good evening all... i wanted to reach out to the group to get some advice. i want to get an SBR an an additional AR rifle. i am considering purchasing a complete AR lower and then just making it into a pistol and then shortly after putting in for my form 1 SBR. what i am curious about is what you all think is a quality AR complete lower to purchase. thanks for the advice.

Wilson Combat, Seekins, Aero Precision, Spikes.....

Just so that you are aware, If you purchase a "complete" AR lower, it is either a pistol or a rifle lower and can not be changed to a "pistol" lower if it has ever been a rifle lower. You will need a stripped lower that has never been assembled, or purchase a complete pistol lower. Like Pitchfork mentioned above, there are numerous brands that are of good quality. I like BCM, Spikes and RRA.

Why not just buy a pistol

Or better yet, buy an SBR.

A lower, stripped or assembled is NOT a firearm of any type... as it cannot chamber or fire a round... doesnt matter if it has a brace, stock or bare buffer tube... it is still transferred as "Other- Receiver" on the 4473.

Buy any lower you like, build it as a pistol first, then it can go from.pistol to rifle to pistol as many times as you like.

You cannot buy a complete rifle and configure it as a pistol.

You can buy a complete pistol and go from.pistol to rifle to pistol as many times as you like.

Either pistol or rifle can become an SBR after the Form 1 is approved.

The only thing that I would add to this is to MAKE SURE that at NO time during the transition from pistol to rifle/rifle to pistol that a barrel shorter than 16" is installed while the receiver is wearing a stock. The stock and short barrel must never be on the receiver at the same time.

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Wrong, not true.

Read the 4473...

Page 1, Item 4 (Type) is "Receiver" even if it has a stock on it.
Page 2, Item 24 is "other"

I stand corrected as I have obviously been misled by an FFL holder who told me otherwise. I certainly meant no malicious intent. I guess as long as when you fill out the 4473 they actually put "OTHER", then you would be okay.

You’re good, it used to be like that, not anymore since I think 2016-2017. It’s better to give advice than our THF brothers getting no advice. Keep it moving.

One thing you might do if you have the funds for it..just a suggestion.

I have a Daniel Defense MK18 pistol. IMO, it's about the best pistol/SBR AR you can buy, indeed it's the same one SOCOM forces use. I have not done the SBR yet but probably will. Once done, in about 1 minute all that is needed is to pop off the SBA3 brace and put on the DD buttstock and a DD vertical grip...presto, the best dang 5.56mm SBR you can ever have (just my opinion mind you).

Earl

Who told you SOCOM uses DD rifles?

Well...DD shows it on their website, so...


DD SOCOM

Think it’s the MK18 upper on a Colt lower??

No mention of DD anywhere...

CQBR / MK18

EVERYONE knows that it's in use by SOCOM.

If you don't want to take DD's word for it, maybe you will an active duty USAF SERE Specialist

https://sofrep.com/news/sere-instructor-why-the-daniel-defense-mk18-is-so-popular/

Also read your own link a little better - it does specifically list DD twice:

"MK18 Mod 1: Similar to the changes found in the SOPMOD Block II kit, the Mod 1 features a gas block end without a front sight and a railed handguard, by Daniel Defense, that extends all the way to the base of the flash hider to provide more accessory rail space for the user."

This is also on that same CQB/ Mk18 page linked to bellow.:

"Handguards: The standard handguard for the CQBR is the Knight's Armament Company Rail Interface System (M4 Carbine RIS; National Stock Number 1005-01-416-1089), which is designed for a variety of barrel profiles and allows for the use of any MIL-STD-1913 tactical accessories such as the AN/PEQ-2 infrared pointer, SureFire flashlights, or a vertical forward grip.
The handguard manufacturer has since changed from KAC to Daniel Defense as the primary contractor for the MK18 RIS, NSN # 1005-01-548-1385."

Not to mention the fact it has NSN part number and US Cage Code on the rail!

This is the DD page for the MK18 and what they say specifically. I linked to the pistol (since that is what I referenced) though they have the SBR on their website as well:

https://danieldefense.com/mk18-pistol-02-088-01202.html

"The Daniel Defense MK18 Pistol is a variation of the MK18 SBR, which has been extremely popular within the Law Enforcement and Special Operations communities. This firearm is classified as a Pistol and not a Short Barreled Rifle (NFA regulated items require ATF approval and a tax stamp). The Daniel Defense MK18 Pistol features the railed forend Daniel Defense currently provides to USSOCOM and a 10.3” Cold Hammer Forged Barrel, the same length commonly used for CQB operations. The MK18 RISII features our patented 6-bolt Bolt-Up System and has been rigorously tested prior to fielding by USSOCOM."


As someone else mentioned, the US Military being the way they are and using and resusing things I would imagine that the MK18 upper is most often found on a Colt M4A1 lower.

Got a little carried away

Handguard by DD...LOL, I guess it must be true...wtfo!

I guess it works to sell guns to suckers!

The entire MK18 upper by DD is used. I don't know what your problem/issue is with DD but I'm out of this thread. Earl

Hey the third string QB still gets a championship ring, even though he knelt for the last play of the season! Lol.