MaxSpede Wrote:Had a similar question regarding use of an AR pistol in Missouri's "Special Weapons" season. I just called up and asked. They were very nice, said they had considered the AR pistol use when debating the rules and that I was "good to go" with an AR pistol under the pistol regulations and could use any barrel length I chose.
Sound of takedown pins popping in and out as Grendel upper comes off rifle and locks onto pistol lower.....
What you were told doesn't match what their regulations said. This is from their site.
The updated MDC definition of a handgun is, Any firearm originally designed, made, and intended to fire a projectile (bullet) from one (1) or more barrels when held in one (1) hand, and having a short stock designed to be gripped by one (1) hand at an angle to and extending below the line of the bore(s), with a barrel less than sixteen inches (16) in length, measured from the face of the bolt or standing breech (excluding any muzzle device not permanently attached to the barrel), and an overall length less than twenty-six inches (26) as measured between the muzzle of the barrel and the rearmost portion of the firearm (excluding any pistol brace, muzzle device, or other firearm accessory not permanently attached to the firearm). The use of a pistol brace is specifically authorized, and a second hand may be used for support when firing.
According to this, a 16" upper isn't legal and won't make the 26" OAL if you have an AR pistol with a buffer tube. This change in the regulations from last year is why I built my Grendel this year with a 12" barrel. It is barely less than 26" OAL counting the buffer tube. The brace and any muzzle device are not considered in the OAL of the pistol.
Just clearing that up for you so you don't get a surprise. I did what you planned last year with a 308 pistol. It isn't legal this year under the new rules. If I wanted to stick an 8" barrel on it to make OAL, I could. But the muzzle blast would be nasty and I don't know how accuracy would be with that short of a barrel.