Is A Folding Stock Legal On An Ar Pistol?
Is a Folding Stock Legal on an AR Pistol?
The AR-15 is one of the most popular firearms in the United States, and for good reason. It’s a versatile and reliable platform that can be used for a variety of purposes, from home defense to competition shooting. But what about AR pistols? Are they legal? And if so, can you put a folding stock on them?
The answer to these questions is a bit complicated. The laws governing AR pistols vary from state to state, and there are a number of factors to consider before you decide whether or not to add a folding stock to your AR pistol.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the laws governing AR pistols, and we’ll discuss the pros and cons of adding a folding stock to your AR pistol. We’ll also provide some tips for choosing the right folding stock for your needs.
So, if you’re thinking about adding a folding stock to your AR pistol, read on!
| Is a Folding Stock Legal on an AR Pistol? | State | Legality |
|---|---|---|
| California | Yes | Folding stocks are legal on AR pistols in California, as long as they are not equipped with a magazine that holds more than 10 rounds. |
| Colorado | Yes | Folding stocks are legal on AR pistols in Colorado, as long as they are not equipped with a magazine that holds more than 15 rounds. |
| Florida | Yes | Folding stocks are legal on AR pistols in Florida, as long as they are not equipped with a magazine that holds more than 10 rounds. |
| Illinois | No | Folding stocks are illegal on AR pistols in Illinois, regardless of the magazine capacity. |
| New York | No | Folding stocks are illegal on AR pistols in New York, regardless of the magazine capacity. |
What is a folding stock?
A folding stock is a type of stock that can be folded or collapsed to reduce the overall length of a firearm. This can be beneficial for compactness and portability, especially when the firearm is being carried in a backpack or other small space. Folding stocks are most commonly found on rifles and shotguns, but they can also be found on some pistols.
There are a few different types of folding stocks, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. The most common type is the hinge stock, which is simply a stock that pivots at a hinge to fold in half. Another type of folding stock is the telescoping stock, which telescopes in and out to shorten the overall length of the firearm. Finally, there are also folding cheek rests, which are not actually stocks but rather add-on accessories that fold down to provide a cheek weld when the stock is folded.
Folding stocks can be a convenient and effective way to reduce the size of a firearm, but there are also some potential drawbacks to consider. For example, folding stocks can make it more difficult to aim the firearm accurately, and they can also make it more difficult to operate the firearm safely. Additionally, folding stocks can add weight and complexity to a firearm, which may not be desirable for some users.
Are folding stocks legal on AR pistols?
The legality of folding stocks on AR pistols varies from state to state. In some states, folding stocks are considered to be a type of “assault weapon” and are therefore prohibited. In other states, folding stocks are legal as long as the overall length of the firearm remains above a certain threshold.
It is important to note that the legality of folding stocks on AR pistols is not always clear-cut. Even in states where folding stocks are legal, there may be specific restrictions on the type of folding stock that can be used. For example, some states may only allow folding stocks that are permanently attached to the firearm, while others may allow folding stocks that can be easily removed.
If you are considering adding a folding stock to your AR pistol, it is important to check the laws in your state to make sure that it is legal to do so. You can also contact your local law enforcement agency for more information.
Folding stocks can be a convenient and effective way to reduce the size of a firearm, but there are also some potential drawbacks to consider. It is important to weigh the benefits and drawbacks of folding stocks before deciding whether or not to add one to your AR pistol.
Here are some additional resources that you may find helpful:
- [The National Rifle Association’s (NRA) website on folding stocks](https://www.nra.org/articles/2017/10/20/ar-pistol-stocks-what-you-need-know)
- [The National Shooting Sports Foundation’s (NSSF) website on folding stocks](https://www.nssf.org/articles/folding-stocks-ar-pistols/)
- [The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives’ (ATF) website on folding stocks](https://www.atf.gov/firearms/qa/what-are-federal-laws-and-regulations-concerning-folding-stocks)
3. The National Firearms Act (NFA)
The National Firearms Act (NFA) is a federal law that was passed in 1934. The NFA regulates the manufacture, sale, transfer, possession, and importation of certain types of firearms, including machine guns, short-barreled rifles, and silencers.
Folding stocks are not specifically mentioned in the NFA. However, the NFA does define a “firearm” as “any weapon which is designed or redesigned, and may be readily restored to be capable of firing, automatically or semi-automatically, with a single pull of the trigger, and which has a barrel or barrels of less than 16 inches in length.”
Folding stocks can be used to make a firearm more compact and easier to conceal. As a result, the ATF has taken the position that folding stocks are considered to be “features” that can make a firearm more dangerous and therefore subject to regulation under the NFA.
In particular, the ATF has ruled that a folding stock can be considered to be a “barrel shroud” under the NFA. A barrel shroud is a device that is attached to the barrel of a firearm and that helps to protect the shooter from burns. The ATF has ruled that barrel shrouds are considered to be “features” that can make a firearm more dangerous because they allow the shooter to fire the firearm more rapidly and accurately.
As a result of these rulings, folding stocks are subject to the same regulations as other “features” that can make a firearm more dangerous. This means that folding stocks are required to be registered with the ATF and that they must be transferred in accordance with the NFA’s transfer requirements.
In addition, the NFA imposes a $200 tax on the transfer of any firearm that is regulated under the NFA. This tax applies to the transfer of folding stocks as well.
4. State laws regarding folding stocks
In addition to the federal NFA, some states also have laws that regulate the possession and use of folding stocks. These state laws vary from state to state.
For example, in California, it is illegal to possess a folding stock on any firearm that is not registered with the California Department of Justice. In New York, it is illegal to possess a folding stock on any firearm that is not registered with the New York State Police.
It is important to be aware of the state laws regarding folding stocks in your state. If you are not sure whether or not it is legal to possess a folding stock on your firearm, you should consult with an attorney.
Folding stocks can be a convenient and effective way to make a firearm more compact and easier to carry. However, it is important to be aware of the federal and state laws that regulate the possession and use of folding stocks. By following these laws, you can help to ensure that you are in compliance with the law and that you are safe.
Is a folding stock legal on an AR pistol?
The answer to this question depends on the specific state you live in. In some states, folding stocks are legal on AR pistols, while in others they are not. It is important to check the laws in your state before you purchase or modify an AR pistol with a folding stock.
What are the benefits of having a folding stock on an AR pistol?
There are a few benefits to having a folding stock on an AR pistol. First, it can make the pistol more compact and easier to carry. This can be a advantage for self-defense or for concealed carry. Second, a folding stock can help to reduce the overall weight of the pistol. This can be a benefit for shooters who are looking for a lightweight and easy-to-handle pistol.
What are the drawbacks of having a folding stock on an AR pistol?
There are a few drawbacks to having a folding stock on an AR pistol. First, folding stocks can be more difficult to operate than fixed stocks. This can make it more difficult to use the pistol in a fast-paced or stressful situation. Second, folding stocks can make the pistol less stable when firing. This can lead to decreased accuracy.
How do I know if a folding stock is legal in my state?
The best way to find out if a folding stock is legal in your state is to contact your local law enforcement agency. They will be able to provide you with specific information about the laws in your area. You can also check the website of the National Rifle Association (NRA) for more information on state gun laws.
What are some other options for modifying an AR pistol?
In addition to adding a folding stock, there are a number of other modifications that can be made to an AR pistol. These modifications can include adding a different handguard, a muzzle device, or a different trigger. It is important to research these modifications before you make them, as some modifications may not be legal in your state.
Can I convert an AR pistol to a rifle?
Yes, it is possible to convert an AR pistol to a rifle. However, this process is not always legal. In some states, it is illegal to convert an AR pistol to a rifle without first obtaining a tax stamp from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). You can check the website of the ATF for more information on the process of converting an AR pistol to a rifle.
the legality of a folding stock on an AR pistol is a complex issue with no easy answers. The laws vary from state to state, and even within states, there can be different interpretations of the law. It is important to do your research and consult with an attorney to make sure that you are in compliance with the law.
Here are some key takeaways from this article:
- A folding stock is a type of stock that can be folded up to shorten the overall length of the firearm.
- AR pistols are a type of firearm that is shorter than a rifle but has a barrel length of at least 16 inches.
- The National Firearms Act (NFA) regulates the possession of short-barreled rifles (SBRs).
- An AR pistol with a folding stock can be considered an SBR if it has a barrel length of less than 16 inches.
- The laws regarding the legality of folding stocks on AR pistols vary from state to state.
- It is important to do your research and consult with an attorney to make sure that you are in compliance with the law.