7.5" 5.56 SBR Build Planner: Overall Length, State Law and the Parts List
A 7.5 inch 5.56 runs pistol gas and comes out about 25 inches overall with a carbine stock extended. With a stock it misses both federal lines, 16 inches of barrel and 26 inches overall.
Quick answer
- Your 7.5" 5.56 with a carbine stock is a short barreled rifle under federal law. Measured the way ATF does it, that's 7.5" of barrel against the 16" line and 25.2" overall against the 26" line.
- ATF announced on October 9, 2026 that it would stop enforcing the National Firearms Act's approval, registration and tax stamp requirements for suppressors, short barreled rifles, short barreled shotguns and any other weapons (AOWs). This is an enforcement policy, not a change to the National Firearms Act; the law is still on the books and the policy can be reversed or challenged.
- The parts list below comes to $1,218 across 14 slots, before an optic or a can.
Source: GunPartPicker catalog and build data, prices checked October 19, 2026.
Build your 7.5" 5.56 to scale
Drag the barrel, swap the stock for a brace, pin a muzzle device or thread on a can. The ruler under the rifle measures the way ATF does: barrel from the closed bolt face, overall length with the stock extended.
3D model credits: 127 models, CC BY 4.0
3D models, CC BY 4.0, modified: AR-15 by wafla, M4 stock and buffer tube from Colt M4A1 Carbine by haoliu95, Daniel Defense pistol buttstock by nixo_design, B5 ORSOP by heavypayload, MAB GEN2 stock by heavypayload, brace from Springfield Armory - Saint Edge AR-15 Pistol by Polly_Hermiston, A2 stock from M16A1 and M16A2 kit by frankestudios71, SigSauer Romeo5 Red Dot by art0f_joe, EOTECH Vudu 1-6x24 by Se_Oscar_Ya, Rugged Obsidian 9mm Suppressor by ense7en, muzzle devices from 10 Lowpoly Muzzle Brakes & Flash Suppressors by valterjherson1, Three Prong 5 Express by heavypayload, SureFire SOCOM suppressor by thecrazy_craft, SilencerCo Velos LBP 5.56 by GoldbergR, Magpul AFG-2 by Denko45, SureFire M600DF by mbvisuals1, Glock magazine from G17 9mm pistol by 3dvachevsky, 9mm lower from AR9 Receiver by youbunny, Trijicon MRO HD + 3X Magnifier by 417000, Eotech HHS II (EXPS2-2 + G33.STS) Scope + Sight by windak, Unity Tactical FAST Eotech by 417000, AimPoint CompM4 Sight by Red4One, AimPoint Micro H2 by gabethefox12, Low-Poly Aimpoint ECOS-N /CompM2 by notcplkerry, EoTech EXPS3-0 Holographic Weapon Sight Lowpoly by valterjherson1, holosun hs403 by PureSaltt, C-More Reflex Sight by 417000, Romeo 8T Red Dot (Low-Poly) by GoldbergR, ELCAN Specter DR by 417000, Trijicon ACOG 3.5x35 Riflescope (Low-Poly) by GoldbergR, TA33 ACOG (Low-Poly) by GoldbergR, low-poly Vortex XM157 by DU1701, Nightforce ATACR 1-8x24mm F1 Scope (Low-Poly) by GoldbergR, Vortex Razor HD Gen II-E Scope (Low-Poly) by GoldbergR, EOTech HWS XPS2 Sight (Low-Poly) by GoldbergR, Collimator Sight Holosun 3D Model by seahamster_art, Vortex Razor AMG UH-1 gen 2 holographic sight by KobieCaestecker, Vortex Optics Spitfire 3x Prism by dries.puype, SIG Sauer TANGO6T 1-6x24mm Scope (Low-Poly) by GoldbergR, Sight Vortex Crossfire II 1-4x24 by 3dYaroslav, Leupold Mark 4 Scope (Low-Poly) by GoldbergR, Nightforce ATACR 7-35x56 F1 by suspensy, Unity Tactical FAST™ Trijicon by 417000, ACOG Scope by GC_3D_ART, Trijicon ACOG 6x48 BAC Riflescope (Low-Poly) by GoldbergR, REAP-IR by Se_Oscar_Ya, Aug A3 M1with Aimpoint micro T2 by lightningocelot, Aim Point Pro Red Dot Sight (no trade marks) by armoredwave, Eotech 552 (Standard Texture) by waldski, Eotech 553 by yarogor, Vortex Viper Red Dot by epavlenko, Sightmark Wolverine CSR Red Dot Sight by raimeiyonke, Sightmark Wolverine by Gaming_Crash, Aim Sightmark sm26008 by N1QOLAS, Crimson Trace CTS-1550 Red Dot Sight by TalhaHelvaci, Swampfox Optics Kingslayer Reflex Sight by ense7en, Sig Sauer Romeo3 Reflex Sight by ense7en, ZEISS Z-Point by 417000, ELCAN C79 Optical Sight by 417000, Schmidt & Bender 1-8x Camo by Fkord, Schmidt & Bender 5-25x56 PM II Scope (Low-Poly) by GoldbergR, Scope Steiner M5XI 5–25×56 Low-poly 3D model by Cpt_Panic, LEUPOLD VX-6 SIGHT & VORTEX CANTIELIVER 30mm by 3DYAROSLAV2, low-poly UAR-10 by DU1701, Leupold Mk 4 LRT M1 10×40mm Scope (Low-Poly) by GoldbergR, Cobalt Kinetics Model 27 by ense7en, Zeiss Terra 3X 4-12X42 Scope (Low-poly) by GoldbergR, URG-I 11.5(Low Poly) by BCRE, low-poly URG-I SOCOM by DU1701, Low-Poly M4A1 SOPMOD Block II by Harberth, AR 15 by ecler, AR15 + Modules & LODs by muar, AR-15 (game ready) by dxmhl, Noveske N4 rifle by q9911, BCM MCMR-8 by BCRE, Low-Poly Mk18/CQBR parts collection by notcplkerry, Low-poly_ Daniel_ Defence_M4_V7 by FnafFanForevs, Timber Creek Style AR-15 M4 M16 Rifle Handguard by Socksthecat, M4A1_RIII by oremu029, lowpoly AR15 "tacslop 621" by dudeperson, MAGPUL MOE K2 Grip by BCRE, Howa Type 20 by hungdo, Low-Poly Magpul RVG by notcplkerry, ( FREE ) DANIEL DEFENCE VERTICAL FOREGRIP COMBO by nixo_design, Tango_down_stubby_grip by artist_dudu, Fortis gun parts grip by artist_dudu, MAGPUL GRIP by artist_dudu, low poly ar 15 Hera Arms CQR DMR Custom by Anysius, Magpul AFG (Low-Poly) by GoldbergR, Mlok grip (BCM replica) by Shirley Productions, Angled fore grip mlok AFG M-LOK without side mounts by EszOzwierz, Arisaka indexer M-LOK handstop by Shirley Productions, M-Lok Angled Grip by commandqueue, SureFire 660 Weapon Light with Pressure Switch by haoliu95, ATPIAL AN/PEQ-15 (Low-Poly) by GoldbergR, L3 Harris LA-5C/PEQ UHP by 417000, DBAL A3 by 417000, Steiner Dbal by morepolys, Sightmark LoPro Mini Laser Sight Attachment by valterjherson1, Surefire X300U-B Flashlight by ense7en, H&K USP Compact, 9mm PB sidearm w/ TLR-2 by elgeosprods, Surefire M622V SCOUT LIGHT by Matúš Mistrík, Surefire M952V Weapon Light by RedRogueXIII, REPTILIA TORCH 18650 M-LOK LIGHT BODY by exsaitx, laser Steiner dbal A2 by IgorPakov, Steiner DBLA-II Tactical Laser by IgorPakov, NGAL aiming laser by shirioko, Low-Poly LS321 by Unknown1760, AN/PEQ-2 by 417000, AN/PEQ-18 by 417000, Wilcox Raptar Tactical Aiming Laser by afagraphyiba, Weapon flashlight (airsoft, non-functional) by Jenikovec, AAC M4-2000 5_56mm Rifle Suppressor High by Motion., AWC Thundertrap 308 Suppressor by haoliu95, Silencerco Osprey Suppressor by Socksthecat, low-poly SIG MCX Spear by DU1701, Angstadt Arms Prophet Suppressor Lowpoly by valterjherson1, PMAG 30 Gen 3 Magazine by aut2, M4A1 30-Round Windowed Magazine by blarg1, Ar-15 USGI Magazine by d4rk.fantasies, 20rd Mag by gamgo, low-poly Iron Sight Set by DU1701, MBUS Style Iron Sights V2 by Socksthecat, Strike Industries BUIS by 417000, XS Sight XTI2 Offset iron sight by 417000, A.R.M.S. 40L rear sight by b0ho, Leitner-Wise E-sights by 417000 · CC BY 4.0
7.5" 5.56 SBR parts list
One in stock part for every slot, matched to the barrel and the carbine stock. Each pick is the part that goes into real builds most often, from the middle of the price range. Tap a card for every store's price.
- 01Stripped lower receiver
Griffin ArmamentGriffin Armament MK2 Ambi Stripped AR-15 Lower Receiver - Ambidextrous Controls - Flared Magwell - Anodized Black - MK2AL$208.95In stockThe serialized part, so it ships to your FFL. The transfer fee isn't in the total. In real builds this slot usually runs about $220.140 that fit → - 02Lower parts kit
Sons of Liberty Gun WorksSons of Liberty Gun Works Blaster Starter Kit AR-15 LPK - No Grip/Trigger$54.15In stockPins, springs, detents, selector, bolt catch and mag release, usually with a mil-spec trigger and grip. Kits that bundle a stock and buffer tube are left out so nothing's counted twice. In real builds this slot usually runs about $220.14 that fit → - 03Trigger
Rise ArmamentRise Armament Super Sporting Ar15/10 Single Stage Trigger - Flat - Dtom Special Edition$108.09In stockMost parts kits come with a mil-spec trigger, so this slot is the upgrade. In real builds this slot usually runs about $170.495 that fit → - 04Pistol grip
Wilson CombatWilson Combat Ar-15 Starburst Gunfighter Pistol Grip Black$26.30In stockIn real builds this slot usually runs about $20.526 that fit → - 05Buffer tube assembly
KAK IndustryKAK Industry Mil-Spec Carbine Buffer Tube Kit, Black$41.85In stockTube, buffer, spring, castle nut and end plate. A collapsible stock or a brace rides a carbine tube. A fixed stock needs a rifle tube. In real builds this slot usually runs about $70.88 that fit → - 06Stock or brace
Daniel DefenseDaniel Defense Collapsible Mil-Spec Buttstock, Brown - 21-091-04179-011$82.00In stockSized for a mil-spec carbine tube. A fixed A2 stock needs a rifle tube instead. In real builds this slot usually runs about $55.409 that fit → - 07Stripped upper receiver
Palmetto State ArmoryPSA AR-15 Built Stealth Upper Receiver - No T Marks - 516444539$99.99In stockStripped. The barrel, handguard, gas parts, BCG and charging handle are all picked below. In real builds this slot usually runs about $400.101 that fit → - 08Barrel
Ballistic AdvantageBallistic Advantage 7.5" 5.56 Pistol Length Nitride Modern Series Barrel 1:7 Twist$100.00In stockMatched by the length in its name, so confirm it on the listing before you buy. On a short build, that length decides what the gun is. In real builds this slot usually runs about $200.7 that fit → - 09Gas block
Sons of Liberty Gun WorksSons of Liberty Gun Works Gas Block V2 - .750"$45.00In stock.750 journal on government, M4 and heavy profiles, .625 on pencil and lightweight ones. Check the barrel listing. In real builds this slot usually runs about $50.222 that fit → - 10Gas tube
Spike's TacticalSpikes Tactical Ar-15 Gas Tube Melonite Pistol$14.40In stockCut for the gas system this barrel length calls for. In real builds this slot usually runs about $15.33 that fit → - 11Handguard
Midwest IndustriesMidwest Industries, Inc. Combat Handguard M-Lok Aluminum 4.5 Black$139.95In stockHalf an inch to three and a half inches shorter than the barrel, so it covers the gas block and clears the muzzle device. M-LOK when there's a choice. In real builds this slot usually runs about $170.135 that fit → - 12Muzzle device
ZEV TechnologiesZev Technologies 5.56 Muzzle Device - 1/2x28$48.02In stockThread pitch and caliber matched to the barrel. Unless it's pinned and welded, it adds nothing to legal length. In real builds this slot usually runs about $75.366 that fit → - 13Bolt carrier group
Bravo CompanyBravo Company M16 Bolt Carrier Group Black$199.00In stock.300 Blackout runs the same bolt carrier as 5.56. In real builds this slot usually runs about $200.167 that fit → - 14Charging handle
Breek ArmsBreek Arms Ar-15 Warhammer Mod2 Ambidextrous Charging Handle Black$49.95In stockIn real builds this slot usually runs about $90.416 that fit →
Opens these picks in the AR-15 Builder as a saved build named above, priced at $1,164 today, ready to swap parts, share, or buy. Not carried over: lower parts kit (the builder has no slot for it; add it from the product page).
Suppressors for the 7.5" 5.56
Cans rated for 5.56 come first, then larger bores that still work with it on the right mount. Within each group, the can that goes into the most builds leads. A can that slips over the muzzle device adds less length than its own.
Which states allow SBRs?
SBRs are legal under state law in 41 states, restricted in 4 and banned in 5. Tap any state for its SBR page and the statute.
Banned
- CaliforniaCalifornia bans short-barrel rifles outside a narrow state permit.
- HawaiiHawaii bans rifles with barrels under 16 inches outright.
- New JerseyNew Jersey bans short-barrel rifles as sawed-off shotguns.
- New YorkNew York makes possessing a short-barrel rifle a crime.
- Rhode IslandRhode Island bans sawed-off rifles with no federal registration exemption.
Restricted
- ConnecticutNo Connecticut statute names short-barrel rifles, but its assault weapon ban reaches short semiautomatics.
- DelawareDelaware's destructive weapon ban reaches sawed-off shotguns, not short rifles.
- IllinoisIllinois makes short-barreled rifle possession a Class 3 felony.
- South CarolinaSouth Carolina makes sawed-off rifles a felony with an unclear federal exception.
Restricted means a state law touches SBRs short of a flat ban. The line under each state says how.
Legal in the other 41 states
Some states only allow suppressors and SBRs that are federally registered or possessed in compliance with federal law. Check your state's statute before you buy.
Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming
How long is a 5.56 AR at each barrel length?
Lengths leave the muzzle device off, since a removable one doesn't count. Federal law measures the stock extended. Some states measure it collapsed, so both are here. On a brace with no stock, every barrel in the table makes a pistol.
| Barrel | Carbine stock, collapsed / extended | With a stock | Brace, extended | With a brace |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7.5" | 21.7" / 25.2" | SBR (NFA) | 25.2" | Pistol |
| 10.3" | 24.5" / 28" | SBR (NFA) | 28" | Pistol |
| 10.5" | 24.7" / 28.2" | SBR (NFA) | 28.2" | Pistol |
| 11.5" | 25.7" / 29.2" | SBR (NFA) | 29.2" | Pistol |
| 12.5" | 26.7" / 30.2" | SBR (NFA) | 30.2" | Pistol |
| 13.7" | 27.9" / 31.4" | SBR (NFA) | 31.4" | Pistol |
| 14.5" | 28.7" / 32.2" | SBR (NFA) | 32.2" | Pistol |
| 16" | 30.2" / 33.7" | Rifle | 33.7" | Pistol |
Pages for the common lengths
How ATF measures barrel and overall length
Barrel length runs from the face of the closed bolt to the end of the muzzle. ATF checks it by dropping a rod down the bore until it stops on the bolt face.
A muzzle device counts only if it's pinned and welded, blind pinned or silver soldered on. Thread locker, a crush washer or a jam nut doesn't make it permanent.
If you're pinning a device to reach 16 inches, we'd aim for 16.1 so a worn gauge or a warm barrel can't put you under.
Overall length runs parallel to the bore, from the muzzle to the rearmost point of the gun, with a collapsible or folding stock extended. With a stock on, anything under 16 inches of barrel or 26 inches overall is a short barreled rifle.
Take the stock off and run a brace or a bare buffer tube, and it's a pistol at any barrel length. Put a vertical foregrip on that pistol while it's under 26 inches overall and it becomes an Any Other Weapon, another NFA item.
A suppressor that unscrews or unclips never counts toward either length.
Run your own barrel and muzzle device through the barrel length checker
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the 7.5" 5.56 SBR build overall?
About 25.2 inches overall with an M4 type stock extended and 21.7 inches collapsed, not counting a removable muzzle device. Federal law measures it extended, against the 26 inch line.
What gas system do 7.5 inch 5.56 barrels use?
Usually pistol gas. Check the barrel listing: some barrels at the same length run a different port, and the handguard and gas tube have to match.
7.5 inch 5.56 with a stock: SBR or rifle?
An SBR: 7.5 inches of barrel is under the 16 inch rifle line. On a brace or a bare buffer tube with no stock it is a pistol under federal law. Your state can still ban one or the other.
Do I still need a Form 1 and a tax stamp to build an SBR?
The tax on making or transferring a short barreled rifle has been $0 since January 1, 2026. ATF announced on October 9, 2026 that it would stop enforcing the National Firearms Act's approval, registration and tax stamp requirements for suppressors, short barreled rifles, short barreled shotguns and any other weapons (AOWs). This is an enforcement policy, not a change to the National Firearms Act; the law is still on the books and the policy can be reversed or challenged. Some states only allow suppressors and SBRs that are federally registered or possessed in compliance with federal law. Check your state's statute before you buy.
Is my AR an SBR?
With a stock on it, yes if the barrel's under 16 inches or the gun's under 26 inches overall with the stock extended. A muzzle device only counts toward barrel length when it's pinned and welded, blind pinned or silver soldered. On a brace or a bare buffer tube with no stock, it's a pistol at any barrel length.
How long is an 11.5 inch AR with a carbine stock?
About 29.2 inches with an M4 type stock extended and 25.7 inches collapsed, not counting a removable muzzle device. Federal law uses the extended number, so it clears the 26 inch overall line. The 11.5 inch barrel is what makes it an SBR.
Does a suppressor count toward barrel length or overall length?
Not if it comes off. A can on threads or a quick detach mount adds length you carry and nothing to the legal barrel or overall length. Only a permanently attached device counts, so a 14.5 inch barrel gets to 16 inches with a pinned and welded muzzle device. A can won't do it.
What gas system goes with a short barrel?
On 5.56, pistol length gas runs under 10.3 inches, carbine from 10.3 to about 13.7, and mid length from there. The Mk18's 10.3 inch barrel is carbine gas. 300 Blackout stays on pistol gas through 10.5 inches. A blowback 9mm AR has no gas system at all. The planner matches the gas tube and handguard to the barrel it picks, but check the port on the barrel you buy.
Can I take an SBR to another state?
Only with an approved ATF Form 5320.20 before the trip, and only to a state that allows SBRs. A suppressor doesn't need the form. The gun travel checker walks your route state by state.
Is a braced AR pistol an SBR?
Not federally. A braced AR has been treated as a pistol again since the 2023 brace rule was vacated in 2024. Several states with assault weapon bans treat AR pistols as assault weapons with or without a brace, so your state's answer can differ.
Is this legal advice?
No. The planner runs on the federal length rules and the state law data GunPartPicker reviews. Statutes change and courts stay them, so confirm with your state and a lawyer before you build.
Cite this tool: GunPartPicker, “7.5" 5.56 SBR Build Planner: Overall Length, State Law and the Parts List”, https://gunpartpicker.net/tools/sbr-planner/7-5-inch-556-sbr. Data from the GunPartPicker catalog and real community builds, prices checked October 19, 2026. Free to cite with attribution.
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