ar pistol barrel length

[Russl]

I am planning to build a AR pistol in the not to distant future and I am wondering how long of a barrel I can put on it.
Russ

[Quads]

10.5" with a pistol buffer tube and removable flash hider sneaks in under 26"OAL.

[Michaelk]

10.5 will also keep it just under 26” to the end of the barrel when using a SBPDW or SBA3 arm brace.

[Quads]

The brace isn't part of the measurement. End of barrel to end of buffer tube. The shortest operable configuration.

[HighLiner]

If you are ever in the position of being questioned, are they going to let you take off a muzzle device or brace before measuring?

[ruger69]

10.5 seems to be the sweet spot

both of my ar15 pistols have 7.5 barrels on them

If i did it all over again, id go 10.5......but there is nothing wrong with 7.5. Its a tiny package that can fit into just about any case!

[hunterspirit]

If you are ever in the position of being questioned, are they going to let you take off a muzzle device or brace before measuring?

Depends who is wanting to measure. I cut a A2 flash hider down and installed it on a 10.5" barrel and pushed the Shockwave brace all the way forward

will everything attached it's 25 15/16" OAL

The local MDNR wanted to see a CPL for Open Carrying a revolver during firearm deer season a couple years ago.

The OC'er was a neighbor

[throttletony]

hi all -
Why not go into the gray area of "firearm" (as a category).
If barrel is under 16" BUT overall length is over 26", it then becomes a firearm, neither a rifle/SBR nor a pistol.
Any 10.5" barrel with a Midwest Industries pistol buffer tube (slightly extended) will put you just over the 26" and then you don't have to worry about handgun registration.
However, if the objective is to carry it loaded in the car for example, or on your person (as a "pistol") then yes, keep it under 26"

There are some advantages and disadvantages to both (since Michigan reduced its pistol length from 30" to 26" a few years ago)

I moved into the state just after the change, so please correct me if I'm wrong on any of this info. I have researched the "firearm" classification a fair bit and feel pretty confident in the above info, but I'm not a lawyer, verify for yourself, know the law.

[CyborgHunter]

I cut a A2 flash hider down and installed it on a 10.5" barrel and pushed the Shockwave brace all the way forward

will everything attached it's 25 15/16" OAL

What other options are there for a minimalist flash hider (for lack of a better term)?
Not that my, SB Tactical SOB Pistol Brace, would let me get under 26", even with nothing on the end of the barrel.

I'm wondering if a barrel thread protector and shorter brace might bring it under 26" and thus avoid those expensive legal fees.

[Quads]

Again, unless the FH is welded or permanently pinned, it is not part of the measurement for OAL.
Buffer tube to barrel crown.