Stock FAQs

what is the length of a stock ar15

by Armando Crona Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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The typical 16"-barreled AR-15 measures 32.75" in length, from muzzle to buttstock. It measures about 8.75" tall, from the top of the receiver to the bottom of the magazine. The average AR pistol or SBR measures less than 30", averaging 22" to 27" in length.Mar 3, 2021

Full Answer

How do you measure the length of an AR15 barrel?

first, make damn certain the rifle is unloaded, close the bolt/carrier in the locked position, take your cleaning rod and put is down the barrel tili it comes i contact with the locked bolt, mark the rod at the end of barrel/flash hider etc., and use a tape measure and measure from the tip of rod to your mark, THAT measurement is the total length of your barrel.

What barrel length would you want for an AR15 pistol?

Now, let’s break this down into the confines of AR pistol. If you have an AR pistol with the overall length under 26 inches it would be consider an Short Barrel Rifle (SBR) and would fall under the NFA. Which means you would need a tax stamp to put a vertical grip on your AR pistol.

What is the legal barrel length for an AR 15?

Ultimately, the answer to the question “What is the legal length for an AR-15?” is 16 inches. It means the barrel length for an AR-15 must be at least 16″ to be regarded legal by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). If you want a shorter barrel for an AR-15, you need to fill in some extra bureaucratic paperwork and get the tax stamp from the ATF with the fee of $200.

What is the length of an AR 15 rifle?

Due to the NFA, most AR-15 rifles will have a barrel length no shorter than 16 inches. There is nothing wrong with this length, and a carbine length system is well suited to operate with a barrel this length.

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How long should an AR stock be?

0:002:13Tactical Tip of the Day: Proper Buttstock Length - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd.MoreAnd.

How long is an AR-15 upper?

If you have an AR 15 with any barrel shorter than 16 inches, you run the risk of it being defined as a pistol or AOW. So, the rule of thumb, is to be sure you have a 16” barrel if you want a rifle. Barrels commonly are sold commercially from 7.5 inches to 20 inches, with 16 inch being the most common.

How is the length of an AR-15 measured?

0:163:47ATF Reversal - How to measure your firearm - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThis is an ar-15 pistol ar-15 pistols are not subject to minimum. Or maximum length. Requirements.MoreThis is an ar-15 pistol ar-15 pistols are not subject to minimum. Or maximum length. Requirements. It can have an 18-inch barrel the gun can be 35 inches long it can have a 4-inch barrel.

How long is a standard AR-15 barrel?

16″16″ Barrels – The Civilian Standard The 16″ length is the most common AR-15 barrel length sold today. It doesn't do anything particularly better than other options, but it has good all-around performance.

How short can an AR barrel be?

It should be kept in mind that legally, the shortest barrel you can get for an AR is 16″. You might be able to get away with a 14.5″ barrel if you pin a muzzle device on it to make the barrel 16″. Moving forward, the 16″ is perfect for any use, extremely reliable and most importantly, it is very accurate.

What is the shortest legal AR-15 barrel?

You can buy 14.5″ barrels, but for most of us, it would require a muzzle device at least 1.5 inches long, and permanently attached, to meet the legal 16″ minimum. Of course, if you put a flash suppressor on a 16″ barrel, you get something a little over 17 inches long.

Does barrel length include chamber?

2.1 When measuring the barrel of a firearm that has an integral chamber, the distance parallel to the bore axis from the muzzle end to the breech face (with the action closed) represents the length of a barrel. All measurements are made perpendicular to the bore axis at the farthest point of the barrel.

How does the ATF measure barrel length?

The ATF procedure for measuring barrel length is to measure from the closed bolt (or breech-face) to the furthermost end of the barrel or permanently attached muzzle device.

Can an AR-15 pistol be over 26 inches?

The ATF has consistently held that an overall length of 26 inches is the breaking point for concealability. In other words, if the AR pistol has an overall length of less than 26 inches, it falls into a category of firearms that could be considered to be regulated by the NFA depending on their other characteristics.

How long is an AR-15 with a 10.5 inch barrel?

The AR-556 has a barrel length of just 10.5 inches and an overall length of 25.3 to 27.9 inches. It is 7.2 inches high. Equipped with a standard buttstock, the “pistol” would be an NFA firearm. Instead, it is equipped with a SBA3 Pistol Stabilizing Brace.

Is a 10.5 inch barrel legal?

An AR-15 pistol has a barrel shorter than 16 inches — this is the minimum legal length for a rifle barrel. The National Firearms Act of 1934 (NFA) defines any rifle with a shoulder stock and barrel less than 16 inches in length and 26 inches in overall length to be a “short-barreled rifle” (SBR).

What length barrel is considered an AR pistol?

16 inchesAn AR pistol is considered any barrel shorter than 16 inches with an overall length of the gun not to exceed 26 inches. You cannot attach a vertical foregrip to an AR pistol. You can use an angled foregrip or a micro handstop.

What is a super short barrel AR15?

The super shorties are a little silly when your AR-15 is a 5.56. Rounds like the 300 Blackout and 9x19 can be effective from these super short barrels. These short barrel lengths make the guns even handier inside structures, but also easy to conceal in bags. These super short barrels can be a lot of fun, and when paired with a suppressor, you still get a light and short rifle.

What is the standard size for a military rifle?

The Military Carbine Standard. 14.5 inches. 14.5-inch barrels are the standard for the military’s M4 program. They are popular with civilians as well, but they have to be pistols SBRs, or a third option is choosing a 1.5-inch long muzzle device and pinning and welding it to create a 16-inch barrel.

What is the shortest barrel for a rifle?

The Civilian Carbine Standard. 16-inch barrels are the shortest a civilian can legally go as a title 1 firearm. Any shorter necessitates a pistol or short-barreled rifle. Sixteen inches gives you a light and handy rifle that makes good use of the 5.56 cartridge. It’s the most popular AR-15 barrel length.

How does barrel length affect a gun?

Suit Up. Barrel length can completely change how a weapon handles, how it recoils, and even its legal status. Different calibers work with different barrels in different ways, so when you choose a barrel, you need to observe your purpose, your caliber, and your overall intent.

What is a 24 inch barrel?

A 24-inch barrel is an odd one , and when it comes to a 5.56 AR, there are not many advantages to the four extra inches of barrel. However, in calibers like 6.5 Grendel, the extra barrel length can get you extra velocity, which adds extra range and hitting power.

What is the odd length of a rifle barrel?

The Weird One. 18 inches. Eight inches is an odd barrel length, but it’s a cool idea rooted in Special Operations. The 18-inch barrel allows you to use a rifle-length gas system, which gives you the same recoil and muzzle rise impulse as a 20-inch barrel.

Is the AR-15 a modular rifle?

Not just its long history of service, or the fact that it’s America’s favorite rifle, but also from an engineering perspective. The rifle is incredibly modular, and you can pick and choose parts like no other weapon out there. One major change you can make is with the barrel length.

How long is a rifle barrel?

To satisfy the legal definition of a rifle, a 16-inch barrel is required. When paired with a stock, all-in-all, your rifle should be 26 inches. The barrel length must be under 16 inches for a pistol, though the law does not state a total measurement — barrel to the stock.

Is barrel length legal?

But for now, let us focus on barrel length. The short answer is that all barrel lengths are legal in some manner. Unfortunately, that is not the end of the discussion. According to the NFA of 1934, barrel length dictates what firearm is considered a rifle, pistol, or “Any Other Weapon.”.

Can you add a foregrip to a pistol?

Once you have the go-ahead, you may add a foregrip to your pistol. In summary, adding a foregrip to a pistol reclassifies your firearm to “Any Other Weapon,” and is therefore heavily regulated by the ATF. A pistol is not.

Do muzzle devices count towards rifle length?

We all do. You’ll want to measure the length of your rifle. First, understand that muzzle devices (flash suppressors, muzzle brakes, etc.) do not count towards the length of your rifle or barrel length. You must remove any barrel attachment before measuring your firearm.

Do you have to remove barrel attachment before measuring?

You must remove any barrel attachment before measuring your firearm. If your firearm includes a stabilizing brace, the ATF has something to say about the matter. If the brace is stationary, they include only a standard receiver extension in your measurements. However, if your stabilizing brace folds or collapses, ...

Why is length of pull important?

This is important as it determines if the gun fits you properly. This will determine comfort and how your site alignment naturally falls.

Is the pull on a new rifle too short?

In most cases, the length of pull on a new rifle tends to be too short. This is better than purchasing a gun with a fixed stock that has a pull length that is too long. In the case of a short length of pull stock spacers and butt pads can make up this difference.

Why is the buffer length needed?

The buffer needs to be the right length so that when the bolt carrier cycles to the rear, it stops at the right position. If the buffer is too short, the gas key can crash into the lower receiver's buffer tube mount; if the buffer is too long, the bolt carrier will short-stroke and fail to pick up the next round.

What determines the length of a buffer?

There are two factors involved in determining the required length of a buffer -- 1) the type of buffer tube (or "receiver extension") and 2) the receiver size. Buffer tubes generally come as either of two types: M4/carbine or A1/A2: The main distinguishing characteristic of the tubes is the different lengths.

What are the parts of an AR stock?

There are four “classes” of stocks for AR-type rifles, so you need to make sure that the stock mounting parts (receiver extension tube, recoil spring, and buffer) are compatible with the butt stock you want to use.

What do I need to mount a butt stock?

To mount the stock, you’ll need to make sure you have the receiver extension (buffer) tube, buffer, recoil spring, receiver plate and locking ring installed. Read on to make sure that these parts, sometimes known as the mounting kit, are compatible with your butt stock of choice.

What stock does Magpul use?

Magpul offers versions of the MOE fixed stock for A1, A2 and Carbine configurations. It’ll give you additional sling loop and quick attach options over the original along with a rubber buttpad and internal storage compartment.

What is the difference between A1 and A2?

The basic difference is that they are different lengths for different sized shooters and/or use from different positions. If you’re using an A2 rifle stock, then you add an extension to the A1 buffer tube to make it work.

Do AR pistols need buffer tubes?

Remember at the beginning when we talked about the four types of buffer tubes and stock sizes? Well, if you’re building a pistol, add to the list. A classic AR pistol also needs a buffer tube to make it work, and you’ll find variances there too.

Is the pistol grip good?

Technically, it eliminates that evil pistol grip that seems to upset so many for no good reason. State laws are changing, so be sure to check with your local situation to see if this is a viable option for you.

Can you change the size of an AR rifle?

That allows the length of pull, and overall rifle length, to be instantly adjusted. You can change the “size” of the AR rifle to fit most any shooter. Also, the adjustable stock helps when we’re wearing heavy clothes. You can shorten the stock a bit so the rifle still fits properly.

Why are AR-15s so powerful?

There are several good reasons for this: AR-15 pistols are compact, powerful and accurate. AR-15 pistols are not subject to a federal permit for a short-barreled rifle (SBR). Being compact makes AR-15s ideal in emergency evacuations or as survival guns.

What are the rules for shooting an AR-15?

Once a builder of an AR-15 pistol has legally constructed his or her model, he or she needs to follow further legal guidelines when shooting. These guidelines also apply to someone shooting a factory-purchased AR pistol.

What is the OAL of a pistol?

In addition to length of pull, overall length (OAL) should be measured. OAL is considered the muzzle — minus removable muzzle devices — to the rear of the brace (either collapsed or folded to be in its shortest form). “An OAL greater than 26 inches [has the potential to change] the classification of pistol to firearm.

How long is a pistol pull brace?

The rear of the brace is taken at its most extended position (if adjustable). “The ATF has advised that a braced pistol with a length of pull in excess of 13.5 inches may constitute a re-design of the brace into a stock.”. In addition to length of pull, overall length (OAL) should be measured.

What is a pistol lower?

Pistol lowers are typically purchased and transferred as either complete guns or complete lowers. Jeff gave the example of a Smith & Wesson M&P 15 Sport. If the owner removes the 16-inch upper receiver assembly and stock to put on a 10-inch upper and brace, it becomes an AR pistol.

Can you use a 26 inch foregrip on a pistol?

Firearms in excess of 26 inches OAL may have vertical grips installed and remain non-NFA. Pistols with vertical grips installed sub-26 inches OAL [can be] considered AOW and are subject to the NFA,” Jeff said. In addition, “ATF is now advising that foregrips — angled or otherwise — may not be used on pistol builds.”.

How long is an AR pistol?

If you have an AR pistol with an overall length greater than 26 inches it is not consider concealable for the purpose of the “AOW” definition by ATF. Again, which allows you to put on angled grip or vertical grip. (If there was evidence it could be concealed by a person it would fall under the ”AOW” guidelines).

What does 26 inches mean on an AR pistol?

Now, let’s break this down into the confines of AR pistol. If you have an AR pistol with the overall length under 26 inches it would be consider an “AOW” and fall under the NFA. Which means you would need a tax stamp to put ...

How to measure for a 26 inch muzzle?

The proper way to measure for 26 inches is from the base of the buffer tube to the muzzle or muzzle device ( if the muzzle device is permanent). For a folding stabilizing brace it must be measured from the folding of the brace to the muzzle or muzzle device ( if the muzzle device is permanent).

Why is a folding stock included in overall length measurements?

That is, a folding stock on a rifle or shotgun is included in overall length measurements because the firearm must be “designed or redesigned….and intended to be fired from the shoulder” to be so classified. The stock is therefore an essential element in the statutory definition.

What is a folding stock rifle?

In basic terms means that the folding stock is apart of the design of the shoulder fired rifle or shotgun and therefore is apart of the overall length of the rifle or shotgun.

What is the breaking point of a firearm?

The ATF has historically considered overall length of 26 inches the breaking point for concealability. So here is the rundown. If the overall length of the firearm is under 26 inches, it places the firearm in a category to be regulated by the NFA. If the overall length is over 26 inches, it would remove that firearm from a category to be regulated by the NFA.

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How to Measure Length of Pull?

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There are two ways to measure length of pull. The most accurate method is to use what is known as a fit stock attached to a long gun. A fit stockis a special type of adjustable stock that allows you to try out several different lengths until the correct one is determined. These tend to be expensive and people who specialize this ar…
See more on modifiedar.com

How Important Is Length of Pull When Purchasing A New Rifle?

  • In most cases, the length of pull on a new rifle tends to be too short. This is better than purchasing a gun with a fixed stock that has a pull length that is too long. In the case of a short length of pull stock spacers and butt pads can make up this difference. However, if the length is too long and you have a fixed stock, you need to have a gunsmithcut the stock down to the prop…
See more on modifiedar.com

The Advantage of Having An Adjustable Stock For Length of Pull

  • Length of pull can change slightly depending on several factors. The most frequent of these though is the clothing that you are wearing. If you normally shoot in a single layer such as a T-shirt and have your length of pull based off of that you may need to make an adjustment for shooting with heavier winter clothes commonly worn during hunting season. This is due to the extra spac…
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in Conclusion

  • Many people find themselves adjusting to the gun’s length of pull. However, this does not have to be the case and with a few minor modifications you can make the gun fit you instead. What are your thoughts on the importance of length of pull? Have you even given it any consideration before?
See more on modifiedar.com

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