The AR-15 Pistol : Why Bother?
The AR-15 industry is always changing. With new trends and gear to keep buyers and DIYers looking for more, it’s no surprise that the AR-15 platform itself would also go through some immense changes. One of these changes is expressed in the AR-15 pistol platform. Let’s dig a little deeper into what gives this firearm its and what doesn’t
Why is it called a pistol?
The AR-15, in all its glory, is a rifle and carbine platform. It’s already a generally compact firearm, and especially during its conception, was up against the long rifles of The Cold War and WW2: The M1 Garand and the M14.
The legalities that go into what gives the AR-15 pistol its name predate these rifles, with the National Firearms Act of 1934. This industry changing piece of legislation laid the groundwork for what could legally be defined as a rifle, pistol or Any Other Weapon(AOW).
In order for any firearm to be deemed a pistol, it must have a barrel length under 16 inches, must be without a stock, and a few other accessories that might qualify for the AOW or Short Barreled Rifle category. If it classifies as an AOW, then a Title II tax stamp is required in order to legally own it.
And that really sets up the foundation for the AR-15 pistol. It’s a way to use the platform in its most compact form without requiring a tax stamp to own.
Per a natural course of events, a lot of debate has sprung up regarding the accessories of the AR-15 pistol, as well as their legitimacy in being their in regards to the NFA. The debates have been mostly perpetuated by the idea of the “pistol brace,” a design for the pistol which has the ability to be shouldered.
However, with multiple letters from the ATF either confusing or clarifying the debate, it is at this point legal to shoulder a brace for the idea that it cannot be deemed a rifle simply because it can be shouldered. Either way, be sure you know if the accessories you are using are legal to use with an AR-15 pistol.
What’s Good About the AR-15 Pistol?
The AR-15 pistol wouldn’t be much if it wasn’t popular. So besides skipping a tax stamp, what is the platform’s real appeal? Well one thing for sure, its compactness makes it much more maneuverable, and along with the .223/5.56 round, it is a great option for home defense without posing a big threat to anyone but the attacker.
One thing many do not consider about the AR-15 pistol is that it is legally a pistol. And while that may seem counter-intuitive, since they are generally more regulated than pistols, it is a viable option for vehicle defense. Generally, rifles are illegal to have in a vehicle without the firearm being loaded, however, for the pistol variant, it is legal to have in a vehicle while loaded, making it a great option with a little more bang than its 9mm counterpart.
What can’t it do?
Well there isn’t much the AR-15 pistol can’t do. In fact it will do what it’s designed to do. However, because you are changing a platform that was designed to be a rifle carbine, there are some things that would be considered drawbacks:
Muzzle blasts
The AR-15 pistol has a significantly shorter barrel length, and this creates a lot of muzzle blast because the powder from the cartridge cannot fully brun up inside the barrel This might create a flash of flame either bigger or smaller depending on the type of powder the cartridge uses.
It is slower
Because it is a shorter barrel length, a lot of wound up time is lost when firing. The max range of the firearm will be severely reduced, as well as the velocity of the travelling round.
It is less durable
The shortened barrel and constant firing will do a number on the gas system which is not really designed for the cartridge. You have to remember that everything about the AR-15 was proposed around the round it fires. Changing the platform can pose some challenges when executed. But that doesn’t make it a wall hanger.
The AR-15 pistol is great for what is: a variant of a platform made famous for its customization, light weight, and maneuverability. And the pistol does capitalize on the dexterity required to handle it.However, you sacrifice performance for handling. As with most if not all firearms, it is simply a matter of sacrificing and changing for the features you need.
Get your AR-15 pistol kit from Thunder Tactical!
Why You should get into AR-15 Hunting
Becoming an evermore common rifle among the hunting community, the AR-15 platform has paved the way for a new and easier way of hunting. While the caliber of your round is often decided by the kind of firearm you choose, the AR-15’s modular platform cann allow you to pursue whatever kind of hunting you want. If you are considering any kind of rifle for your next adventure in the woods, consider the AR-15.
What is the general appeal of the AR-15?
The AR-15 has a long history of being everything its owner wants. Its platform allows for a deep level of customization, down to the roots of your rifle. It is easily chambered in a variety of calibers with different barrel lengths, and accessories. Almost all of its components are interchangeable so you can really work on the firearm that is best for you.
The platform is lightweight, and highly maneuverable. The AR-15 is a rifle carbine, meaning its not your average long gun. It is lighter to handle, and
Why the AR-15 platform is great.
The standard AR-15 is chambered in .223/5.56. However, with its amazingly modular design, we are looking at a caliber range from.22LR to .50 Beowulf. While the .223/5.56 calibers will help you through most of your hunting game, it is definitely not a viable option for Big Game hunting. While the .223 is the most common round for the platform, it is generally seen as a varmint hunting round and defense round whereas, the AR-10 is more looked for in the big game.
That is where the AR-10 comes in, a slightly more bulky variation of the AR-15 platform which allows for bigger calibers. One of the most common calibers is the .308 win round which is a classic round for hunting deer and elk. You can even go for the famed 6.5 Creedmoor for even more blasting power.
Hunting takes patience, motivation, and the right firearm. The AR-15 is one of the best options for hunting all around. Whether its small game hunting to big game hunting, you can rest assured knowing that the platform has something for you.
Looking to hunt for your next big game? You can visit Thunder Tactical to start your AR-15 hunting journey today. If you need more hunting related information you can visit this online hunting forum to connect with expert hunters, like minded people and learn hunting related information for free.
How Long Can your AR-15 Barrel Be?
Since the 1930s, gun laws have controlled a lot about how we purchase and own firearms. Dictating what size, attachments, and actions we can display on our firearms, there is a lot to know when it comes to what you can and can’t legally do. And when it comes to the AR-15 platform, which has experienced a lot of controversy since its conception, is one such firearm that has been tasked with finding ways around these laws while still being a viable option for consumers. Here are some of the laws and solutions you can use to be within your legal rights to own the firearm you want.
Note: Please always be aware of your state’s regulations on firearms.
What size barrel length can I legally have on my AR platform?
The AR comes with many different barrel sizes and shapes. While they are all legal to some degree, there are still some areas you need to know about before executing your plan.
The NFA of 1934 defines what can be legally considered a rifle, a pistol, and Any Other Weapon. A rifle must have a barrel length over 16 inches, as well as a stock, with a total length of 26 inches. A pistol must have a barrel length of under 16 inches and does not have an overall measurement. However, it must not have a stock as well as some attachments, like vertical grips.
It is also illegal to modify a firearm that was intended either to be a rifle or a pistol.
The Title II Tax Stamp
If you don’t want to worry about the barrel length of your AR-15, you can apply for the Title II tax stamp with a lump sum of cash, and you will be able to own a firearm with a barrel length under 16 inches. It will then be classified as an SBR or Short Barreled Rifle. The only downside to this is that you may only own 1 SBR per tax stamp, meaning that your firearm will not only be traceable to the federal government, but you must also reapply and pay again for another firearm.
How to Avoid the Tax Stamp Legally.
The great thing about the AR platform is its ability to be modified. That’s also the reason it is the most notorious firearm to date. If you want to get past the SBR tax stamp, you can either buy or build for yourself, an AR pistol. They have the smaller barrels and remain within your rights to own without a tax stamp, and the many pistol brace designs out there are designed to aid aim, but are also capable of being shouldered.
Visit Thunder Tactical for your AR-15 build kit!
