First SBR? Thinking AR but will consider others

[wacki]

I have an itch to fill out a form 1 .... with the wait times I'd rather get the paperwork done BEFORE I want to buy something.

What's the most common or fun SBR's? I'm assuming ARs and AKs.

I'm leaning AR but can be convinced otherwise.

 

[Girodin]

I'd be shocked if AR's weren't the most common.

They certainly aren't the only option though. What is your budget? How do you plan to use it? Do you want a rifle caliber or are pistol calibers or even .22 LRs something that interests you? Do you plan to suppress it? What factors do you know are important to you. If the criteria is narrowed a little it makes it easier to suggest something that you might fancy. Otherwise it is just an exercise in listing a lot of guns or stating something each individual who responds happens to like.

 

[Ian]

Yep - what's it going to be for?

 

[wacki]

Yep - what's it going to be for?

That's just it. I haven't decided yet. I can form 1 the receiver and decide on the rest later right?

My motivation I simple, I have a bunch of suppressors being processed by the ATF now.. and I'm sick of waiting.

I'd rather process the ATF paperwork for a SBR now (since it takes so long) just so I'll have a receiver when I'm interested in buying / building the rest of the gun.

 

[Quickdraw Limpsalot]

That's going to be somewhat of a problem, in that you have to specify the caliber & overall length of the weapon on the Form 1 when submitted. You can always add to that down the road, but you have to have the NFA SBR to be registered lined out in the beginning.

 

[David E]

If I may ask, those of you that have an SBR....what is your favorite and why? This may help the OP decide.

 

[Quickdraw Limpsalot]

I've shot just about every variation out there extensively and it's hard to beat a 10.5-11.5" for all around usefulness and fun.

7.5"s are neat and tiny, but vicious indoors, unless suppressed. 10.5-11.5"s with a good flash hider (i.e. AAC Blackout) aren't noticeably louder than a 16" carbine and can be suppressed without being cumbersome. 14.5"s are nicely balanced (without a suppressor,) but don't provide much over a 16", IMO.

I don't get any enjoyment out of the concussive fireball at the end of my barrel, so the above was written from that standpoint.

[edit] Kinda missed the point, didn't I? The obvious choice is to SBR an AR-15. It opens up a whole realm of options for easy upper swaps, whether that be to change barrel length, chambering... whatever.

 

[MachIVshooter]

The obvious choice is to SBR an AR-15.

That was my conclusion. I'm into that wait time now, will just be configured as a pistol until it's approved.

My initial build will be an 11" DSA upper that I'm going to mill the front sight and bayo lug off of and install a mid length FF rail. I thought about a 7.5" and may add one later, but such a short tube really handicaps the 5.56. Definitely on the short list (pun intended) is a 10mm upper that I'll cut down to 9" or 10". That's why the AR is the obvious choice; 1 stamp, 1 lower, many rifle configurations.

 

[tyeo098]

Suomi M31.

 

[crazy-mp]

Zimmerman Arms with a 5.5 inch barrel, it keep everything sub sonic, I also like my 10/22 with a 5.5 inch barrel suppressed. I have a AR, but its loud even with a suppressor. A .458 SOCOM or 9mm AR would be sweet, but you cant have everything. AR's are your best bet because of the ability to have so many caliber with one receiver, just get more uppers.

I really like my .22's because they are so cheap and quiet to shoot.

Don't let the overall length bug you, once you decide what barrel length your going to go with a little research you (or ask) and you will be able to get your overall length pretty easy. When I had mine done I measured a 16" gun with a collapsible butt stock and took off 4.5 inches to get my lengths.

 

[wally]

My favorites would be a toss up between my 6.5" CMMG .22lR pistol converted to SBR or my 11.5" 7.62x39 AR. I'd put my mini-Draco in 3rd place.

 

[cheesebigot]

First SBR? Thinking AK* but will consider others

Fixed that for you.

 

[wacki]

For the AK fans.... please make suggestions.

Actually the more I think about the more I'm leaning AK. The main advantage of AR over AK is the iron sight radius. With a SBR that's not as critical. It's more of a point and shoot weapon anyway. Here reliability is paramount and accuracy not so much.

So AK SBR folks... recommendations please!

 

[crazy-mp]

Easy get a draco pistol or IO Hellpup pistol, do the form 1 or 4 how ever you want to go and put a stock on it.

If your really brave and have the need to do a complete build get some receiver blanks and a parts kit and build your own Krink, this way will without a doubt be the most expensive and time consuming.

 

[MachIVshooter]

The main advantage of AR over AK is the iron sight radius.

No, the main advantage of the AR over pretty much everything is that you can have uppers in just about any conceivable caliber, barrel length and trim combination, but only have to do one form 1 for the lower.

With the AK or most anything else, changing caliber or barrel length is gunsmith territory, not a 7 second process that involves pushing two pins.

If you want an AK, by all means, get an AK. But there's a good reason the AR is recommended and chosen for this by so many, so often.

 

[MasterSergeantA]

At the risk of being accused of 'piling on', I have to agree with MachIV. Some friends of mine routinely refer to the AR as "Legos for adults". I have carried the AK, in several configurations, in combat and I personally like the gun for what it is. But I am building AR-based SBRs at present and will start on the AKs when I have filled my immediate need.

Heck...even the 10/22 isn't a bad platform for a SBR if you want really cheap shooting.

 

[justice06rr]

For an AK-type rifle, have you seen the AMD-65?

I personally held one at the LGS last weekend and almost bought it at the sale price of $499 (thank goodness I didn't have the $ on me!). It takes AK mags, has a 12-inch barrel and side-folding stock. I believe it is legal for purchase w/o NFA ; someone correct me if i'm wrong

 

[David E]

It takes AK mags, has a 12-inch barrel and side-folding stock. I believe it is legal for purchase w/o NFA ; someone correct me if i'm wrong

If the stock isn't locked in the folded position (ie; it's only for looks) I'd bet $5 you are wrong.