Pistol requirements?

[RampantScot]

what are the requirements for it to be legaly a pistol? can you take an AMD65 build and turn it into a pitol legaly?

[SLAMFIRE51]

The only requirements are that AK pistols are legal in the state, county, and city where you reside, and that the rear (trunnion) tang, CANNOT in any way accept a stock of any description. NO forward grip of any configuration.
No US made parts required.

AMD's kits make excellent pistols, especially if you are not planning on shortning the barrel less than the 12.5" barrel AMD-65's come with.

[Punk]

I believe the three federal requirements are; the receiver can never have been built into a rifle, it can't have a butt stock or ability to readily accept a butt stock, it can't have a forward pistol grip.

advantages are that the barrel can be as short as you like, and there is no 10 foreign parts max rule.

you should check your state and local laws also as they may be more restrictive.

[SLAMFIRE51]

I believe the three federal requirements are; the receiver can never have been built into a rifle, it can't have a butt stock or ability to readily accept a butt stock, it can't have a forward pistol grip.

advantages are that the barrel can be as short as you like, and there is no 10 foreign parts max rule.

you should check your state and local laws also as they may be more restrictive.

OOPS, forgot the VIRGIN receiver thingy.

[Punk]

slamfire beat me to it.

[RampantScot]

Sorry for my ignorance but how do I find out about the local laws?
I am very interested in building a AMD65 into a pistol. I have a OOW and a Arsenal reciever. Where can I get wood for the front to replace the front pistol grip?

[Punk]

The "for sale" section of this board is good place to get your furniture. If you want an upper hand guard, the easiest way probably, is to get a normal AK gas tube and cut it to length and flare the end. All the usual AK parts vendors would have the stuff you need if you can't find a private seller.

As for your local laws, ?, I am not aware of PA laws restricting you from making an AK pistol. PA is one of the free states isn't it ( firearm ID card or something required though?)?

For instance, here in IL it's fine as long as you have your FOID card (required for any firearm or ammo) and don't live in Chicago or a few other commie infested cities. That's the kind of thing you need to look for. Maybe your state govt or state police websites have info.

[RampantScot]

Pa gun laws are very good for now...
the biggest issue is I do not know what grips i need?

[Punk]

Cheapest way is to not buy any, just use the one that came with the kit for the trigger hand and remove the forward grip so your just left with the metal shroud for a lower handgaurd. You'll have a bare gase tube though.

If you want different furniture then any standard AK furniture for a stamped receiver will work, and get a standard length gas tube as well so you can mount the upper hand guard. Look in the BIY forums for a lot more info on all this stuff.

[bushman2]

Could you register it as a SBR later and add a stock?

JEFF :ak:

[SLAMFIRE51]

Could you register it as a SBR later and add a stock?

JEFF :ak:

Jeff,
I'm not absolutely sure it could be converted to a SBR since the receiver is registered as a pistol. If a forward grip were attached then it could be registered as a AOW.
If the receiver were registered as a rifle to begin with, then I would say yes.

[DrDremel]

I don't see any law saying that the rear trunnion cannot be capable of accepting a stock. There are AR15 pistols that could accept a stock, Lugers with stock tangs, Browning Hi-powers with Stock tangs, Glocks can accept a stock. As long as you don't actually put a stock on it it is OK.

[Optimus Prime]

So one can put a rail system on for furniture and be safe as long as they don't *cough*cough* install a forward grip to that rail?

[drarbo1]

Hello,
I'm new. I wanted to know if the requirement for the pistol to not accept a buttstock applies only to this AK or AR pistols, or to all pistols in general. I wonder because I have an old Hi Power w/ the slot cut into the frame to accept a buttstock. Also, I've seen a mod to add a buttstock to a 1911 .45. So, would I be illegal getting and using a buttstock on my Hi Power? See where I'm going w/ this?
Anyway, just wondering.

[cphilip]

I believe... you can make a Rifle out of a pistol but not the other way around. So you should be able to SBR it (AOW?)

The whole "what is readily attachable" thing is a real grey area.

[CommonwealthKid]

For state gun laws try the NRA-ILA website and click on "Gun Laws" in the menu.

So one can put a rail system on for furniture and be safe as long as they don't *cough*cough* install a forward grip to that rail?


You could put a front strap on ala Ingram Macs.