It IS a "Pistol" no ifs &s or buts. It is not registered to anything. But it was logged on a 4473 as a handgun. Technically its not an HK, it has just been coined HK51 by caliber and size,( &because some of the first were made from factory HK91s i think) its how the HK 9x series guns get there designation.Is your HK registered as a handgun? I was wondering the same thing about using an AK pistol with 8 inch barrel and this is what I found.
If it was a rifle and you put a short barrel on it it is now a short barrel rifle, if it is originally a pistol then you are ok.
By definition to be a pistol it is made to shoot with one hand. There is a lot of fine print and I have never gotten a clear answer, but IMO I would say yes, ask a CO and I'm sure you would prob get a ticket just for asking!
It IS a Factory Vector 51, made from the factory as a Pistol.
Being designed to shoot one handed ?.... It is designed to shoot one handed, However, it is much more controlable to use 2 hands just like any other pistol. 99% of people shoot pistols with 2 hands, you may train with one hand, but to be target proficient, your using 2 hands...
I agree there is alot of fine print, & getting a clear answer shouldnt be so difficult..
Im not sure you can use your 7.62x39 because it doesnt meet the case legnth specs, hell im really not sure i can use the .308