Friday Night Gun Porn: “Compliant” AR option and an AR Pistol

For tonight's Friday Night Gun Porn I'll be showing you two things – the FRS15 (which makes rifles “compliant” in so called “ban states”) and the Thorsden AR Pistol Builder Package.

The FRS-15

When I first showed the FRS-15 stock to my buddy Steve Coulston, he laughed. Not because it looked funny, but because of the fact we have come to this boiling point to skirt laws.

Thorsden Customs of California was founded in 2010 and their first product to market which was the UBBT (Ultimate Bullet Button Tool). Since that time they have sold 100,000+ units of that little gadget, which simply allows for quick removal of your magazine (which you'd normally do with finger manipulation of the magazine release) under conditions that are legal under California law. (Google California Bullet Button if you’re not familiar with the legislation that made the UBBT necessary.)

The need that calls for use of the FRS-15 is sad,b but it is an option that keeps rifles in the hands of gun owners who live in states passing ever more stringent gun laws. A prospective rifle owner can remain legal by replacing the pistol grip and adjustable stock of the wrongly named “assault rifle” with the FRS-15 rifle stock. The presence of the FRS-15 effectively eliminates two prohibited characteristics that define that terrible “ASSAULT WEAPON”.

The FRS-15 has multiple sling points and offers a grip angle of 28 degrees. Overall length is 13.375 and length-of-pull is 14.125. The entire stock weighs in at 11.5 ounces and made of Nylon with a 30% glass fill;  an optional adjustable cheek weld is available as well as is compatibility with many aftermarket butt plate extensions and recoil pads.

Steve and I ran a few rounds down range and although it definitely takes some getting used to, it is actually pretty comfortable.

As much as I hate to see this product on the market (not because of the product but because of the heinous laws being passed) I think it does provide a viable, valuable option for would-be rifle owners in ban states.

AR Pistol Builder Package

Thordsen is also the maker of a very cool and unique pistol buffer tube system. Their complete kit (also available individually) comes with everything you need to legally build an AR pistol.

Note: NFA laws are very complicated. This isn't legal advice. Do your homework. If you are looking for an AR15 pistol, this is one of those solutions that not only looks great but is very functional.

If you are thinking about building an AR Pistol, you first need to start with a lower that was registered to you by your FFL as “other”. You cannot take an AR-15 that started life as a rifle and turn it into a pistol, but you can take an AR-15 lower that was registered as OTHER, build a pistol, convert it to a rifle later, then back to a pistol. Clear as mud? If you're doubtful at all consult a legal expert in your state. We live in a time where even legislators and LEOs can be confused by poorly worded, ambiguous, sometimes contradictory laws. Make sure you know what's legal and what's not.

It is also my understanding that if the total length of the firearm is over 26”, then you are permitted to add a vertical grip without the need for an NFA stamp because it is not an AOW. Again, check that one out for yourself.

The Thordsen kit comes with a standard carbine buffer tube (Receiver Extension for you purists) that has been modified so you cannot put a stock on it (this is done by leaving the raceway un-machined). A cover is slipped over the buffer tube, allowing to attach the CAA saddle, thus giving you a very comfortable platform to shoot from.

Unfortunately, installation was complicated. The instructions were not very intuitive, but if you take your time you'll get there.

As you see here, the end result is fabulous. I found the setup to be very strong and robust and it felt solid when shouldered. This is a product I am sure to order more of.

(Note: Thordsen has even gone through the effort to provide a downloadable ATF approval letter on the pistol setup if you want a copy. Order your AR Pistol System or FRS-15 and get a copy of that letter here.)