Legality of Vertical Forward Grip

[3176312]

I was bored this-morning so I was doing some reading about the history of the AR-15. This led me to the wikipedia page that talks about adding a forward pistol grip to an AR-15 designated as a pistol constitutes manufacture of an AOW and has to be registered.

So, my question.... I have a stock 16.1" barrel LE6920 and may or may not have a Magpul Vertical Grip mounted to the handguard. How I interpret the law is that it would be illegal if the barrel is less than 16" because the rifle would be considered a pistol. But, since the barrel is 16.1", this is legal...(?)

I get the feeling that it's insignificant, but still want to make sure I understand the law properly.

[JasonB1]

Not an issue on a long gun. Adding one to a handgun creates an NFA sin taxed AOW.

[adh]

Nut shell answer:
Less than 16" and have a stock = SBR = NFA item, $200 stamp
less than 16 and no stock, pistol...add a VFG to the pistol and yes you've made an AOW
AOW = NFA item, $5 stamp

I was bored this-morning so I was doing some reading about the history of the AR-15. This led me to the wikipedia page that talks about adding a forward pistol grip to an AR-15 designated as a pistol constitutes manufacture of an AOW and has to be registered.

So, my question.... I have a stock 16.1" barrel LE6920 and may or may not have a Magpul Vertical Grip mounted to the handguard. How I interpret the law is that it would be illegal if the barrel is less than 16" because the rifle would be considered a pistol. But, since the barrel is 16.1", this is legal...(?)

I get the feeling that it's insignificant, but still want to make sure I understand the law properly.

[friendlyfireisnt]

Barrel less than 16" or overall length less than 26", if it has a stock, is a Short Barrelled Rifle.
Barrel less than 16" or overall length less than 26", with no stock, is a Pistol.
Barrel less than 16" or overall length less than 26", with no stock, but with a VFG is an Any Other Weapon.
Barrel less than 16" but overall length more than 26", with no stock, with a VFG is a Firearm.

Short Barrelled rifles and AOW's you have to pay and get the $200 tax stamp, which puts the firearm on the NFA registery.

[3176312]

Thanks all for the great information. It's my first AR and still learning tons of information about it.

I think that I'm OK if I did add a vertical grip to the front. The LE6920 has a...

Barrel Length: 16.1"
Overall Length (Stock Retracted): 32"
Overall Length (Stock Extended): 35.5"

So, from what it sounds, as long as I don't go under 16" for the barrel, I'm good.

Thank You!

[TheChunkNorris]

Thanks all for the great information. It's my first AR and still learning tons of information about it.

I think that I'm OK if I did add a vertical grip to the front. The LE6920 has a...

Barrel Length: 16.1"
Overall Length (Stock Retracted): 32"
Overall Length (Stock Extended): 35.5"

So, from what it sounds, as long as I don't go under 16" for the barrel, I'm good.

Thank You!

Do you have a stock or not? 35.5" is what Colt measures their factory 6920 with a stock extended.

[3176312]

Do you have a stock or not? 35.5" is what Colt measures their factory 6920 with a stock extended.

I do have a stock. I have the Magpul MOE Slimline Carbine Stock.

[MistWolf]

Barrel length of 16 inches or more and an overall length of 26 inches or more, with or without buttstock, is a rifle

[223to45]

I think that I'm OK if I did add a vertical grip to the front. The LE6920 has a...

Barrel Length: 16.1"
Overall Length (Stock Retracted): 32"
Overall Length (Stock Extended): 35.5"

So, from what it sounds, as long as I don't go under 16" for the barrel, I'm good.

Thank You!

It really doesn't matter what the over length is or barrel length. You have a rifle period, so you can add a verticle grip all day long.



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[Gunfixr]

Friendlyfireisnt is correct, with one caveat.
Barrel length on a pistol or firearm is irrelevant.
The presence, or lack of, a stock is the determining factor in pistols and firearms. If no stock, and under 26" oal, it's a pistol. If no stock, and 26" or more oal, it's a firearm.
On rifles, both the barrel and stock count, but to determine whether it is rifle, or a short barreled rifle.
Vfg is legal without registration on rifles, short barreled rifles, and firearms.
Telescoping or folding stocks are always opened or extended to their maximum length for measuring oal on a rifle.
Reaching a barrel length of 16", and an oal of 26" does not automatically make a rifle.

This is per federal regulations. State law may vary.
Here in VA, it follows federal regulation.

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