is a hand strap legal on a pistol?

[SquatchWorks]

here is a pic


vertical grips make it an AOW but what about the strap?

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[Noxspector]

I' like it other than it's not a SBR. That red dot won't hold zero on it either.

As for the original question.....yes a strap is legal.

 

[spider]

LMAO

 

[krawl]

I' like it other than it's not a SBR. That red dot won't hold zero on it either.

As for the original question.....yes a strap is legal.

Would the strap not be a forward grip?

 

[coctailer]

Ask the guys that know.503-331-7830

That is the Portland ATF office. They are happy to help and let you know what is legal or not.

 

[huntpotter]

I've seen mac-10, and others with a forward strap. I don't think it is tecnically classified as a grip, because it is flexible. It is more like a sling, than a strap.

 

[Bello425]

Dumb question, but what is the purpose of the strap...

 

[ZachS]

Dumb question, but what is the purpose of the strap...

To provide some of the functionality of a forward grip without running afoul of the law.

 

[Bello425]

I've shot old AK's before, but without the new accessories(short barrel, pistol grip, etc.) just can't figure why use a strap when you can hold/support the area where the strap is located when shooting. Or does that area get hot? Just curious since that looks like an "interesting" setup.

 

[Stomper]

If it IS legal... that's a clever workaround for a pistol... I'm building an AR pistol. I may even carry it under my CHL/CPL...

 

[nhuman]

If a vertical grip is illegal what about a horizontal grip? my quadrail would hold a folding grip on the side very nicely!

 

[UncalledForGabe]

A horizontal grip still a forward grip on a pistol regardless of position.
Now I'm curious about the strap

 

[krawl]

Quick google search:

"Washington, DC 20226


Adding a Vertical Fore Grip to a Handgun

“Handgun” is defined under Federal law to mean, in part, a firearm which has a short stock and is designed to be held and fired by the use of a single hand…. Gun Control Act of 1968, 18 U.S.C. § 921(a)(29).

Under an implementing regulation of the National Firearms Act (NFA), 27 C.F.R. § 479.11, “pistol” is defined as a weapon originally designed, made, and intended to fire a projectile (bullet) from one or more barrels when held in one hand, and having (a) a chamber(s) as an integral part(s) of, or permanently aligned with, the bore(s); and (b) a short stock designed to be gripped by one hand and at an angle to and extending below the line of the bore(s).

The NFA further defines the term “any other weapon” (AOW) as any weapon or device capable of being concealed on the person from which a shot can be discharged through the energy of an explosive, a pistol or revolver having a barrel with a smooth bore designed or redesigned to fire a fixed shotgun shell, weapons with combination shotgun and rifle barrels 12 inches or more, less than 18 inches in length, from which only a single discharge can be made from either barrel without manual reloading, and shall include any such weapon which may be readily restored to fire. Such term shall not include a pistol or revolver having a rifled bore, or rifled bores, or weapons designed, made, or intended to be fired from the shoulder and not capable of firing fixed ammunition. 26 U.S.C. § 5845(e).

ATF has long held that by installing a vertical fore grip on a handgun, the handgun is no longer designed to be held and fired by the use of a single hand. Therefore, if individuals install a vertical fore grip on a handgun, they are “making” a firearm requiring registration with ATF’s NFA Branch. Making an unregistered “AOW” is punishable by a fine and 10 years’ imprisonment. Additionally, possession of an unregistered “AOW” is also punishable by fine and 10 years’ imprisonment.

To lawfully add a vertical fore grip to a handgun, a person must make an appropriate application on ATF Form 1, “Application to Make and Register a Firearm.” The applicant must submit the completed form, along with a fingerprint card bearing the applicant’s fingerprints; a photograph; and $200.00. The application will be reviewed by the NFA Branch. If the applicant is not prohibited from possessing a firearm under Federal, State, or local law, and possession of an “AOW” is not prohibited in the applicant’s State of residence, the form will be approved. Only then may the person add a vertical fore grip to the designated handgun.

A person may also send the handgun to a person licensed to manufacture NFA weapons. The manufacturer will install the fore grip on the firearm and register the firearm on an ATF Form 2. The manufacturer can then transfer the firearm back to the individual on an ATF Form 4, which results in a $5.00 transfer tax. If the manufacturer is out of State, the NFA Branch will need a clarification letter submitted with the ATF Form 4 so that the NFA Branch Examiner will know the circumstances of the transfer. Questions can be directed to the NFA Branch or the Firearms Technology Branch."


The thread (on a MAC forum) does say multiple times that ATF has yet to ever issue a clear ruling on the issue. Even in the letter they don't directly address the issue but skate around it. Would you get in trouble for it? probably like a 1 in 10million chance, but I would hate to be the one called on it and put to the test. My $0.02

 

[SquatchWorks]

does anyone know where you could get a picatinny strap? I have looked everywhere!!!