How Long Can Your AR-15 Barrel Be?

Since the 1930s, gun laws have controlled a lot about how we purchase and own firearms. Depending on the 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, it 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 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 one SBRper 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 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!