NFA question

[Zundfolge]

If I was to buy an AR-15 lower and have it registered as an SBR does it have to be a complete rifle when I register it or can I register the lower and then build the SBR at my leisure?

Also, while I expect the AWB will sunset, if for some reason it doesn't does it matter whether a lower is preban or postban? Does an SBR built on a postban receiver have to conform to other AWB provisions (hate to build an SBR and find I can't put a threaded barrel, bayonette lug or CAR stock on it).

 

[sturmruger]

Sorry Zund I don't know the answer to you question, but I have called my local BATF office before and asked them firearms related questions. They were very friendly and knowledgable. I am sure you could call them and they could answer your question better then most of us could.

 

[boofus]

I'd be safest to just have the lower receiver when you fill out the paperwork and send it off. If you have the complete rifle or even just the parts around unassembled before you get the approved form back the ATF might see it as 'constructive possession' of an unregistered SBR and throw the book at you.

 

[Bartholomew Roberts]

A semi-auto SBR must still conform to the rules of the 1994 ban on semi-autos, even though it is an NFA weapon.

So no telescoping stock, flash hider, etc. on a post-ban SBR.

I'm sure the ATF can clarify it further but make sure you get it in writing. I've known the ATF to give different answers to the same question over the phone.

 

[Hkmp5sd]

You need to get the forms back approved before you manufacture the SBR. While there is no time limit on how long you can wait after approval before manufacturing the SBR, you need to get it into the configuration described on the Form 1/4 in a reasonable amount of time.

Under the current AWB, the SBR must still comply. If you buy an AR lower, regardless of its date of manufacture, you cannot put the evil features on it before September. If you want evil features now, you must buy a complete preban AR rifle and use it in the conversion to SBR.

 

[only1asterisk]

Hkmp5sd has it right.

There is nothing that says you have to use a new reciever. You can do the paperwork on any AR you want and switch to a NFA upper after you're appoved.


David