Hey guys/gals, I am starting my first AR build, I was wondering if you needed a pistol permit to buy a lower reciever in Jersey? Reason I ask is I have family in pa and I was told when you buy the lower its reg as a rifle and a pistol because you can build either. Is there any truth on this? Or at least would anyone have some input? Thank you in advance!!

I did not need a permit when I got my lower

No permit necessary in NJ. I'm not even sure you can make an ar pistol in NJ

If you're talking about an AR lower that's capable of being assembled into a jersey-legal AR pistol, then YES you need to burn a pistol permit on it.

It must be a lightweight (polymer or carbon-15) lower or you'll never stay under the 50oz limit.

 

The rules in PA are different. The 50oz rule is no longer in effect (it was part of the 94 Clinton AWB)

 

If your intention is to assemble an AR rifle, then NO, you don't need to burn a pistol permit

If you are buying just a lower, then it will have to be delivered through a NJ FFL. It is neither a rifle nor a pistol - regardless of whether it has a stock on it - it is an "other" and is so noted on the 4473. You do not need a P2P.

 

I'm sure Paul will be along shortly to confirm or correct - but that is what I remember from when I bought my lower from a PA dealer.

 

Adios,

 

Pizza Bob

Buyer must be 21YOA if bought from a dealer and they must acquire it from a resident or dealer in their state of residence. As stated by njJoniGuy, if bought on a P2P by a NJ resident it can be built into a pistol following the AWB guidelines. It can be bought on a COE and built into a long gun only.

Sounds good. Thank you to all that posted with great info!