Tag: shockwave AR

Gun Range Etiquette: Tips for a Better Outing at an Indoor Range with Your AR-15

When it comes to indoor shooting range etiquette, some things are black-and-white — while others are a bit gray. Here’s one example: 

Should you shoot your short-barreled AR-15 at an indoor range?

Short answer: 

Yes, but we recommend adding a Flash Forward™ muzzle device (aka Not a Silencer™) if you want to be considerate of those around you! 

Longer answer:

The newest Shockwave™ Technologies Flash Forward™ muzzle devices are specifically designed to redirect the expanding gasses at the muzzle of your firearm away from you and toward the target. 

Adding a Flash Forward™ muzzle device will not only help protect your hearing, but it will also reduce the noise your neighbors at the range are subjected to. Legally. Remember, a short barrel doesn’t have time to burn all the powder in most 5.56mm cartridges. Meaning, much of that powder gets burned in front of the muzzle, which can make short-barreled ARs unpleasant for everyone concerned.

You can also add one of these bad boys without a $200 NFA tax stamp. Because they are Not a Silencer™.

At Shockwave Technologies, we offer this must-have product for four different types of calibers. The first product is for the .22lr-caliber Ruger 10/22 rifle, and the other three products are for AR-15 firearms in .30 Caliber/.300 Blackout, 5.56mm, and 9mm calibers. 

 

Introducing: 4 Different Shockwave Flash Forwards™

shockwave flash forward

In testing, we have seen the peak decibel reading at the shooter’s ear reduced by an average of the following decibels (db):

  • Shockwave Flash Forward™ MK1 MOD 0: 5.3 db

    This hard-anodized, 6061-T6 aluminum “can” mounts directly to your factory unthreaded muzzle. No need for adapters. For a semi-permanent installation, be sure to use the included roll pin.

 

  • Flash Forward™ MK 1 MOD 1: 9.8 db

    This hard-anodized, 6061-T6 aluminum “can” mounts directly to your 5/8”-24 threaded muzzle. No need for shims or crush washers. For a semi-permanent installation, a bit of blue thread-locking compound works well.

 

  • Flash Forward™ MK 1 MOD 2: 10.1 db

    This hard-anodized, 6061-T6 aluminum “can” mounts directly to your ½”-28 threaded muzzle. No need for shims or crush washers, though you can still use them if you wish. For a semi-permanent installation, a bit of blue thread-locking compound works well.

 

  • Flash Forward™ MK 1 MOD 3: 9.4 db

    This hard-anodized, 6061-T6 aluminum “can” mounts directly to your ½”-36 threaded muzzle. No need for shims or crush washers, though you can still use them if you wish. For a semi-permanent installation, a bit of blue thread-locking compound works well.

    As the decibel is logarithmic, this is a very noticeable difference.

    However, because the overall sound level isn’t affected — just redirected — the Flash Forward isn’t considered an NFA item. It’s classified as a simple “threaded muzzle device.”

    Please note that OSHA’s “hearing safe” threshold is 140 dB. The Flash Forward is not an approved hearing-safe suppressor. Please always wear hearing protection, such as OSHA-approved ear plugs, earbuds, or over-the-ear earmuffs.

 

Our Testing Methodology

  • For the Shockwave Flash Forward™ MK1 MOD 0, Larson Davis SoundTrack LxT decibel meter microphone placed 0.15 meters left of the left ear. Muzzle, ear, and microphone all located 1.6 meters above ground. 10 shots were fired outdoors—and an average calculated. Ammo: Aguila .22lr Sniper Subsonic 60-grain ammo. Temperature: 72 degrees, sunny. Barometric pressure: 29.98 inches. Average wind speed: 2 mph. Altitude: 342 feet ASL. Humidity: 65 percent.

  • For the Flash Forward™ MK 1 MOD 1, Larson Davis SoundTrack LxT decibel meter microphone placed 0.15 meters left of the left ear. Muzzle, ear, and microphone all located 1.6 meters above ground. 10 shots were fired outdoors—and an average calculated. Ammo: Hornady 190-Grain Sub-X 300 Blackout. Temperature: 72 degrees, sunny. Barometric pressure: 29.99 inches. Average wind speed: 1 mph. Altitude: 342 feet ASL. Humidity: 65 percent.

  • For the Flash Forward™ MK 1 MOD 2, Larson Davis SoundTrack LxT decibel meter microphone placed 0.15 meters left of the left ear. Muzzle, ear, and microphone all located 1.6 meters above ground. 10 shots were fired outdoors—and an average calculated. Ammo: Winchester 5.56 NATO 55gr FMJ. Temperature: 72 degrees, sunny. Barometric pressure: 29.98 inches. Average wind speed: 2 mph. Altitude: 342 feet ASL. Humidity: 65 percent.

  • For the Flash Forward™ MK 1 MOD 3, Larson Davis SoundTrack LxT decibel meter microphone placed 0.15 meters left of the left ear. Muzzle, ear, and microphone all located 1.6 meters above ground. 10 shots were fired outdoors—and an average calculated. Ammo: Fiocchi 9mm 158-grain Subsonic Ammo. Temperature: 72 degrees, sunny. Barometric pressure: 29.98 inches. Average wind speed: 1 mph. Altitude: 342 feet ASL. Humidity: 65 percent.

 

What About Permanent Installation?

Another option is to extend your pistol barrel to rifle length with a permanent installation. You can do this ATF-approved modification and easily convert your pistol to a rifle. 

flash forward installation

In most cases, it’s a better solution than buying a new longer barrel to convert it, as you also get the sound-mitigation benefits.

  • For the Flash Forward™ MK 1 MOD 1, we will offer an easy-to-use silver soldering kit. The silver solder we will offer has a melting point of 1,145 degrees. (ATF’s requirement is 1,100 degrees or more.) Contrary to what you may have heard, permanently attaching a muzzle device with silver solder really isn’t any more difficult than sweating copper tubing when doing plumbing. Given an overall length of 9.00” and assuming a threading interface of 0.625”, the Flash Forward lengthens your barrel by 8.375”. The 1.50” outer diameter fits under many popular handguards.


  • For the Flash Forward™ MK 1 MOD 3, we will offer an easy-to-use silver soldering kit. The silver solder we will offer has a melting point of 1,145 degrees. (ATF’s requirement is 1,100 degrees or more.) Contrary to what you may have heard, permanently attaching a muzzle device with silver solder really isn’t any more difficult than sweating copper tubing when doing plumbing. Given an overall length of 9.00” and assuming a threading interface of 0.625”, the Flash Forward lengthens your barrel by 8.375”. The 1.50” outer diameter fits under many popular handguards.


  • For the Flash Forward™ MK 1 MOD 2, we will offer an easy-to-use silver soldering kit. The silver solder we will offer has a melting point of 1,145 degrees. (ATF’s requirement is 1,100 degrees or more.) Contrary to what you may have heard, permanently attaching a muzzle device with silver solder really isn’t any more difficult than sweating copper tubing when doing plumbing. Given an overall length of 9.00” and assuming a standard threading interface of 0.625”, the Flash Forward lengthens your barrel by 8.375”. The 1.50” outer diameter fits under many popular handguards.


  • For the Shockwave Flash Forward™ MK1 MOD 0, given an overall length of 5.25” and an interface of 1.125”, the Flash Forward lengthens your barrel by 4.125”. The 1.00” outer diameter fits under many popular handguards.



View all four Flash Forwards products now available. Remember, they are Not a Silencer™.

Why You Should Choose an AR-15 Pistol for a Home Defense Firearm

Let’s cut to the chase: The AR-15 pistol is one of the best firearms for home defense. 

 

Why? They’re affordable, reliable, accurate, and found everywhere. It’s no wonder the AR-15 is informally known as America’s 21st Century musket. And for good reason. 

 

When an intruder sees the easily recognized AR in your hands, they know you mean business. 

 

Learn about the evolution of the AR and AR pistol. 

 

But first, let’s dive into the benefits of using an AR-15 pistol for home defense. Each benefit is like a ripple effect — they all go hand in hand to make this firearm perfect for defense purposes. 



Benefits of an AR-15 Pistol for Home Defense

 

shockwave blade stealth ar-15 pistol

Affordable

 

You can find an AR-15 pistol to fit every budget: from just a few hundred dollars to the “sky is the limit.” The typical .223 ammunition is easily found in stores (when there’s not a global pandemic unfolding daily or nightly riots) and one of the least expensive ammos, with prices averaging about 32 cents per round. 

 

 

Low Recoiling

 

A low recoil makes the AR-15 pistol easy to shoot and a good option for beginners — even younger members of the family.

 

 

Accuracy

 

Because of such low recoil, accuracy is improved for most shooters.

 

 

Lightweight

 

At a mere 6 pounds — with ammo! — the AR-15 pistol is light enough for shooters of all ages and experiences. Because it has such a lightweight body, you can easily customize and add accessories to your firearm without making it too heavy to handle safely and accurately — especially in a home defense scenario. 

 

 

Ergonomically Designed

 

Many features of the AR-15 pistol are designed with ergonomics in mind, making this firearm comfortable and safe to shoot: pistol grip, trigger reach, safety location, forward handguard, sights, etc.

 

 

Ammo Capacity

 

A typical AR-15 pistol magazine holds 30 rounds of ammo. 

 

Many experts recommend using the .223 cartridge because it’s typically easy to find in stores,  inexpensive, and provides lower recoil. Some recommend using a 55-grain soft-point load that minimizes bullet penetration, which can be beneficial to protect your family in other parts of the home (or surrounding neighbors) in case the bullet misses the intended target. However, as you may know, the AR-15 is available in a multitude of calibers.

 

 

Size

 

During a home invasion, you don’t want to be turning corners and allow the intruder to discover your location before you know theirs. The AR-15 pistol is a great option for home defense due to its relatively short length, allowing you to turn corners discreetly and avoid disclosing your location that can put your defense game at risk. 

 

 

Customizable

 

From function to ergonomics to aesthetics, there are simply too many types of firearm accessories for customizing your AR-15 pistol than we can possibly cover here: grips, forearms, slings, sights, lights, lasers, scopes, red dot sights, triggers, muzzle devices, and so on. 

 

For home defense purposes, however, we recommend keeping it simple. Focus on the following accessories:

  • Brace, grip and/or sling: for better and safer control of your firearm
  • Flashlight: for better visibility in low-light conditions and stunning any intruders with the bright illumination
  • Red dot sight: for accuracy



A note about pistol braces:

 

Whether you’re building a custom AR-15 pistol or bought an AR-15 pistol without a brace, adding a brace can improve control and accuracy.

 

An AR-15 pistol cannot have a stock but it can have a brace, such as the Shockwave Blade and Shockwave Blade 2M. 





Shockwave AR-15 Pistol Accessories

 

Shockwave Technologies offers products to enhance your home defense use (and enjoyment) of your AR-15 firearms. Check out these Shockwave products compatible with AR-15 pistols.

 

 

Blade®

 

Made from high-strength glass-reinforced polymer, the Blade® is manufactured to exacting tolerances and fits all pistols equipped with a standard AR-15 pistol buffer tube (up to 1.25? in diameter). Just slip it on and tighten the large set screw for a rock-solid installation.

 

Blade® fits all pistols equipped with a standard AR-15 pistol buffer tube (up to 1.25? in diameter) AR pattern, Glock, CZ Scorpion Evo 3, HK9X pattern, etc.

 

Features include:

 

  • Available in black, flat dark earth, OD green, and stealth gray
  • Quick and easy to install.
  • Provides additional support during firing.
  • Weighs a scant 5.0 ounces.
  • ATF approved for pistol use 

 

 

Blade® 2M

 

Made from high-strength glass-reinforced polymer, the adjustable Blade® 2M pistol stabilizer is manufactured to exacting tolerances and fits all pistols equipped with a Mil-spec buffer tube. Just slip it on and lock in place.  Adjusts with a simple finger lever.

 

Compatible with all pistols equipped with a Mil-spec buffer tube: 

 

  • AR-15 pattern
  • MPX
  • Glock
  • CZ Scorpion Evo 3
  • HK9X pattern
  • etc.

 

Features include:

 

  • Available in black, flat dark earth, OD green, and stealth gray
  • Quick and easy to install.
  • Provides additional support during firing.
  • Weighs a scant 4.0 ounces.
  • ATF approved for pistol use 

Which Firearms are Compatible with Shockwave?

What makes Shockwave™ Technologies’ line of products so great is not only the unparalleled quality of the items, but that they’re also Made in America and veteran designed, engineered, marketed, and sold. Check out some of our popular product lines at Shockwave Technologies and experience the difference yourself. Find out which firearms are compatible with Shockwave below.

 

Shockwave™ Raptor™ Product Line

 

Raptor™ Grip 

Shockwave raptor grip
The unique angle of the Raptor™ Grip minimizes felt recoil, allowing maximum control shot after shot. Paired with the Raptor F1™ Forend, you gain a great hold on your firearm with their enhanced texture. The glass-filled polymer construction is virtually indestructible.The Raptor™ Grip is compatible with both 12-gauge and 20-gauge firearms with 18.5”, 20”, and longer barrels.

 

Our Raptor™ Grip 500/590 is compatible with:

  • Mossberg 500 12-gauge firearms (aka 500A)
  • Mossberg 500 20-gauge firearms (aka 500C)
  • Mossberg 590 and 590A1 firearms (12-gauge)
  • Mossberg 510 Mini firearms (12- and 20-gauges)
  • Mossberg 835 firearms (12- and 20-gauges)
  • Mossberg 535 firearms (12- and 20-gauges)
  • Mossberg 600 (New Haven) firearms (12- and 20-gauges)
  • Maverick 88 (12- and 20-gauges)
  • Coast to Coast model CC 660 Master Mag (12- and 20 gauges)
  • Mossberg 590A1 and 500 Compact Cruiser AOW

 

Our Raptor™ Grip 870 and Raptor™ Grip for 870 with QD is compatible with:

  • Remington 870 12-gauge firearms
  • New England Firearms (NEF) Pardner Pump Protector 12-gauge
  • Harrington & Richardson (H&R) Pardner Pump 12-gauge
  • Protector 12-gauge
  • Interstate Arms Corp (IAC) Hawk Model 98 12-gauge
  • Interstate Arms Corp (IAC) Hawk Model 982 12-gauge
  • Interstate Arms Corp (IAC) Hawk Model 981R 12-gauge

 

Our Raptor™ Grip 870 for 20-gauge and Raptor™ Grip for 870 with QD is compatible with:

  • Remington 870 20-gauge firearms
  • New England Firearms (NEF) Pardner Pump Protector 20-gauge
  • Harrington & Richardson (H&R) Pardner Pump 20-gauge
  • Protector 20-gauge
  • Interstate Arms Corp (IAC) Hawk Model 98 20-gauge
  • Interstate Arms Corp (IAC) Hawk Model 982 20-gauge
  • Interstate Arms Corp (IAC) Hawk Model 981R 20-gauge

 

Our Raptor™ Grip 500E is compatible with:

  • Mossberg 500E .410 gauge firearms 
  • Mossberg 590E .410 gauge firearms



Raptor™ F1 Forend

Raptor™ F1 Forend
The cutting-edge design of the Shockwave Raptor™ F1 forend meets improved handling and fast target acquisition. A bolt-on replacement for your factory or aftermarket forend.

 

Compatible with:

  • Mossberg 500 12-gauge
  • Mossberg 590 12-gauge
  • Mossberg 590 Shockwave 12-gauge
  • Remington 870 12-gauge
  • Remington Tac 14 12-gauge

 

Features include:

  • A total of 10 M-LOK® slots for mounting lights,vertical grips, angled grips, Picatinny rails, and more
  • The optional upper heat shield to prevents burns and offers rifle sights for fast target acquisition
  • Rugged glass-reinforced polymer
  • Lightweight
  • Extra length lets you personalize forward handhold
  • Ribbed inset area provides secure gripping
  • Front and rear handstops improve safety
  • Veteran designed



Raptor™ Forend Tool

Raptor™ Forend Tool

If you’ve ever tried to remove or install a forend nut on a pump-action shotgun, you know how frustrating that can be — and the potential damage to your gun. Whether the nut protrudes or is recessed, and no matter how long your magazine tube, you can now quickly and easily reach it. The nut tool works for all forends including the Streamlight TL-Racker forend. Replace your forend in under two minutes.

 

The Shockwave Technologies Raptor™ Forend Nut tool is made for Mossberg 500/590 and Remington 870 Forends. One side fits Mossberg 500/590, and the other Remington 870 and Hawk 982 12-gauge firearms.





Raptor™ Strap Kit

Raptor™ Strap Kit

The Raptor™ Strap kit includes the strap, attachment hardware, and detailed instructions with full-size template. It’s easy and quick to install in about 10 minutes. And it improves handling immensely!

 

The Raptor™ Strap is designed for the tactical forearm, but will also fit the standard handguard. It will also fit other shotgun models from other manufacturers.

 

The Raptor™ Strap kit is compatible with:

  • Mossberg 500 forends
  • Mossberg 590 forends
  • Remington 870 forends
  • Magpul forends
  • Shockwave Raptor F1™ forends






Shockwave Blade® Product Line



Blade® 

 

Made from high-strength glass-reinforced polymer, the Blade® is manufactured to exacting tolerances and fits all pistols equipped with a standard AR-15 pistol buffer tube (up to 1.25? in diameter). Just slip it on and tighten the large set screw for a rock-solid installation.

 

Blade® fits all pistols equipped with a standard AR-15 pistol buffer tube (up to 1.25? in diameter) AR pattern, Glock, CZ Scorpion Evo 3, HK9X pattern, etc.

 

Features include:

  • Available in black, flat dark earth, OD green, and stealth gray
  • Quick and easy to install.
  • Provides additional support during firing.
  • Weighs a scant 5.0 ounces.
  • ATF approved for pistol use 








Blade® 2M 

Shockwave Blade® 2M 

Made from high-strength glass-reinforced polymer, the adjustable Blade® 2M pistol stabilizer is manufactured to exacting tolerances and fits all pistols equipped with a Mil-spec buffer tube. Just slip it on and lock in place.  Adjusts with a simple finger lever.

 

Compatible with all pistols equipped with a Mil-spec buffer tube: 

  • AR-15 pattern
  • MPX
  • Glock
  • CZ Scorpion Evo 3
  • HK9X pattern
  • etc.

 

Features include:

  • Available in black, flat dark earth, OD green, and stealth gray
  • Quick and easy to install.
  • Provides additional support during firing.
  • Weighs a scant 4.0 ounces.
  • ATF approved for pistol use 





Shockwave ZMAG™ Product Line

 

30 Round ZMAG™ and 50 Round ZMAG™

30 Round ZMAG™ and 50 Round ZMAG™

The design of the all-metal 30-round Shockwave ZMAG™ and 50-round Shockwave ZMAG™  for the Cobray/SWD M-11 (9mm and .380) is head and shoulders above the competition. 

 

The Shockwave ZMAG™ fits and functions in all M-11 guns that originally shipped with the Zytel magazines:

  • SWD M-11/NINE Submachine Gun (9mm)
  • SWD SM-11/NINE Semi-Auto Pistol (9mm)
  • SWD SM-11/NINE Semi-Auto Carbine (9mm)
  • SWD M11-A1 Submachine Gun (.380)
  • SWD SM-12/380 Semi-Auto Pistol (.380)
  • LEINAD / FMJ PM-11/NINE AWB-Compliant Semi-Auto Pistol (9mm)
  • LEINAD / FMJ PM-12/380 AWB-Compliant Semi-Auto Pistol (.380)
  • LEINAD CM-11/NINE AWB-Compliant Semi-Auto Carbine (9mm)
  • LEINAD TM-11/NINE AWB-Compliant Thompson-Style Semi-Auto Carbine (9mm)

 

Some exclusive features include:

 

  • Mag stop is a go/no-go feature in our opinion. It prevents over-inserting a mag into your gun and bending your ejector rod, which can quickly ruin your day at the range.
  • Robust, high-reliability feedlips are designed for optimal ammunition feeding. If you have a feedramp that’s out of spec, resolve your feeding issues once and for all with the super-reliable ZMAG.
  • Anti-tilt, low-friction polymer follower ensures the utmost in reliability.
  • Wolff spring improves feeding reliability.
  • Compatibility with the factory Cobray loader and the Butler Creek Uplula lets you easily load your ZMAGs.
  • Works with all stock designs, including the factory folding stock.
  • Ammo witness holes on the left side of the ZMAG allow you to see remaining ammo at a glance.
  • Optimally placed mag catch hole.
  • Rugged black Cerakote finish will protect your ZMAGs for decades to come. 

The Evolution of the AR and AR Pistol

What is an AR pistol?

AR pistol Shockwave

While an AR-15 pistol has a similar makeup as an AR-15 rifle, there are a few differences that classify it a “pistol.” To be exact, the barrel’s typically shorter than 16 inches, you can’t put a vertical forend grip on it, and you can optionally have a pistol brace on your firearm. 

 

 

Why would you want an AR pistol? 

 

Gun enthusiasts love shooting semi-automatic AR pistols for entertainment and target practice, but it can also be a great firearm for personal and home defense. However, many gun owners prefer a shotgun or a Mossberg 590 Shockwave for home defense.

 

Modern AR firearms are lightweight, durable, and easy to use. As long as it adheres to gun laws, AR owners can also customize their firearm how they see fit—from color choices to barrel lengths and accessories.

 

 

Evolution of the AR:

 

There’s a bit of history to tap into when it comes to understanding how the AR pistol became such a hit. Many consider AR firearms “American.” But looking into the subject deeper, its roots actually go back to the M1 Garand, which was a rifle designed by a French-Canadian. An unlikely candidate, eh? Back in the 1930s, John Garand was hired by the U.S. Springfield Armory to design guns. His .30-06 caliber, gas-operated, semi-automatic rifle was eventually adopted as the official U.S. infantry rifle used in action — including WWII and the Korean War. By 1938, the M1 Garand was mass produced and delivered to the Army for battle. After WWII, most M1 Garand rifles were put away into storage or loaned to allies fighting in battles, but as new wars sprouted (including when North Korea attacked South Korea in 1950), the M1 Garand started going back into production until 1957. 

 

But things started to shift in the 1950s when the AR-10 was born. Eugene Stoner, a former Marine and Army Ordnance technician, helped design that firearm out of aircraft-grade aluminum, allowing for a mere 7- to 9-pound weapon that would be beneficial for soldiers constantly carrying around their firearm for protection and battle. This new infantry rifle design also had a larger capacity magazine and select-fire capability. 

 

Despite popular belief, the “AR” stands for ArmaLite Rifle, not “assault rifle” or “automatic rifle.” ArmaLite is a firearms engineering company based out of California and where the AR-10 name derives. This firearm was built as a magazine-fed, gas-operated rifle firing a 7.62mm bullet. By 1960, a scaled-down version, firing the 5.56mm cartridge, started making its way through the military world. However, ArmaLite’s lack of successful firearm sales led them to sell the design to Colt’s Manufacturing Company, and the U.S. Military hired Colt to start pushing out loads of a full-auto version, designated the M16, to soldiers fighting in Vietnam. 

 

Not long after, Colt released a semi-automatic AR-15 version—the SP1—to the public for purchase, and sales have continued to boom. Today, there are millions of Americans who own AR-15s and there are over 150 manufacturers of AR parts. 

 

Because of the continued popularity of the AR firearm in households, many manufacturers, sellers, and even gun owners are influencing the evolution of the AR. 

 

Several years ago, the creator of the Shockwave Blade was inspired to create a smaller, lighter, more-affordable pistol brace. The Shockwave Blade® Pistol Stabilizer is veteran designed, engineered, marketed, and sold in the U.S. It’s made from high-strength glass-reinforced polymer, manufactured to exacting tolerances, and fits all pistols equipped with a standard AR-15 pistol buffer tube (up to 1.25? in diameter). Just slip it on and tighten the large set screw for a rock-solid installation. The Blade 2M, Shockwave’s newest Brace, is designed to fit any standard mil-spec carbine buffer tube and adjusts with a simple trigger lever.

 

Shockwave’s pistol blade stabilizer is also ATF approved for pistol use. Although it’s illegal (and a felony) to have a stock on an AR pistol function without ATF approval and a tax stamp, there are many foreign firearm sellers online trying to scam gun owners into buying illegally produced products and fakes. When you buy directly from Shockwave, you can ensure to receive American-made, ATF-approved products for your firearm.



 

What are the laws of owning an AR pistol?

 

Before we get into the nitty gritty of gun laws, you should refer to your official state and local gun laws for legal advice. You can also contact the ATF (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives) for more information about the AR pistol.

 

But for general info about this firearm, keep reading.

 

Most states allow you to own an AR pistol. But again, it’s important that you confirm your state and local laws to ensure you can own one before you start pulling out your wallet. Illegally owning an AR in areas where it’s prohibited could cost you more than your hard-earned money — it could cost you your freedom. 

As previously mentioned, there are a few rules that qualify an AR pistol barrel for legal ownership. The barrel can be shorter than 16 inches, you can’t have a vertical foregrip (it can be a handstop or angled foregrip), and you can have a pistol brace on your firearm to comply with AR gun ownership laws. The ATF does pay attention to the general length of an entire firearm, too. If a firearm is over 26 inches long with a barrel shorter than 16 inches long, it can have a vertical foregrip (but not a rifle stock).