Does the new definition of "rifle" in CFR 478.121 and 479.11 mean that the any ar15 lower with the buffer tube is now defined as a "rifle", even if you remove and discard/destroy the brace, and replace the buffer tube with a pistol buffer tube.??
“Accordingly, the Department amends the definition of “rifle” under 27 CFR 478.11 and 479.11 to expressly state that the term “designed or redesigned, made or remade, and intended to be fired from the shoulder” includes a weapon that is equipped with an accessory, component, or other rearward attachment (e.g., a “stabilizing brace”) that provides surface area that allows the weapon to be fired from the shoulder, provided other factors, as listed in the amended regulations and described in this preamble, indicate that the weapon is designed, made, and intended to be fired from the shoulder. The other factors are:
- whether the weapon has a weight or length consistent with the weight or length of similarly designed rifles;
- whether the weapon has a length of pull, measured from the center of the trigger to the center of the shoulder stock or other rearward accessory, component or attachment (including an adjustable or telescoping attachment with the ability to lock into various positions along a buffer tube, receiver extension, or other attachment method), that is consistent with similarly designed rifles;
- whether the weapon is equipped with sights or a scope with eye relief that require the weapon to be fired from the shoulder in order to be used as designed;
- whether the surface area that allows the weapon to be fired from the shoulder is created by a buffer tube, receiver extension, or any other accessory, component, or other rearward attachment that is necessary for the cycle of operations;
- the manufacturer’s direct and indirect marketing and promotional materials indicating the intended use of the weapon; and
- information demonstrating the likely use of the weapon in the general community.
Last edited:
