Are AR Pistols Legal in Michigan?
When it comes to firearms and firearm laws, it is crucial to understand the legality of specific types of firearms within a particular state or jurisdiction. In Michigan, one of the most asked questions is whether AR pistols are legal. In this article, we will direct answer this question and break down the laws and regulations that surround AR pistols in the Great Lakes State.
Direct Answer:
No, AR pistols are NOT entirely legal in Michigan in the classical sense. A strict interpretation of Michigan State Statute 750.222f prohibits the conversion or modification of a magazine to increase its capacity more than 20 rounds without undergoing a background check or securing a permit.
In layman’s terms, any AR pistol that was legally owned prior to September 13, 1994, is considered illegal and cannot be legally transported or possessed in Michigan after October 1, 2020. **But here’s the catch – only the pistol’s caliber has to be less than.50 BMG; its overall length can remain in compliance with Michigan Code Ann. § 7520.2f(l), which allows for guns no longer than 34.4 inches overall (pistol grip stock).
What does this mean, then? It means those interested in owning an AR pistol in Michigan need to have a thorough understanding of state and federal laws concerning them.
Iowa’s Impact on AR Pistol Laws in Michigan:
Before examining the specifics of Michigan gun laws, it is vital to understand the connection to neighboring Iowa. Historical context matters here; it’s essential to rewind a bit. According to the Michigan Supreme Court ruling in Michigan Ceasefire Coalition v Secretary of State (1971), the Michigan Rifle Club v Secretary of State** (1974, it was determined that if any part of the crime gun was manufactured or bought out of state, as with Iowa, Michigan legal residents could possess such, though not sell, then).
This means Michigan legally bound to follow the constitutional requirement of the Commerce clause regarding the sale of Arms under the 14th amendment. In simple English – if an item not deemed illegal in one region remains legal in the whole federal territory, and since in this case it didn’t, then we take up the whole state from now on.
In particular regarding AR pistols, here:
- No pistol converted to fire.556 cartridges or 9×23mm Winchester can shoot (or have any firing potential) over 500-foot-pounds after such conversion.
