Question on MSR Terminology

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wrhinnc

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I'm new-ish to the MSR world and have a question about how they're classified.
What are the defining characteristics between AR platform rifles, pistols, and short-barrel rifles?
Is there a specific barrel length that divides pistols and rifles?
What makes an SBR an SBR?
And just for good measure, how is a stabilizing pistol brace defined and are they banned or not?

Dammit, handguns are just so much simpler. Thanks in advance for any clarity you can provide.
 
You're going to need a flowchart for this one
 
Sbr =less than 16inch barrel with a stock
Rifle = 16 or longer with a stock
Pistol =less than 16 with a brace
That's the simple version
 
Pinky787 said:
Sbr =less than 16inch barrel with a stock
Rifle = 16 or longer with a stock
Pistol =less than 16 with a brace
That's the simple version
Click to expand...
Not really.
Barrel can be shorter than 16. What defines it is permanent barrel or extension/FH/comp that is 16 or greater.
Pistol does not have a defined length barrel. Totally depends on the stock/ no stock/buffer tube/brace
 
Mr.Gadget said:
Not really.
Barrel can be shorter than 16. What defines it is permanent barrel or extension/FH/comp that is 16 or greater.
Pistol does not have a defined length barrel. Totally depends on the stock/ no stock/buffer tube/brace
Click to expand...
I said simple. To me that is the simple version. Your getting into pin and weld jobs, and if your going to have a ar pistol with a 16 inch barrel, just toss the stock on and call it a rifle.
 
Mr.Gadget said:
To the OP
What are you wanting to do or try.
What combo and we can advise on that.
Click to expand...
Just want to be clear on the terms. @Pinky787's breakdown gives the basics I was looking for. A couple of followups:
What's the functional or structural difference between a stock and a brace?
Do SBR's require any special documents (tax stamp, etc) to purchase? Are they NFA regulated?

I'm looking for an AR platform for home defense, so I'll probably go with a pistol or SBR with a 10.5" barrel.
 
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wrhinnc said:
Just want to be clear on the terms. @Pinky787's breakdown gives the basics I was looking for. A couple of followups:
What's the functional or structural difference between a stock and a brace?
Do SBR's require any special documents (tax stamp, etc) to purchase?

I'm looking for an AR platform for home defense, so I'll probably go with a pistol or SBR with a 10.5" barrel.
Click to expand...

Don't get hung up on cool stuff. A carbine is perfect for home defense. If you want a SBR because they're cool, that's fine, but don't give you any advantage over a 14.5" pinned/16" AR.
 
Chuckman said:
Don't get hung up on cool stuff. A carbine is perfect for home defense. If you want a SBR because they're cool, that's fine, but don't give you any advantage over a 14.5" pinned/16" AR.
Click to expand...
It' not about looking cool. Indoors, a 16" barrel gives a bad guy more opportunity to grab the muzzle. A shorter barrel offers an advantage there.
 
wrhinnc said:
Do SBR's require any special documents (tax stamp, etc) to purchase? Are they NFA regulated?
Click to expand...
Yes. SBRs are one of the six NFA categories, so all NFA regulations apply.
 
Chuckman said:
Don't get hung up on cool stuff. A carbine is perfect for home defense. If you want a SBR because they're cool, that's fine, but don't give you any advantage over a 14.5" pinned/16" AR.
Click to expand...
I use a braced pistol for HD. If I have to leave my bedroom I want things up close and tight. People who've had the training and/or experience of clearing rooms with M4s would have no issues, but that's not me.
 
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wrhinnc said:
I'm looking for an AR platform for home defense, so I'll probably go with a pistol or SBR with a 10.5" barrel.
Click to expand...
Good thing is you start out building it as a “pistol” with a brace while you wait for your SBR paperwork go thru and tax stamp to come back. That’s the great thing about an AR … pull 2 pins and you can swap the upper. Swapping from a brace (pistol) to a stock (SBR) can involve a little more depending on the tube and furniture you use but it is not hard either. It’s been said tooooo many times but AR’s are Legos for men.
 
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