AR 15 style pistols and vertical foregrips

[Alte Schule]

I have read that vertical foregrips can be installed on AR 15 style pistols with an existing pistol brace if the overall length, with the brace extended, measures over 26 inches. From the referenced article it appears to be true but I would like opinions please.
https://johnpierceesq.com/can-you-add-a-vertical-fore-grip-to-an-ar-pistol/

 

[Pat Riot]

In some states they are illegal. Check your local laws.

 

[pdsmith505]

The technical branch letter featured in the website you linked to answers your question with regards to the ATF's current opinion.

If the overall length of the firearm is 26", adding a vertical fore grip would classify the firearm as a Title 1 "Firearm", not subject to NFA requirements.

Your local laws may vary, as mentioned above.

 

[Theohazard]

From the referenced article it appears to be true but I would like opinions please.

Your referenced article is written by a lawyer experienced with federal firearms law and contains direct correspondence from the ATF regarding this subject. Any opinions we could offer aren't worth squat compared to that.

Heck, if someone asked me to prove that you can add a vertical foregrip to a >26" OAL pistol, I'd probably link to that John Pierce article in my reply.

 

[kozak6]

The ATF has been engaging in shenanigans regarding VFG's and folding braces lately.

https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2018/05/24/oal-brace-folded/

However, their recent position seems inconsistent and might not hold up in court.

 

[Kaeto]

And then here in Mi you must measure it in the shortest operable condition. If it's under 26" it's a pistol. So that if your gun can fire even 1 round with the brace folded that is the length that it must be measured at.

 

[Wichaka]

Have heard if the muzzle device is not pinned, then overall length is measured from actual barrel, not the device.

Too many variables...but if mars aligns with...then you measure it this way. But if the moon is in its 3rd quarter....ugh

 

[Kaeto]

Have heard if the muzzle device is not pinned, then overall length is measured from actual barrel, not the device.

Too many variables...but if mars aligns with...then you measure it this way. But if the moon is in its 3rd quarter....ugh

Pinned, and welded. Or made otherwise permanently installed.

 

[CaptTripps]

so if i have an AR pistol that measures 27" from the muzzle crown to the stock when stock is collapsed the the shortest position, it is legal to pt a vertical foregrip?

 

[Theohazard]

so if i have an AR pistol that measures 27" from the muzzle crown to the stock when stock is collapsed the the shortest position, it is legal to pt a vertical foregrip?

Is this a trick question? If it has a stock it can’t legally be a pistol.

 

[Kaeto]

If it has a stock it's not a pistol.

 

[CaptTripps]

I'm sorry, I meant to say, brace.

 

[Theohazard]

so if i have an AR pistol that measures 27" from the muzzle crown to the [arm brace] when [the arm brace] is collapsed the the shortest position, it is legal to pt a vertical foregrip?

Yes. As long as the length of the AR pistol is 26” or longer as measured from the end of the muzzle (not including any non-permanent muzzle devices) to the end of the brace when the brace is fully extended, you can add a vertical foregrip)

 

[CaptTripps]

theohazard, can you clarify something. I understand 26", is that witg the brace fully extended or with it collapsed to its shortest position?

 

[Theohazard]

theohazard, can you clarify something. I understand 26", is that witg the brace fully extended or with it collapsed to its shortest position?

Read my previous post again, I already answered your question.

 

[Kaeto]

Yes. As long as the length of the AR pistol is 26” or longer as measured from the end of the muzzle (not including any non-permanent muzzle devices) to the end of the brace when the brace is fully extended, you can add a vertical foregrip)

Except in the state of Michigan. There it has to be measured with the brace retracted.

 

[Theohazard]

Except in the state of Michigan. There it has to be measured with the brace retracted.

I was referring to federal law. Obviously state and local laws may differ.