 6 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    Lets say you bought a stripped lower, and you asked the fll to reg it as a pistol, or "other" and not rifle. That was a few years ago. Now, i am wondering what this guy is asking, or i think he is asking. Where does a guy find out how the lower was first "papered". Lets say in my case the ffl dealer were brothers that couldnt get along and dont have the store anymore.
  • 44mutley44mutley Member Posts: 108 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    got a hold of the company that made the lower, they said it was shipped and sold last year as just a " lower receiver"
Sign In or Register to comment.