Legality of 14.5" AR-15 Barrel

[Palmetto-Pride]

First let me say I know this may have been covered, tried to do a search, but my iPhone browser is acting up so when I try to type into the search window the damn keypad keeps going away.

Ok back to question I was looking at a 14.5" upper with bolt carrier group that had a unpinned standard A2 birdcage flash hider. The guy working for the gun store said I could legally purchase the upper without the SBR paperwork and be in possession of it as long as it wasn't attached to a lower. He said to be legal with a lower I had to get a longer flash hider permmantly installed ie pinned and welded or go thru the SBR process.

First does the above sound correct?

Second where is the legal 16" measured from? Is it from the barral extension to the "permanent end" or some where else?

Thanks for all info!

[FrosSsT]

You can legally own an upper that has a barrel shorter than 16" without any paperwork (it can be for an AR-15 pistol) that is not on a lower

From my understanding the 16" is measured by the total length of the barrel end to end including permanent flash hider, muzzle brake (etc)

[allaroundhunter]

He is correct about owning it without the tax stamp so long as it is not on a lower receiver.

And the measurement is made to the end of the muzzle device, so long as said muzzle device is permanently attached. If it is not permanently attached then it is measured to the end of the threads.

[Theohazard]

The measurement of the barrel is made from the bolt face to the end of the muzzle device (provided it's pinned and welded on; otherwise it's just to the end of the barrel itself). The best way to measure this is to close the bolt and then drop a cleaning rod down the muzzle end.

[howlnmad]

Owning a 14 1/2" barrel, no big deal. Once you insert that first pon in the lower through the upper, you better have the tax stamp for a SBR. Once the flash hider is pinned AND welded, you're good.

[rep1954]

You do not want to be owning a barrel shorter than 16" and no pistol lower while having extra rifle lowers laying around because you leave yourself open intent to build a SBR. As it was explained to me by someone who lobbys for gun rights in my state.

[Palmetto-Pride]

rep1954 You do not want to be owning a barrel shorter than 16" and no pistol lower while having extra rifle lowers laying around because you leave yourself open intent to build a SBR. As it was explained to me by someone who lobbys for gun rights in my state.

I hear what you are saying, but that would be very hard to prove in a court of law and yes I know I don't need the hassle of trying to defend myself, but as long as I am within the law I am not concerned especially living in SC. I am going to buy it and have the flash hider pinned and welded I just wanted to make sure I wasn't breaking the law buying it in the first place until I have a chance to have the work done.

[Art Eatman]

Question answered.