What is the 26 inch rule?
Asked by: Jovan Casper | Last update: February 9, 2026Score: 4.9/5 (47 votes)
The "26 inch rule" in U.S. firearms law refers to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF)'s former distinction for concealability, where firearms over 26 inches overall length (OAL) with a vertical foregrip (VFG) weren't classified as concealable "Any Other Weapons" (AOWs), effectively allowing these non-NFA-registered firearms; however, recent court rulings have vacated the ATF's pistol brace rule, making the prior 26-inch loophole and related AOW regulations largely unenforceable as of late 2024/2025, though state laws vary and the situation remains complex.
What is the 26 inch pistol rule?
A firearm, as defined by 26 U.S.C. 5845(a)(4), is made when a handgun or other weapon with an overall length of less than 26 inches, or a barrel or barrels of less than 16 inches in length, is assembled or produced from a weapon originally assembled or produced only as a rifle.
What barrel length is illegal?
A rifle is subject to the NFA only if the rifle has a barrel or barrels of less than 16 inches in length. A weapon made from a rifle is also a firearm subject to the NFA if the weapon as modified has an overall length of less than 26 inches or a barrel or barrels of less than 16 inches in length.
Are pistol braces legal again in 2025?
Yes, as of 2025, pistol braces are legal and widely available because federal courts vacated the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF)'s 2023 rule, halting its enforcement; the Department of Justice dropped its appeal in July 2025, meaning braced pistols are not classified as short-barreled rifles (SBRs) under federal law, though users should still check state laws and be aware that configurations clearly designed as SBRs could still face scrutiny.
Is it legal to put a folding brace on an AR pistol?
Very simply put, yes. As of 2025, federal courts have permanently vacated the ATF's 2023 rule, confirming that braced pistols are fully legal without NFA registration or tax stamps.
Pistol vs Rifle, vs SBR: ATF Rules Explained
Are AR pistol braces illegal now?
No, AR pistol braces are currently legal at the federal level as of late 2025, as the ATF's 2023 rule classifying braced pistols as Short-Barreled Rifles (SBRs) has been vacated by federal courts and is unenforceable, though state and local laws can still vary, making it crucial for gun owners to check their local regulations.
Are 80% lowers legal in 2025?
Yes, 80% lowers are generally still legal to buy and build in 2025, as federal law doesn't regulate them until completed, but legality hinges on specific state laws, with states like California imposing strict serialization, registration, and background checks on finished builds, while the Supreme Court's 2025 ruling upheld ATF rules affecting parts kits (especially for pistols) but didn't ban standalone AR lowers, keeping the focus on state-level compliance.
Can I turn my AR-15 into an AR pistol?
Building an AR-15
Once a lower receiver has been a long gun or rifle, it can't be converted into a pistol, but it is OK if it's built from what is identified as “other” on ATF Form 4473 or pistol receivers. Pistol lowers are typically purchased and transferred as either complete guns or complete lowers.
Can I put a stock on my AR pistol 2025?
Can I put a stock on my AR pistol? No, attaching a stock to an AR pistol effectively converts it into a rifle. If the firearm has a barrel shorter than 16 inches, it is then classified as a Short-Barreled Rifle (SBR) under the National Firearms Act (NFA), requiring a $200 tax stamp and ATF Form 1 registration.
Can you get in trouble for shouldering a pistol brace?
No, it is not currently illegal to shoulder a pistol brace at the federal level because the ATF's 2023 rule attempting to ban them has been vacated and is unenforceable, meaning braced pistols are treated as pistols, not Short-Barreled Rifles (SBRs), as of late 2025. While the legal landscape was confusing, recent court rulings have struck down the ATF's attempts to regulate braced firearms, making the act of shouldering them generally permissible without needing a tax stamp or reclassification, though gun owners should stay informed as laws can change.
Can cops buy full auto guns?
For example, someone can lawfully possess a machine gun made this morning if it is in connection with their duties as a government or law enforcement official, or if they have their Federal Firearms License (FFL) and have either made or possess the machine gun for possible sale to government/law enforcement personnel.
What makes a shotgun illegal?
A shotgun becomes illegal (or highly regulated under the National Firearms Act - NFA) if it has a barrel under 18 inches or an overall length under 26 inches, is fully automatic, or falls under state "assault weapon" bans; additionally, individuals convicted of felonies, domestic violence, or deemed a danger to themselves/others, or those underage, cannot legally own them, with illegal possession often resulting from unregistered modifications like cutting down a barrel.
Do AR pistols need tax stamps?
Yes, AR pistols can need a tax stamp if configured as Short-Barreled Rifles (SBRs) under National Firearms Act (NFA) rules, especially with stabilizing braces that allow shouldering, but the recent legal status of braces has been in flux, with some rules vacated, though the core NFA requirements for SBRs remain, requiring registration and a tax stamp (historically $200, but changing as of 2026) for legal ownership, unless the firearm is legally considered a pistol.
How many rounds can I carry in my pistol?
The following states have implemented capacity-based magazine bans: California – 10 rounds, Colorado – 15 rounds, Connecticut – 10 rounds, Hawaii – 10 rounds, Massachusetts – 10 rounds, New York – 10 rounds; New Jersey – 10 rounds (previously restricted to 15 rounds); Vermont – 10 rounds for rifles and 15 rounds for ...
Can you put a vertical grip on a pistol over 26 inches?
Adding a VFG transforms a pistol into an AOW, subjecting it to NFA regulation. Firearms exceeding 26 inches in overall length are not considered concealable, so adding a VFG does not change their classification to AOW, nor does it subject them to NFA restrictions.
What is the 180 rule for guns?
This means obeying the rule of 180 degrees. You can point your firearm 90 degrees left of downrange, 90 degrees right, 90 degrees down and 90 degrees up for 180 degrees of safe direction in either the horizontal or vertical plane.
Can I turn my AR pistol into a rifle legally?
Q: Can I turn my AR pistol into a regular rifle? A: Yes, and you do not have to file any NFA application or submit to the ATF's bureaucracy. It's entirely legal to throw a buttstock on your AR pistol and turn it into a regular rifle if you first install a barrel that's 16″ or longer.
Can you legally put a folding stock on an AR pistol?
Legality. Folding stock adapters are legal for the most part, but state and local laws can vary. Depending on your state, it may be illegal to add an adapter to your rifle, so it's important to check your local and state regulations before buying one.
What states are AR pistols illegal in?
AR pistols face significant restrictions or bans in states with "assault weapon" bans, including California, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, and Washington, plus Washington D.C., often defined by features like pistol grips, telescoping stocks, or high-capacity magazines, making them illegal to sell, manufacture, or transfer, though some states have pending legal challenges or nuanced rules.
At what point is an AR considered a pistol?
Non-NFA rifles must have a barrel length >= 16”. So any AR with a <16” barrel is either a SBR, an AOW, or a pistol. If it lacks a stock it cannot be a rifle per statutory definition.
Are micro conversion kits illegal now?
The term "MCK" most commonly refers to the CAA Micro Conversion Kit (or Micro Roni), and its legality hinges on whether a pistol brace or stock is attached; while the ATF's controversial pistol brace rule was recently overturned (July 2025), making braces legal again, attaching a stock or brace to a handgun in the MCK can still classify it as a Short-Barreled Rifle (SBR) under National Firearms Act (NFA) rules, requiring registration and a tax stamp, making the combination potentially illegal without proper documentation.
What is the least armed state in the US?
Wyoming has the highest rate of gun ownership, with an estimated 66 firearms per 100 residents. Massachusetts and New Jersey share the lowest rate at 14.7 firearms for every 100 residents. The state-level ownership may be lower due to data restraints.
Can you get flagged for buying too many guns?
Yes, buying multiple firearms, especially handguns or certain rifles in a short period, can get you flagged because Federal Firearms Licensees (FFLs) must report these "multiple sales" to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) (ATF) for tracking illegal trafficking, though there's no federal limit on ownership, and the ATF looks for patterns like buying many of the same gun to spot potential crime. Specific reporting rules apply to handguns (two or more in 5 business days) and certain rifles in border states, potentially leading to ATF or law enforcement follow-up.
Can you get in trouble for owning an 80% lower?
Receiver blanks that do not meet the definition of a "firearm" are not subject to regulation under the Gun Control Act (GCA).